The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-09-10

THE SPECKLED Oak. HEN OF IOWA.
horses could be made to walk, and the re-
suit was that we did not get away from the
bows, and the whole parade moved in COM
pact shape"
The head of the column passed the re-
viewing-stand at exactly Ills, and the
rear-guard went by ut precisely 230, making
the time consumed three hours and quar-
ter. The last organization to make the sa-
lutte and receive the response from Com
mander-n-C Chief Walker was Whipple Post,
of MoDtrose, Minn.
The occasion, like all which have preceded
it, drew many veterans together who will
never again participate in a like event.
Many who were with their comrades year
previously respond no more at the earthly
roll call, and many Others, from the infirmi-
ties Of advancing years, were precluded this
year from attending. So they will be, if
living, next year, and the maximum num-
Der to respond to duty's call, the veterans
feel, was reached in the long ago. The sur
vivors show uniagging zeal, but the spirit
lacks the corresponding physical strength,
and each recurring National Encampment
emphasizes the fact that the Union veterans
are rapidly diminishing in numbers.
First to pass under the inspection of the
reviewers were the members of the Com
mander-in-Chief's personal staff. These
merely remained in line long enough to sa-
Lutte and receive recognition, then dropped
out and sought places On the stand.
The rank and file followed, all moving
forward with the old-time precision, "eyes
'front.'" heads erect, ranks closed, and eyes
kindiing with the enthusiasm OF the hour.
FIRST DIVISION.
| The First Division, embracing Wisconsin's
! host, the Illinoisans and the Keystone con-
tingent was headed by the Veteran Signal
Corps Post / Of the Department of Illinois
was the FIRST Post to pass the stand. 1t was
! led by superb band from Duluth, hand
somely uniformed. In the ranks of Post
was seen the familiar form of Past Com
mander- in Chief Thomas Lawler.
Following Post came George II. Thomas
! Post, Chicago, 100 strong, with the GAL
National Drum Corps in the lead. Thomas
Post enjoys the distinction of being numeri-
cally the strongest subordinate organization
| iii he country.
Aurora Ill. supplied a feature. The Post
from that town WAS not large, but it pro.
duced a drum corps of 10 veterans, all well
advanced IN years, whose slvered locks
were lost sight Of in the midst of the boyisl
4 cNiuuSidStu CAtitch thCia Shiii1Qi
lation Of fife and drum.
Past Commander-in-Cb Chief Robert =. Beath
whose prominence in the Order dates from
the 7O's, was in line, mounted, and wher
recognized by his comrades there were lout
cheers to greet him, which he gratefully ant
gracefully acknowledged.
A st. Paul band, making delightful music
came next. and following close was U.
Grant Post, Chicago, and next the familia
figure of Gen. Keifer, ex-Congressman, blu
ever a com rade, was observed. He was KEEP
busy responding to the sa!utes tendere,
upon all sides.
Every old veteran was enthnsed by tn
appearance, at this juncture, of the Pos
which bears the name OF 1.-The founder O
the Grand Army" and willing, heart
tribute was accorded Stephenson Post
Springfield, ILL.,, which had fifty men il
line.
A pleasing incident to the great parad
which may be mentioned here was the pres
enee in stand facing the official reviewers
: but upon the opposite side of the street, of
: company Of young ladies who led the ap
planse. Not feature escaped their atten
ton, and as each Of The fair maidens wa
supplied with q paddle with which to EN-
!. phasize her enthusiasm, the signal for q
! outburst codld not easily be mistaken.
Decatur, ILL.,, turned out strong fore.
and these comrades were followed, in tn
order named, by George J. Meade Post, a.
EuElewood; Washington, 573. and James I
Shields Posts, the latter TWO Of Chicago, al
well repcesented.
. A break in the monotony was hero ful
I nished by Chicago Post Of naval heroe
Whose emblem was stuffed goose, bearin