Marshall County independent. (Plymouth, Marshall County, Ind.) 1894-1895, 1895-09-20


THOMAS 6. LAWYER,
COmmander-n c. y r.
better able TO stand the expense and the
wear and tear of travel. but because as
Che raESs are thinned out the survivors
feel more strongly drawn toward one an
ether. Each of them feels more keenly
chan ever before that this may be the
Ast time he will be able TO foregather
with his comrades. SO he goes himself. if
II is humanity possible; and, if he can. he
takes his family along so that his chill
dren may see the men side by side with
whom he fought.
Drawing to a Close.
But the day of large gatherings is slow
ly and surely drawing To a close. Each
year depletes the ranks. This was not
50 perceptible at first because the Grand
Army has kept on growing long after
the war was over. The men who did not
join ii at first. either because their atten-
ton was absorbed, in earning a living
because the war was still SO near them
that its memories had not ceased 10 be
disagreeable. one by one joined that or
ganization. So it grew while the number
of old soldiers was decreasing. That pc
Rod of growth is over now and gradually
these annual encampments will dwindle
I'll tens meet whore thousands meet now.
First South of the Ohio.
This encampment was a notable ono.
as it was the first held south of the Ohio
River. The boys" marched in a familiar
direction and near 10 the locality of stir
ring scenes in their lives but they went
down there with different feelings from
those of thirty years ago. The events in
Chiago's OakwOOds Cemetery on Dccora-
ton Day. as we'll as the cordial invitations
from Atlanta TO Northern soldiery. 20 to
show that the era of complete reconcilia-
ton is at hand. This years encampmept
will expedite it's fruition. The men of the
blue and the gray will get better ac-
qIainted with each other, and will be
better friends hereafter for this meeting.
The extraordinary preparations which
Louisville made and the cordiaity of well
come all pointed to the same result. The
encampment naturally attracted large
numbers of the ex-Confederates also.
and the comminSlinS of the old-time enc
mics under the standard of peace added
ats Influences also toward the cementinc
of kindly feelings.
Louisvillc's Hospitality.
Though many of the veterans during
the year have replied to the last muster
call. the encampment was one of the most
successful the Grand Army has ever had
Certainly under the circumstances il WAS
one of the most interesting. Kentucky is
closely allied to Ohio. Indiana, and ILL
nois. and thousands of its sons have SET
tied in those States. The ties between
them are strong, and to large numbers of
these veterans the welcome was like
a family one Louisville did its best upon
hi,is occasion. Mr.. Wattcrson and his
Starry-eyed girl did their best also, and
If the blue invasion had threatened To be
TOO much for the city the whole
Blue Grass region would have come to
fhe rescue. There was room enough
however, for all Louisville never was
known to get too full. The people of the
city secured concessions from railroads
and hotels. and even arranged for free
sleeping quarters in schOolhouses and
other buildings, with the additional pro-
vision of tents and barracks. The schools
for the week were dismissed. Fully 300
900 strangers were in town during the en-
campment While the influx from the
Northern States was tremendous, yet
that from the South kept pace. All the
roads ran trains as close together as pos
sible and the most complete arrange
ments prevailed for receiving the visit
Ors.
Ovation to- Lawler.
The arrival Of COMMENCEMENT
Lawler was the signal for the opening
of the encampmenZ His special train
bowled into the UBiSn Depot on time. A.
soon as the Commander appeared at the
door of his car the members of the Re