The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1896-04-30
Special Dispatch to tho Iatelllsencer.

Special Dispatch to the Intelllgeneer.
cLARRsBURG. W. va, April S.
The members of the G. A r, depart
ment Of West Virginia, the Sons Of
veterans and woman'5 Relief Depart
ment Of the G. A R. ara participating
in their annual reunion and encamp-
rnent in this city. In addition to the
above organizations. the State Medical
Board are holding the annual state ex-
animation for physicians desiring to
practice medicine in this state. Tha
city Is crowded with visitors, and the
public buildings. business houses and
hundreds OF homes are beautifully dec
GRATED.
The annual G. A. r. memorial ser-
vices were held at Goff's chapel yeBter-
day evening. and a large Ruuience lis.
tened to the eloquent sermon preached
by the chaplain, Rev. Taylor Richmond.
The trnins brought delegations all night
and &C o'clock this morning the uif-
ferent patriotic organizations had ap-
parently captured the city, for on every
street could be seen the G. A r. en-
sign.
The first regular business session, at
10 a. N. to-day at tIe court house, was
called to order by Commander Richard
u. Lee. The Following officers were
present: Col. Romeo H. F'reer, senior
vice commander; Capt Maulsby. Of
Fairmont, Junior vice commander; Rev.
Taylor Richmond, chaplain; Hon. I. A
Martin, OF Charleston, assistant adJu-
tant general: and c. B. Mcintosh, Of the
same place, assistant quartermaster
spent in discussing the report Of the
committee on credentials, which being
satisfactorily disposed OF, an adjourn
ment was ordered until 1880 p. m.
Afternoon session.
The drst work OF the afternoon ses-
sion was the reading Of the report OF
the pensions committee which, acting
under instructions, had written letters
to each congressman and senator from
West Virginia protesting against the
present vicious Interpretation Of the
pension laws and asking for legisla-
tion favorable to the old soldiers. The
letters from Messrs, Dovener, Dayton,
Huling, Miller and Senator Elldns, be-
ing so fervent in their expressions Of
sympathy for the cause OF the veterans,
provoked rounds OF applause. Senator
FaullSner's letter was an evasion OF the
subject, expression no opinion and
clearly showing that he was Tar from
being In accord with the rest OF the del-
eEation. The G. A. r. members pro-
nOunced hf6 letter really amusing,
The election OF officers resulted e. fol-
lows: Commander, Col. R II. Freer;
senior vice commander, Capt Mauilby
OF Fairmont; junior vice commander,
nj. -
remaining officers Will be elected to-
morrow. The contest for junior vice
commander was quite spirited, there be-
ing three contestants. Mr.. Robertson,
however, proved the popular candidate
and won easily. This means that he
will be the coming man for commander.
He Is receiving the congratulations OF
his friends on all sides. After appoints
ing q committee to walt on the Wo-
mans Relief Corps and Sons Of Veter-
ans and extend greetings Of the g. A. Z.
the meeting adjourned at p. m.
Th6camP-FtrO.
= -.ie annual camp fire was held in the
court house. The decorations were su-
perb.
The First regiment band played sew
eral soul stirring airs, and commRnder
]. N. David, of Custer post, came for
ward as the presiding officer and deliv-
cred a short but most eloquent address.
He said in part: Eve, as comrades OF
the C. A. R., ara met tonight on his-
toric ground. on April ., 1861, twelve
hundred citizens assembled here ana
started the powerful forces that changed
the geography Of a nation. added a new
state to the Union, a new star 70 the
nag, and made West Virginia the key
stone Of the arch OF border states that
saved the Union from failing to piecea
when shaken by the earthquake shock
Of civil war. In 1861 we sang our coun-
ell song with trembling voices and tear
ful eye. All is changed now, and It Is
fitting that we open these exercises BY
singing America We have one coun-
try. one flag. one national hymn"
The address Of welcome, delivered by
Hon. c. W. Lynch, was received with
hearty applause, and was responded to
by Hon. George j, Walker in a happy
vein. Then followed army songs and
number OF short addresses.
Among those who spoke were MrG,
Leeds, president OF the Woman's Relief
Corps; Col Wilbur Brand, commander
OF the Sons of Veterans; Hon. r. II.
Freer, ]. G. Cuttings CThirty-hrst Vir-
Cinin Confederatesl. Hon. L. A. Mar
tin, Mrs. Daniels. Capt. Maulsby, Mrs.
Murdock, Richard Robertson, Of
Wheeling, and others.
Neither the Sons OF Veterans nor the
Woman's Relief Department will elect
officers until tomorrow.
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