Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-01-31
MAY CHANGE THE PLACE.
Grand Army Men Displeased With the
Action of Railroads.

There is considerable Indignation here
among many of the members of the Grand
Army of the Republic account of the
refusal Of the Western Traffic Association
to grant concessions asked in the way of
railway fares to and from the national en-
campment. The possibility of change be-
ing made from st. Paul, which was selected
as the place for the encampment of the pres
ent year by the organization at it's last an
nual meeting, to some city farther east is
being considered. A letter received here
last evening from gentleman who says he
has had a conversation with Gen. Walker,
the commander-in-chief of the G. A. R., on
the subject, quotes Gen. Walker as saying:
Il am sorry to learn that our request for
thirty-day limit has been refused. In doing
SO the Western Passenger Association has
taken stand that Will react upon itself. 1t
may be that 1t has assurances that roads
In other sections of the country will refuse
to deal more fairly with US, but the West
ern Association does not control America
1t certainly seems determined to do all it
possibly can to injure the interests of the
cities III its territory. 1 am much disap-
pointed at St. Paufs being forced to lose
the encampment I-shall now be obliged to
call the council of administration together
and all. cities will again be given chance
to offer guarantees That city which makes
the best offer will get the encampment
Bufalo's chances are no better than those
of any other city, but it was second choice
al Louisville, and already has pledged a
guaranty hoping to get the prize in case st.
Paul was forced to give it up. If, as has
been intimated, the railroads of the country
have some understanding not to favor the
Grand Army Of the Republic, in former
years. no encampment will be held, When
it was decided to hold the annual reunion
at st. st. Paul, sntifig3teg Just sAch trouble
q iIyyap rlyno
what to expect from the Western Associa-
t1on Even if one road, the line that guar
anteed last summer to treat us fairly, should
Yscide to ignore the ACTION Of it's competitors.
IT WouIo 90 no good. as one 11ne Gould hardly
be depended upon to get all the veterans to
st. Paul and back.
The executive officers of the Grand Army
of the Republic have agreed that only on a
can the reunion be held in ST. Paul, 50 am
poWerless to do aught but carry out its
wishes. l dislike to say that the Western
passenger Association has broken faith
with the Grand Army of the Republic, and
has refused to favor the old soldiers "a
previously agreed. but it isn't advancing the
interests of its cities. 1t may go on with
It's arbitrary course, but its actions, and
especially this discrimination against the
veterans, is certain to react to its own dis
advantage"
Department Commander Anderson,s
Views.
THE members Of the Grand Army of the
Republic in the Department of the Poto-
mac said Department Commander Mar
Ion L. Anderson today to Star reporter,
severely condemn the action of the West
ern Passenger Association in refusing to
grant the rate of fare and thirty-day limit
on tickets to st. Paul for the annual en-
eampment of the G.. A. r. this year, and
will stand by the commander-in-chief in
Whatever steps he may take in reference
to the matter, even if he shall decide that
the encampment for 1896 must, on account
OF the action of the railroads, be aban-
doned.
MY own opinion is that the railroads
will finally yield the position they have
taken. The abandonment of the encamp-
ment will mean the loss of thousands of
dollars to them. I cannot think they will
adhere to course which is certain, if fol-
lowed out, to keep money from going into
their treasures, at a time, too when they
all, according to what they say themselves
need money SO badly.
There Is no probability that the COM
mander-in- chief will yield one jot or little
in the position he has taken in the matter
and which we all believe to be Just and
fair. 1t is our belief that the railroad COM
panies, having the idea that the encamp-
ment must be held, want to get out Of it all
that is possible, and that If we give in to
them this year, next summer they will be
still more hard to deal with. -.
There is no actual necessity for having
an annual encampment, and, in fact, we
have been talking about abandoning it al
together. OF course, there will be an an
nual convention, but this would be made
up of Delegates from the various depart
ments, but would not number more than
a very small affair, from railroad stand
point, as compared to the encampment of
the whole BODY