The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-10-07
SONS OF VETERANS
Loyal Young Men and Their
Great Order.

Commander.in-Chief Darling Urges Unceas-
ing Labor to Build Up the Order-Changes
in Constitution, Ruies and Regulations.
Progress OF tho Brothers.
Commander in Chief Charles K. Darling has
established National Headquarters at fremont
Temple. Boston. Mass. In General Orders just
issued. he says: Whatever the ills of our
organization are. however great its losses in
membership have been in the past. there is in
the hands Of every member . simple remedy,
which, once properly applied. muss have its
effect.
"Our fathers fought for their country and
its isg; they instituted and have maintained
their grand fraternal org iEatiOn. Discourage
ments were faced and hardships endure before
tho Grand Army of the Republic attained its
great power. Tho Sons of Veterans have a
splendid organization. lofty in purpose, grand
in principles. We have gained and lost. Lexis
lated and experimental; success and dis
enlargement have been experienced. and to-day
we must face the simple proposition OF whether
we shall enlarge our membership or allow u to
dwindle away so that each year our ranks be-
come smaller and smaller.
How can each member do that which will
invigorats and give new life TO the Ordsrf
There is only one way-work Hard, energetic,
unceasing loyal effort TO induce those worthy
and eligible to join with US in the duties OF
Friendship, Charity and Loyalty. This will
stop the losses and gain the Roadway We desire.
1t is within the power of thousands of brothers
to bring new members into the Order, and the
Commandsr-in-C Chief calls upon the rank and
file, from the brothers who havo achieved the
highest honors 10 the newest recruits in the
several Camps, to work zeslously for the up
building OF the Order"
The following changes in the Constitution.
Rules, and Regulations were made by the Indi-
annapolis Encampment. and are announced now
as in full force and effect:
Chapter !. Article Y, Section 1.-All male
descendants. not less than l6 years OF age, OF
soldiers sailors, or marines who served in the
Union army or navy during the war of 1S6l-6o,
and who were in the service at the close of said
war. or who, by reason of death or honorable
discharge, severed their connection Herewith
before the close of said war, shall be eligible to
membership provided, that no person shall be
eligible who has ever been convicted OF any
Infamous crime, who has, or whose father
has, ever borne arms against the Government
of the United States of America.
Chapter v, Article Xxx, Section 2.-The full
use of the ritualstic ceremonies in the muster
of recruits is optional with Camps; but the
obi gation of membership, the closing instruc-
ton by the Captain in the degree Of loyalty,
in presenting the Insignia of the Order and
tho demonstration OF the secret work shall
never be omitted.
RECEPTION TO DARLING.
In recognition of the honor conferred upon
the Massachusetts, Division, we'll as the
pleasure and qualification it affords the MEM
bers thereof complimentary banquet was
rendered Commander-iu-C Chief Darling at the
United States Hotel, Boston, Sept. "a. The
affair was impromptu and entirely informal (;
the evening was given 10 q general J0iiIbea-
ton, and fraternaI good fellowship prevailed.
About 20 of the leading workers OF the Bay
State Division were present, including the
delegation to indianapolis. Communicating
Chief Darling was given n hearty. reception
when introduced To the gathering for remarks.
II was an ouiburst OF cheers aud applause that
spoke more eloquently than any words could
convey of his popularity with his associates,
and testified to the loyal service they will give
TO his administration. The COMMANDMENTS
Chief made ringing speech, hopeful Of the
future of the Order and marked with aSsur-
ance of jealous. energetic service on his part.
Other speakers were Past COMMANDMENTS
Chief Frank F.. Merrill; Senior Vice-Com-
mander John L. Gilman, of the Department of
Massachusetts. GAR. Past Col. Michael
Crowley, of New Hampshire; Past Col. Frank
McCrilis, of Illinois, and Delegate Edward h
Lounsbu-y, who read original humorous
poem, bright with telling illusions to the
indianapolis contingent. A handsome menu
card served as souvenir OF the occasion, the
front cover bearing "Old Glory" majestically
waving. The inserts contained a splendid
half-tOne engraving Of the CUES. of the occa-
sion and the menu service. The cards were
the gift of Past Conmander-in-Ch Chief Merrill.
Division Commander Cook presided, Adj teen.
Fred e. Bolton acting as toastmaster.
THE GOOD OF THE ORDER.
Leut.-Col. NJ. R. Gilmore, of Valley, Neb.,
writes: "a short time ago Maine brother
wrote fayoring longer terms of office. His