The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-02-18
SONS OF VETERANS.
News from Various Divisions---Elec.
ton Of Officers, etc.
FAvoRs LONGER TERMS.
Past Lieut.-COl. Barker Thinks Camp Om'
GERS Would Become More Efficient.

Fast Lieut.-COl. Barker Thinks Camp ON"
GERS Would Become More Efficient.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: / have read
with much interest the letters in the Sons OF
Veterans column of THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE,
and fully agree with Capt. Stanton, of Camp
244, Illinois Division. regarding the proposed
union with the GAR When we have fully
demonstrated our ability to make our own or.
ganization a power in the land, then will be
time enough to take hand in governing an
organization now so greatly our superior.
In the upbuilding of our Order we have work
cut out for 90 years to come. One of the great
drawbacks is land will be until changed) the
present system of one-year terms for officers.
The pernicous short-term is fast making our
Order lottery where military titles" may
be procured cheap. This is the inducement
offered prospective recruits. Half years good
work is lost annually through members push
ing the claims Of candidates for Office. This
lobbying begins shortly after the installation
OF officers and continues through the term, its
harmful influence affecting the Order to the
point of retrogressioh.
Now, "individ uai effort" is secret of success
in all organizations when applied to the interest
OF the organization and not the individual.
Our past record shows too well that the desire
for personal advancement has caused greater
activity in our Order than love for that Orders
PRINCIPLES. Our unpublished history is one
officers: We no sooner elect Captain than we
cast about for his probable successor. Before
he becomes at all familiar with his position he
is Past Captained - shelved is the better
word. Thus many good working member is
sacrificed in the Captains chair and the short
term does it. We have regiment of Past
Captains conspicuous for mastery inactivity!
You cannot make good Captain in one year;
that is scarcely time to acquire the dignity
necessary to the position for, you must remem-
6er Camps do not convene every day. 1t Is
because they are new that many Camp officers
are weak. The impressveness of the muster
ceremony is marred when conducted by officers
ignorant of their full duty. How can you
impress recruit favorably when officers hesi-
tate and have recourse to rituals at critical
moments in the ceremony? The entire effect
is lost on him, and he frequently leaves the
Camp room with feeling akin to contempt.
Thus you lose a man who might otherwise
have made creditable member.
In the opinion of the writer, the sole remedy
lies in three-year term for all officers. We
claim to be a military rganization. Why not
take lesson from the National Guard? Dis
continue trial elections. and instead commits
sion officers to serve three years. Adopt this
system, and "pernicious activity" will cease.
Your officers will become worthy of their straps
dignifed, efficient and commanding. The
rituals could be locked UP, the ceremonies
being conducted by officers who know their
duty. Recruits would enter the Order with
higher sense of duty than that of Office seeking,
and feel duly impressed with their new obliga-
lions. Members would have higher regard for
the Order and feel proud of their connection
with it. Inspectors reports would show I'M
precedented gains all along the line, and our
Order would flourish.
Now, word AS to the selection of officers.
The leaders of an Order should be its lovers.
Therefore, select enthusiasts. They will learn
the duties of their position quicker, will appre-
ciate its honors more, and guard their response
bilities and obligations with deeper trust.
They will lend touch of enthusiasm to other
members, inspiring them with greater love and
honor for the Order and its principles. Then,
your Camp will grow in Tone efficiency and
strength.-C. r. BARKER, Past Lieutenant
Colonel, Alabama and Tennessee Division,
Admission, Ala.