Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1897-06-18
CANTON. SOUTH
ARTHUR 11NN,s APPOINTMENT
(From the Sioux Falls Press.)

ARTHUR 11NN'S APPOINTMENT.
(From the Sioux Falls Press)
The appointment of Arthur Linn as
commandant of the soldiers home was a
wise one and the statement that it was
counter to the wishes of the old soldiers
has no foundation in fact. The follow
ing are the facts:
Some two months ago circular was
sent out from the soldiers home by one
close to the captain endorsing Capt.
Lucas and mildly protesting against his
removal. It was SO worded as not to
convey any political aim or purpose, but
its meaning must have been well under
stood, as out Of the nlnety-five circulars
sent to the ninety-fve posts in the state,
only twenty-five were returned, the other
seventy posts treated the circular with
silent contempt. Mr.. Linn's name was
not mentioned in the circular and his
friends in posts and the honest grand
army men everywhere were deceived.
The purpose of the circular developed at
Redfield. A worthless grand army man
at Canton and few others who would
ruin the grand army to serve their pur.
poses, made great fuss over the few
circulars and tried to create sympathy
for Lucas.
The Canton man invented so many
falsehoods and displayed his nature to
such an extent that every honest grand
army man became disgusted with him.
Every effort possible was made at the
grand army encampment to arouse hos
tility to Mr.. Linn and create boom for
Capt. Lucas The soldiers home board
knew the condition of the home and we'll
understood the necessities OF the case.
The board is composed Of able, honorable
men who have the welfare of the veterans
at heart. They recognized that a change
of commandant was necessary to promote
the efficiency Of its management and
secure harmony among the members of
the home. This information was not
made public as it would serve no good
purpose. The board selected Mr.. Linn,
believing him competent to manage the
home in the interest of the veterans and
to make it home in name and in fact.
The Press believes the board acted en-.
tirely for the best interests of the
veterans.
The grand army organization was
wrecked in 1868 by going into politics,
and 1t will be wrecked again if the mem
bers allow few unscrupulous politicians
to drag it into the whirlpool of party
strife. Kick out the politicians and let
the veterans meet together in 'frater-
nifty. loyalty and charity" and glorify
their deeds Of glorious war. Keep your
posts free from the disturbing element OF
politics and say to those men who are
riding the grand army for selfish ends
that they are violating their obligations
and are menace to the existence of the
order.
Arthur Linn, the new commandant OF
the soldiers home, served three years in
the army; and has been connected with
the G. A. R. since 1867 He is loyal
friend to every member OF the grand
army and will make the South Dakota
home model one. During all the strife
to defeat Mr.. Linn he has manfully de-
clined to say word in his own defense
and refused TO attend the Red6eld en-
campment because he would be charged
with having a personal interest to serve.
His course has been most praiseworlhy
from the time his appointment was
suggested.