The National tribune., 1896-10-01
TIE. GRAND ARMY.
What is Being Done by the Veterans
for the Good of the Order

for the Good Of the Order
ST. PAUL ENCAMPMENT.
rast Chaplain i'm Chief Hagerty Writes o.
the Meeting.
EprToR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The 3oth Ma
tional Encampment of the GAR held moss
successful and enjoyable session at ST. Paul
Mimi. The weather was most delightful, as
the st. Paul people promised us when they
asked us to come to their charming city. The
streets were finely prepared by cleaning. deco
rating. and designs of tho most charming char
Rcter. They differed from those seen at any
former Encsmpment, and reflected great credit
upon the mind that devised and the hands
that executed the designs.
Coumns-appearing as Parian marble Co
rinthian in mould, towering in proportions
were erected at the street corners along the
line of march. These columns were beaufl-
fully illuminated at night with electricity.
Banners and bunting in abundance were
woven in sll conceivable patterns, festoons,
and drapery on residences, business houses,
and churches. lamp-posts and telegraph poles.
Arches of patriotic devices beautifully orna-
mented with appropriate mottos, also adorned
the line of march.
An inclined platform. with 1000 children
GrranCeQ
the proper number of white stars, formed a
living flag, which caused tears to start from
the eyes OF the old veterans as they passed, and
brought long and loud cheering from the thou
sands of visitors who went by. Nothing like
this has ever been seen at any Of our former
Encampments, so far as know. To ST. Paul
belongs the honor Of this device and its exc
cution.
1t was estimated that from 125 600 to 150. 600
visitors entered st. Paul to engage in or
enjoy the festivities of the week. Commander
Walker and his Aids had planned arrangements
for the parade. He is known for his prompt
ness in action. The line formed and was on the
march in good time. with beating drum, shrili
fife. and full-formed bands of music. Divis-
ions, Departments, and Posts followed each
other in military precision. while thousands of
visitors looked on. cheering most Justify. 1t
would be invidious to mention any Depart
ments or Posts as attracting special attention.
but the public was not slow to do il, calling ont
their names as they passed.
Gen. Sickles was granted the privilege of
riding in his carriage as he had left leg on
the battlefield of Gettysburg and could not
march as once he did. / did see one man,
however, on q crutch, three on "peg legs" and
eve with cork legs in the moving line, bravely
keeping step with their comrades to the music
of the Union. Such were the prompt move
ments and continuous marching that in two
uouTc anu y n8ll Tue 1ast piatoOu pdeSco
TIE grand reviewing stand. So far as heard,
every man that entered the line of march made
the entire length successfully, though the
Medical Staff was prepared with ambulance
and stretcher to gather up any that might fall.
sAll pronounced it most successfully executed
military parade.
Campfres at night were in order, and most
successfully executed in story, song, and ad-
dresses. The Encampment assembled on
Thursday a. m and was opened very promptly
by Gen. Mason. President of the Citizens Com
mittee. The Mayor of the city, Governor of
the State, and others of the city gave q hearty
welcome, which was responded to by Com
mander Walker in words of gratitude and
thanksgiving. The Encampment proper was
opened with prayer by Chapan-in-Chief Iliff.
and business was dispatched in very rapid
yet safe manner SO that before noon we saw
the evidence of q short and harmonious session.
Reports were had, committees appointed.
and business moved from the first inception.
Place of next Encampment was soon brought
forward, and Buffalo carried of the prize with
but little trouble. Nominations were then in
order, and soon it was seen that Comrade
Garrison, of Omaha, was the coming Com
mander. and the Adjutant was authorized to
cast the ballot for him, and he was declared
Commander amid hearty congratulations from
the ii 900 men assembled. Ali the other
Offices were filed with but one regular ballot.
were installed on Friday morning. and the En-
campment adjourned with the happiest results.
Many went on an excursion given by the
committee to Lake Minnetonka. Rain spoiled
the boat ride for some, but rich banquet in
the hotel was enjoyed by the old soldiers and
their many friends. A soldier can appreciate
q good feast, as well as defend the liberties of
our homes and tables. Many went home as
soon the Encampment was over, while
tbousands stayed in the city to see the sights,
or enjoy the scenery in the lake country above
and around.
! On Sabbath morning many Of the churches
had services. stimulated by the stirring events
OF the week. Eloquent words were used in
reference to the OLD soldiers and the patriotic
cause for which they fought and suffered. At
might Methodist Church advertised that they
would hold q Campfire. the closing one of the
series. j went to see and hear. Two military
officers and two Chaplains spoke to . large and
everfewing house in words Of patriotism,
chssteiy blended in religious propriety. 1t
was very profitable meeting, and at the close
the pastor asked all in favor of religious life to
rise, and in . moment the greater part of the
vast audience was on its feet.
i never felt prouder of my connection with
the GAR. than at the close of the Encamp-
ment at st. Paul. i was most grandly enter
tanned by the Commander at the home of
good Presbyterian family, Hon. II. J. Horn.
was proud to think that during the week
stayed there did not SEE one drunken SOL
dier. or did i hear but little profanity or vile
Language. Twas not in the house all the time
either. but out in the city by day and some
Of the night. am persuaded there is not such
another body Of men on this earth in the prac-
tice Of sobriety. morality. and chaste conduct
the old veterans of the GAR.
If they were not thus. ], as minister, would
not feel at home among them and would cult
the Order and seek other associations Our
numbers are falling yearly, and soon the day
will come when our platoons will be few and
tbinly spaced along shorter lines. Courage and
noble doing should be the motto of everyone
while we live. and bright hope for tho future
based on faith in Christ and correct living
7. II. HAeERrY, Past Chsplain- Chief, ST.
Louis, No.