The National tribune., 1895-04-11
TIE GRAND ARMY.
What is Being Done by The Veterans
for the Good of the Order.
COMRADESHIP.

Chaplain-in-Chief Hagerty Recounts thu
Benefits Arising from Post-room Associa
tiOns.
None but those who have entered the hall o
N well-repulated Post know the great value o
the organization. not only TO the veterans them
selves. but also to the public. First, to the com
rade himself If he were not blessed with these
associations would il be any wonder If many
of the 365 600 old veterans, for lack Of enter
tainment would rush of into the errors OF un
godly associations as soldiers Of old wars have
been used to dop
In doing thus they would be a scourge TO the
country they helped to save. As 1t is now
the old veteran betakes himself 10 the Post
and there. in the most entertaining company
he speuds the evening with men whom he met
on the bloody field, but now, like himself, are
ENJOYING the bliss of living peacefully under
the flag for which he fought. lie goes TO nus
home ewly-inspirited man. resolved TO i've
and do nobly.
sickness comes and prostrates the man OF
iron nerve. and he is reported to his Post, and
comrade after comrade comes 10 see him, cheers
him in his distress aids him if in need. aud
bonds of friendship formed on bsttlehelds are
sow strengthened and rendered more helpful
than ever. When death comes and closes up
the campaign, the living comrades gently lay
the warrior" down to his peaceful rest.
sickness and death among its members since
Jan. ], 1895, than il has in any period of its
existence in the same time Many very beautl-
full exhibitions of fraternal feeling have been
shown during these scenes OF sickness ana
death By vote the Chaplain was instructed 10
carry flowers weekly TO the sick comrades, and
give them in the name CT the Post As
handed the floral offering, ] couia see the
trembling of the lip, the glistening OF the tear
=. 4 .
deep emotion: "Give the Post my thanks"
The men who have such bonds Of love and
affection binding their hearts together must be
the stronger and better No class of men can
enjoy these courtesies more than old soldiers
No class on earth are bound by stronger bonds
than the veterans Of the late war. Their bonds
were welded in the fires of the hottest battles.
Other bonds of fellowship are often simply
those OF conventional character. formed be-
tween men of no other common tie. But vet
Grams have all "been there" and have COM
mon feeling that means much. The last fune-
raj of Ransom Post was one of peculiar solem-
nifty and pathetic impulses. 1t was beauti
full Sabbath evening, an impressive church
service was held by the pastor OF the deceased
comrsde, when all repaired TO the silent hill
side where the open grave awaited the recep-
don of the body dressed in blue, beneath the
Stars and Stripes.
The ritual was beautifully rendered amid
songs of sweet voices The last emblems of af-
lection were deposited, the grave was filled,
and the silent beholders stood as if reluctant
70 leave the sacred spot. Hard as these scenes
among men are, yet they have beneficial ef-
feet on the living. A ioyial cQmrade said as
we turned away: Well, that was burial
good enough for king. II can have such a
one / will be satisfied" Where is the man
who will not turn away from such scenes with
the resolve: Il will try to live better"
These thousands of GAR. funeral services
will have their effect the living comrades,
as well as upon the public. ] have seen many
old soldiers who had gone beyond the day of
application for membership, who said: Wish
had joined the Post. If get well ] will"
But few if any fully comprehend the great good
accomplished by the G. A. r. organization. Would
that every old veteran fully appreciated bis
great privilege, and that then every one would
live worthy of the position after mastering"
May j now speak 10 the comrades and say:
Right dress, front steady !" hope they VIII
DO SO. 7. Ii. Hagerty. St Louis, Mo.