The National tribune., 1897-02-11
LADIES OF THE GAR.

department Corresponding Secretary Hess0
Writes of the Order in Nebraska
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: From letters
received at these Headquarters il would seem
that the Ladies of the GAR is not known A
well as it ought to be. It should not be- neces-
sary Tor veterans, their wives and daughters to
write to Nebraska from States having Depart
ments, or at least Circles, of the Ladies of the
GAR asking information in regard to organ
izing, etc.
Let your light shine. sisters; write about
our work, not only in the National soldiers
papers, but IN your State and local papers. The
very name Ladies of the g. AR is dear to the
veterans heart and the Order needs only to be
known to attract to its ranks the noblest and
best.
Some years ago Commander-in-C Chief Palmer,
| In eulogizing the GAR, after stating that no
wealth, influence, or learning could command
entrance, said: Its doors swing open only az
the presentation of q bit of paper torn worn,
oegrimed 1T may be, but hich certi6es that its
holder was honorably discharged from the
army or navy of the Nation during the war of
the rebellion"
1t is and ought to be a source of pride with
US that our doors swing open only at the pre-
sentation of the same "bit of paper" i'm the
hands OF the mother. sister, wife, or daughter
of the honorably- discharged soldier, sailor, or
marine who served during the war of the re-
beiiou.
As for the plea which is often made that all
loyal women should be admitted to member
snip that more money may be acquired is alb
surd. The loyal women are just as ready now
as they were during the war to help the de-
serving needy veteran those dear to him.
There are too many Orders exclusive in their
membership for anyone with right feeling to
find fault with the eligibility clause of such an
Order as the Ladies of the GAR. Another
thing. we do not wish that it should be said
that our only reason for being is the dollars
and cents We spend in charity. Our veterans
are just as proud now of being the providers
and protectors of the home as they were when
they marched away in the flower of their youth
to defend our country. and it is An unwritten
law that the man or nfen who live, unless dis
abled, on the labor of women have no standing
in the community. So let Us ever be watchful
of those who would starve rather than press
their necessities on u.s." and what good We can
do keep in our own hearts.
Department Headquarters are q busy scene
these days, all work being put in shape for tho
Department. Convention, which convenes at
Hastings in February. Hastings Circle, 19, is
preparing to entertain delegates at Convention.
Invitations are out for reception in honor Of
delegates of the Ladies of she GAR, Feb. 10,
at the home of Mrs. Anna Marshall DEPART
ment Treasurer.
In summing up the years work we would
say that the officers are deeply grateful for
kind words and favor received from our De-
partment and from the different Circles: also,
for many pleasant letters nom other States.
We have been very much in earnest our whole
heart being in the work being done for the
good of the Order.-W. E. HEssE, Department.
Corresponding Secretary, Ladies of the GAR,
North Platte, Neb.