The National tribune., 1896-10-15
vIsITAT1oNs IN CAMPS.
Interesting Letter from the Inspector of
the New York Division.


EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: In the Gem
eral Orders of Division Commanders issued
during the past few months l find that
they particularly recommend fraternal vista
tions of Camps, as a means of promoting the
acquaintance of members Of the Order with
each other in different localities of the Divis-
ions, thereby increasing their interest in the
Sons of Veterans, and extending their circles
of desirable friends.
1t is matter of regret that the system OF
visitation has not been more generally observed
In the past, and while there are some Camps
whose members frequently organize delegations
to make a fraternal call on their neigbbors. the
interest of the majority is not sufficiently
aroused except by special invitation or the
knowledge OF some unusual attractions.
1t is true that there some individual
members who make it their business we'll
as their pleasure to drop in at meetings other
than their own whenever opportunity presents
| ITSELF and to these all credit be given. There
, are others, however, who consider their duty
done ifthey show up at their own Camps once IN
awhile and pay their dues regularly. So ii IS; !;
but that is not what makes a fraterDal or patri-
otic organization successful. 1t is the perse-
verance and activity with which its interests
are pushed that accounts for prosperity and
| progress.
| Now, if the visitation of Camps one to
| another is generally adopted, there is no
| concerned. Take, for instance, Camp whose
| ordinary attendance at meetings is below the
| average percentage in the Division. In nine
cases out of 10, the business while being carried
| on correctly and with due consideration, IS
| conducted in mechanical and listless manner
| that eventually becomes burden to the mem-
| bers who attend and is very discoursging to
| the officers.
| Not only that. but supposing stranger with
an idea of joining the Order should happen in
at " Good of the Order" which he has probably
| heard is devoted to social intercourse and
amusement; he might find the brothers loiing
around, listening half-heartedly to spasmodic
| attempts at entertainment.
| Is it likely that the experiences would mako
favorable impression upon him2 Rather the
reverse. and if he was not lost altogether to the
| Order, he would at least put in his application
| where better attractions are offered. Such .
| Camp wonders why it doesn't increase more
rapidly.
All this can be remedied by visitatons. Go
to the Camp that is struggling through bur-
| densome session; take a dozen or more brothers
with you, troop into the room with smiles on
] your faces and a couple of cigars apiece in your
1 pocket, have some one prepared to read short
sketch or tell something enlivening, then step
| aside and watch the transformation. lmmedi-
ately all s hustle and activity. The brothers,
| who moment ago were drudging through
4
"Good of the Order" let the stranger walk IN
and witness the lively proceedings, and If the
| First Sergeant doesn't have his application
| before the close of the meeting, then he simply
has no intention of joining. This is what
| visitatons will do.
| Aside from that, the benefits to be derived
| from this system twoiold: In the first
| place, the members will take pride in referring g
| to the social advantages of the Sons of Veterans
when approached by possible applicants, which
will go far toward strengthening their argu-
ment and, in the second place, not only the
Camps, but the Order at large, will profit by
being kept before the minds of the people who
otherwise would not know much of its doings.
| There is little extra expense incurred
| by meth odical visitations There are very few
Camps that do not spend certain amount for
refreshments and amusemeDts each year, and
| they might just as well entertain company
while the good things are going around.
What this Order needs is advertising of our
| Order and not the temporary booming of any
one Camp or individual.-GEo. E. JOHNSON,
Division Inspector Tarrytown, N. Y.