The National tribune., 1897-11-18
SONS OF VETERANS.
Loyal Young Men and Their Great
Order

An invitation was extended the Commander
in Chief by THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE to speak
a few words thfought its columns TO the Sons
of Veterans, both the members of the Order
and those who have not yet affiliated. with
view to arousing greater interest among the
mem bership and calling to the attention OF
eligible young men the patriotic aims and OBJ
jccts Of the society. Gen. Darling writes II
very gladly accept The NATIONAL TRIBUNE's
request to say q word tor the Sons Of Veterans,
fully approaching the valuable assistance rem
dered 10 the organi zation in the past by this
Journal. and that its columns afford the widest
possible opportunity to reach those whom we
desire to interest in our Order.
The organization of the Sons OF Veterans
has Eow been claiming place among the
patriotic Orders Of our land for something over
ID years. During this period we have had sue
cesses and disapponiments, but to-day there
can be no denying the fact it stands firmly in
trenched with splendid organization and
enthusiastic and loyal membership.
That this Membership is not rs large as at
one period in the existence Of the Order is TO
he very much regre ted. That it will ulti-
matcly exceed that membership appears
tam. IN the early days there was that indis-
criminate rush into its ranks which WAS bound
to mark the beginning Of its existence; and
then, too. we were, as we are perhaps now, too
near the great struggle Of the Civil War. TO
realize, as later. the magnitude of it. the full
value of the services of those who fought i'll
it's armies, and the great honor Of our heritage
as their descendants.
1t must also he taken into account that an
Ordor composed Of young men, many OF whom
have hardly got foothold in lie. is peculiarly
susceptible TO the influence of times of business
depression, and this has no doubt largely con-
tributed to the falling off in numbers during
recent years.
:" But if the past has been more or less dark,
the present and future are certainly full of
hope and promise. There is everywhere All
arousing of interest in patriotic organisations.
and while there Is perhaps for us less of nspira-
ton from that which time alone seems able to
weave about past events in history there is
infinitely more of living incentive to right and
duty The sons of Veterans are bound to re-
ceivc their full share of the results of this
awakening. We believe we deserve it. Not
boas,fully, hut with just pride do we recall the
services of our fathers, and it is given to u.s. as
is not given to many others. to render practi.
cal assistance TO those who bore the brnnt of
the battle for tho maintenance of the Union,
now over generation ago.
'' Founded upon the broadcast principles of
Friendship, Charity and Loyalty, with work
to do and a mission to fulfill the years have
served to perfect its organization, so that each
Division aud each Camp, with it's own history
and the eompanonship of earnest and loyal
brothers, have given it place III the hearts Of
thousands of young men which is occupied by
no other Order with which they are con-
nected.
"All that seems necessary is for those who
have in the past work ed earnestly on its behalf
to take hold with "A will. and place it where it
ought and deserves to be, among the greatest
and most powerful fraternal organizations in
our country"