The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-07-23
TIE GRAND ARMY
What is Being Done by the Veterans
for the Good of the Order.
WORK FOR ALL.
Comradc r. c. Yates, Mer'ber OF ooiN
mapder walkers staff, speaks


Comradc II. C. Yates, Mer,ber OF Cofn-
mander walkers staff, Speaks
FnrroR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Having been
Amounted an Aid-de-Camprpo the stan o. .he
Commander-in Chief. by General order 0, i ieei
that cannot rest in the lap oil lnooiebce WINS
the Interests Of the GAR. chide me LOT mac
tivity and want of interest in its developments
While our noble Commander is eXertlng every
efro,t 10 build mp and strengthen our order'"e,
as officers and members. would indeed eAololS
q spirit of lase ingratitude did we neglect anu
refsse to aid aud assist him to the extent oil our
ability. THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE has oohe
and Is still doing "A noble work for the promo
tion Of Grand Army principles, but there - |"
worlx for every individual member TO perform
and i'm The performance OF these indlVldus' uu
ties we should receive our greatest reward.
Every organization pTospers accoroine ~
supnort given il. No veteran who is eiRioie
10 membership in the GAR. should remain Sh
outcast. either from prejudice or preference,
for by so doing he loses many opportunities .,
exerting an influence for good to hlmseil auu
Others. 1t is, therefore, the duty OF every
member OF our organization 10 look after Vneso
wayward comrades and try to bring them lhto
the fold.
IL is not every American citizen who is ell
pihle TO membership in our ranks. 90 care
fully does it guard itself that none but those
who wore The blue IL the enlisted Union army
and carry an honorable discharge can enter us
portals or worship at its shrine. Even the
present President of our great Republic, neither
by reason Of his exalted position as Chlel Mag
istrate nor by virtue Of the substitute he cla'tns
credit for having placed in the Union army j.
eigi3 le to a place even as a subord Innate IN It's
ranks. Ii is the Observation-Disclosures Union
veteran alone who is entitled TO share Its bene-
fits and partake Of its rewards.
There is a grand underlying principle con-
nected with most, il not all, secret socletles,
and / most certainly believe that II the coue
of morals laid down in their organism were
strictly observed that the cardinal doctrines OF
Christianity would be greatly strengthened
But what secret society eau claim lo:tler pur,
nose or a broader philaDth Topy than the Grano
Army OF the Republic, since it rests upon the
solid foundation of Friendship, Charity ana
Loysiy9
There is n prevailing idea with many mem
hers Of our organization that the officers must
DO the entire work, while the unofficial mem
bersbip has nothing so do but pay dues and look
on: and some even refuse to do that. Now, the
charter of each Post is the common property OF
every member, and il should be. and is, as much
the duty of each individual member to look
after its preservation and perpetuity as it was
your pride and pleasure TO keep the Starry
Banner" flying IN the face os the enemy during
she dark days OF the rebellion.
DO YOU ever think of your obligation as 8
member of the Grand Army2 Read il unt
YOU have il committed, aud then repeat ii often
and you will become convinced that you arr
not observing il by remaining idle and in
active. Again, we frequently observe member
contending about small and trivial matters
and refusing TO yield 10 their own bettel
judgment and convictions. No man can reason
ably expect TO have his ideas promoted, or hi'
own theories proiDUl gated at all times. and ht
wto does not have respect for the opinions o
Others is egotistically ungenerous and unkind
Prompt attendance at regular Post meetings Il
mark of honorable membership, and is often
the means OF stimulating others TO attend
Your influence can only be felt for the good o.
your Post by making it manifest in your every
word, act and deed.
The young and growing auxiliary to oui
Order the Sons of Veterans, which organiZa
ton must in coming years, and at 40 very dis
taut date, take full charge Of the interests va
now foster, should be the subject of our mos
grave and earnest consideration. Your son
need only your advice and encouragement &
become power and strength 10 your Post, o
which you may at present be unaware. Whe
son does not respect the opinions and practice
of his fsther, when exerted Tor good, and wha
father is it that cannot convince his son tina
the practice Of the principles Of Friendship
Charity and Loyalty are ennobling, innervinl
and essential 10 the life aud character of ever.
man?
Aid and assist in organizing Camps OF Son
OF Veterans in connection with your Posts. AM
you will soon experience newness of life an
energy in your meetings, and your sons Wi
come 10 you with a newness Of life and vigo
that will be most pleasing and beneficial TO 20
rs we'll as to them. Encourage them with you
presence and you will reap an abundant re
ward" The same may be truly said Of all organ
izations OF the ladies. ] would have you remem
Der that we cannot gather strength nor do goo
by irresoution and inaction. but as the wave
OF the ocean keep its waters pure, so will tn
waves OF activity keep our lives pure and us'
full. C. YATES, Aid de-Camp, Freesburg, {