The National tribune., 1895-10-24
TIE GRAND ARMY.
What is Being Done by the Veterans
for the Good of the Order.
A BEAUTIFUL RITUAL.
The Grand Army Of the Republic and III
Rftualistic Ceremonies.

position and arrangement OF patriotic lde3s
so impressive, indeed, to the mind of vet
eran whose soul is truly imbued with the en-
during principles of American liberty, an'
whose memories OF the comradeship of TIT
war years, fighting, suffering, and saving thu
Union are always vivid; that his admission
to the fraternal company of fellow-veterans a
a recruit to the ranks Of the grand army o
peace is really new era in his life, TO bt
cherished and remembered with satisfaction
and pride, until he is summoned for the final
muster-out of service with the remnant of the
heroic army of the glorious past.
The muster-in of band of recruits is an
occasion for displaying some of the character
istics of the drill and discipline OF we'll
regulated Post, and brings TO mind the scenes
of military life in the field of strife.
1t is here that the various Post officials are
expected to conform to the tactical require
ments of our ritual, which answers somewhat
to the regulations of the Army. To be an
accomplished officer of a Post wherein the
special work of the muster service is fire.
quently used, requires considerable study
and a capacity for execution of the forms OF
the ritual that is not found in the average
comrade Commander or Officer OF the
Day in a Post, who might be your beau ideal
is about as scarce as perfectly-drilled and
disciplined officer OF troops in the field. These
thoughts have been in my mind while / have
repeatedly witnessed, in several Posts Of this
Department, the admirable order of arrange
ments and superb execution of the ritualistic
service during an occasion of muster-in of re-
cruits.
Among the Posts conspicuous for fine ex-
hibition of drill and impressive performance
of these duties, j may mention Kit Carson
Post. 3 and Lincoln Post, 3 Other Posts,
doubtless. have as capable officials and wit
ness as good work in the initiation of new
comrades but the two Posts mentioned are
quite distinguished for their manner of con-
Quoting this service. There is in these Posts
an additional feature not required by the
ritual as a sine qua non, but yet exceedingly
beautiful and impressive, and, where II is
practicable renders the muster-in ceremony
most complete and gratifying TO the new
made comrade.
At the conclusion of the muster service a
large screen is brought in and erected in the
hall between the Commanders post and the
altar; the room is completely darkened, and
a series Of pictures representing the most inn
portant experiences of the war time is dis
played by the aid of magic lantern or stere-
opticon to the size of six or eight feet in diam
eter. The director of the exhibition. at every
brief address alluding TO the different
phases of soldier life from the first rally to
arms, through the trying scenes of battle on
land or sea; the affecting scenes in field,
bivouac, and hospital and in prison. and the
cOmradely service to each other, as well as
the pre-eminent duty of comrades in peace to
assist and cheer up the declining, often dis
tressful, years of their fellew-veterans, their
widows and orphaned children. One of the
pictures is that of beautiful American flag
waving out to the breeze. As it is displayed,
the fife and drum play three cheers for Old
Glory" A camp scene is accompanied by
"Tenting Tonight on the Old Campground,"
sung by the GA. II. Musical Union. an organi-
cation of veteran vocalists which dates from
the time OF the National Encampment of
1892
1t is composed Of men who fought in the
great campaigns of the war under Grant,
Sherman, Sheridan, and other great leaders
of our armies. A scene representing the
burial of a comrade is accompanied with the
. Vacant Chair" by the singers; and SO the
exercises supplementary to the impressive
service Of the muster touches the heart of the
new comrade and inspires him with renewed
impulses of devotion TO the flag, to his coun-
try's veal, and to the cardinal principles of
the Order: Fraternity, Charity, Loyalty
But there are other occasions for certain
rtualistic obseTvances by the Grand Army
the funeral Of a deceased comrade, and the
Memorial service, which is performed by
many Posts each year at such times as they
may appoint. The funeral ceremonies at the
graves of deceased comrades are, alas. so fire.
queDt and so well known that j forbear to
describe them. The commemoration of the
life, military history, and final passing away
of comrades is provided for by special ritual
The service is simple, and when rightly OBJ
served is affecting and appropriate.
1t was only yesterday that Lincoln Post. 3.
Department OF the Potomac, held its usual
service in memory of % comrades who have
died since September 1893. This Post num-
bers upwards of 500 members and has suffered
D heavy mortality since the last memorial |
occasion. The WOman's Relief Corps, 6,
auxiliary TO Lincoln Post. very opportunely
coupled It's memorial services with those of |
the Post The large hall of Grand Army |
Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, opposite |
Willard Hotel, was filled with comrades and |
members of the Relief Corps and many |
friends
The exercises were formally opened as pre-
scribed in the ritual by Commander Il. F.
Chase The platform was decorated with a
large American flag and a small Post flag;
also, the flag of the w Il. c. draped At the
mont, near the Commander was the flag of
Lincoln Post, furled and drapcd. The altar
was draped with the flag, and bore the bible.
crossed swords, and small bouquets of flowers.
Near the altar, towards the platform. were
four vacant chairs, representing the vacant
seats in the large circle of Lincoln W.R.C
since last Memorial Day. Around the altar
and the four vacant chairs were % vacant
chairs, arranged in the form of a semi-circle
All the chairs were heavily draped in en-
blems Of mourning.
Singing by the r. Musical Union and
prayer by the venerable Chaplain of the Post,
Rev Benjamin Swallow, succeeded the open
ing announcement of the Commander Then
ensued the exercises of the WRC. Mrs
Frances Holmes, President, delivered a brief
memorial address, which was followed by
readingof the records of the deceased sisters;
viz, Mrs Annie Il. Lucas Mrs. Mary Thomp-
son, Mn. Sarah s. Aver, and Mrs. Annie w.
Sengster.
The chairs of the deceased sisters were then
decorated with large bouquets of daisies and
evergreen. Prayer was offered by Mrs
Emma Ferguson, Chaplain, followed by sing
ing Heaven is My Home, " by the quartet
choir Of the Metropolitan NJ. T. Church.
The exercises Of the Post opened by read
ing OF the records Of the deceased comrades
by Post Adjutant, Joseph Maddren. Then the
vacant chalrs were decorated with bouquets
by the ladies of the WRC The HYMN.
Nearer, My God TO Thee, was sung, the