Omaha daily bee., 1896-06-28
VETERANS WELCOME MERCER
Express Their Gratitude for His Labors il
Their Behalf.
NOTHING HALF-HEARTfD ABOUT IT
Opinion Expressed He Had Done More
for the Old Soldiers Than Amy
ConEressman Nebraska Ever
Sent to Washington.

Co--ressmRn Dave Mercer was royalty re-
eeived by the old soldiers last night and
his earnest efforts in their behalf while he
has been in Washington were commended in
no uncertain language. The reception was
given under the auspices Of the Union Vet
Grams Republican club OF Douglas county in
its club rooms in GARFIELD hall. While the
occasion lacked the formality sometimes
seen in honors 10 an officer OF the national
government, there was q ring about the
words Of praise for the guest OF the evening
that stamped them as coming directly from
the hearts OF the veterans.
J. S. Miller, president Of the club, ap-
pointed the following committee to escort
Mr.. Mercer TO the hall: H. Z. Palmer.
Andrew Virgins. c. c. Cockerill, Judge
Eller and John c. Kuhns. During the ab-
sence OF the committee the regular business
OF the club was transacted. Shortly after
o'clock the committee returned and
brought with them the exposition's right
bower. The reception started the minute
Mr.. Mercer was seen entering the door and
before he was fairly in the room the old sol
diers were on their feet cheering him TO the
echo Then before the applause had sub
sided one veteran jumped up on his chair
and moved that recess o: FIVE minutes be
declared TO allow the members an oppor-
tunity to shake the congressman hand
This was carried with a whoop. and for the
next fifteen minutes Mr Mercer's right arm
was worked like pump handle.
HAS DONE MUCH FOR THEM.
After these greetings had been exchanged
President Miller called the meeting to order
again. He spoke OF the value OF such a
club OF veterans and said that they and
their sons held the balance Of political power
in the state OF Nebraska. He said that the
purpose OF the club was only 10 see that
good, active, honest and earnest men were
elected TO Office He declared that Dave
Mercer had done more for the old soldiers
IN securing pensions for them. in having
old pensions renewed and in getting hear
ings for their cases, than any other con-
gresham who had ever represented Ne
braska.
J, W, Eller then spoke OF the charges that
had been made against Congressman Mercer
and Of the replies that had been made 10
them. He said that Mr.. Kennedy. who had
been especially violent in his attack upon
Mr.. Mercer, had told him yesterday that the
argument that Mr.. Mercer had deserted the
party last fall would be used no more.
Captain Palmer was next introduced and
said that every man in Omaha who was
compelled 10 work here for his bread and
butter rejoieed in the passage OF the Trans
mississippi exposition bill by congress and
Was slad 10 DO honor TO the man who had
done so much TO secure that act.
Ralph Breckenridge was introduced as a
son OF veteran. He said the greatest men
In the world were those who had risked
their lives IN defense OF their country. and
the smallest men in the world were those
who endeaYoTed 10 build up their own repu-
tations by tearing other peoples down He
replied TO the stock charges that have been
made against Congressman Mercer. and
closed With an eloquent tribute 10 that gen
tleman.
John G. huhns, another son OF 4 veteran
added his compliments 10 the guest Of. the
evening. lie made an earnest appeal 70
members OF the Sons Of Veterans. and spoke