The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-09-04
DETAIL OF THE CONVENTION.
Omcers and Delegates OmcfaIIy Well
coined to the City.


''St. Paul, the capital city and
metropolis of the North Star state, ex-
tends greetings and a generous well
come to the Grand Army of the repub-
lic"
With these words the officers and
delegates of the Grand Army to the
thirtieth national encampment were Of
ficially notified of the pleasure their
presence affords to the citizens of St.
Paul. Mayor Doran was the spokes-
man, and if his official welcome was
delayed several days beyond the gem
erous public welcome that has been
given the veterans, it was none the less
appropriate and heartily received by
his hearers.
There were $500 people in the Audi
torium when the G. A. r. convention
was formally opened yesterday morn
ing. The great hall was resplendent in
its decorations of flags and banners
and other patriotic devices, and on the
great stage was assembled a distin-
guished body, representing the Grand
Army and the city Of st. Paul.
Commander-in Chief Walker sat in
an easy chair in the front and center
OF the stage and about him were mem
bers of his staff Grouped in the second
row were a number of persons whose
names are distinguished in civil as well
as military life, among them several
past commanders in chief, including
Lawler, Of Illinois: Beath of Pennsyl-
vania; Rea, Of Minnesota; Kountz,
of Ohio; Vandervoort, of Nebraska,
and Weissert, of New York. In the
next -row were seated General
Mason, Mayor Doran, Capt. Castle ana
other members OF the St. Paul citi-
Zens' committee.
In the main body Of the hall were
the delegations, with Illinois, Wiscon-
sin and Pennsylvania occupying the
front seats. About the sides Of the
vast hall were the spectators, most Of
whom, from appearance, were from the
city. There was, OF course, a large
contingent Of the visiting G. A. r. in
the seats reserved for spectators, but
there were almost as many ladies rs
men present during the exercises.
While the audience was gathering
the officers and others on the platform
engaged in conv versation and congratu-
lations on the splendid success of the
encampment. Again and again Com
niander Walker repeated his assertion
that the encampment had been handled
IN most magnificent manner by the
citizens committee. 'It is supereb in
every detail" he declared. 1.-The citi-
zens of st. Paul have covered them
selves with glory"
Shortly after 10 O'Clock there was q
pleasant interruption Of the social tima
on the platform. and one which the
audience enjoyed as rruch as Com
mander Walker. The commander-in-
chief was called TO the front of the
platform to receive an immense floral
shield of superb design; presented by
Gen. Koehler, department commander
of Indiana, with the compliments of
the Hoosier state. The audience saw
the presentation but did not hear the
brief address; but there was O burst
OF applause nevertheless as the floral
emeblen was hung on the wall beneath
the bunch of flags directly behind the
commanders chair.
Gen. Mason called the gathering to
order at 1890 but It was some time
before the confusion In the hall sub
sided. Stepping to the front of the
platform Gen. Mason said: Comrades,
on behalf OF the citizens committee. I
extend to you a hearty welcome. We
thank you for having accepted cur