The National tribune., 1897-08-05
SONS OF VETERANS.
Loyal Young Men and Their Great
Order.

"Stanley," New England brother, writes
1.-THE question is often asked Why do not the
Sons hold their National Encampment5 with
the Grand Army?' The inquiry comes many
times from the veterans themselves.
There are good reasons to believe that such
an arrangement would be desirable on both
sides, and should be brought about. Com
mander-in- Chief Russell at Louisville sug-
gested something of this kind. but did not
make any positive recommendations The
Encampment voted TO meet in Buffalo at the
same time the National Eucampment of the
GA. r. was in session but rescinded that vote
after discussion based on the lines of the
propriety of such action, and modestly decided
that courtesy required that before such a step
was taken we should be formally advised that
it would meet the approval of the veterans.
This action was no doubt unassumng and
right, but the fact remains that it is our great
desire to receive such an invitation.
eff both Encampments were held at the
same time, many benefits would accrue there
from. We should first come in CLOSER touch with
the parent Order. They would have a chance
to see in broad light the makeup and inteli-
gence of our representatives. We would learn
more of the work of the Grand Army, receive
inspiration from their gathering. enthusiasm
would prevail. and our Encampments become
larger as a consequence. Transportation rates
would be less. greater numbers of the rank and
file coming from all over the country would
gather and attain more knowledge of their
own organization.
ave should present better appearance pub
licly; in fact, the beneficial results that would
follow are too numerous to discuss. In con-
trast to the small numbers at Louisville, and
here the folly of holding an Encampment in q
city that was the previous year the place of the
veterans gathering was demonstrated. The
local people had fresh in mind the magnificent
parade OF the thousands of veterans, and
naturally contrasted the showing of not over
300 Sons with no special favor; in contrast to
this, our public appearance would be favorable
and impressive, something worthy of the COM
mendation and Endorsement of the veterans.
"What are the objections, None; unless,
for some ncomprehensble reason, the parent
Order objects This it does not appear is at all
likely, and all that is needed is for some dele
gate to the GAR. Encampment who is our
friend to shape a proper resolution for indOrse-
ment No Son can object, even the Jealous
fellow who is proud OF maintaining distinct
iyeness aud individuality as q society. We
would show our distiuctiveness far more by
close identity with the Grand Army, and on
the other hand the veterans not only would
show that they themselves-brave men when
brave men were needed, loyal when loyalty
meant something, the sinew and bone that
keeping touch to the color line but they had
also raised generation of young men in whom
they had incucated the same love of country,
the same devotion to the flag.
Zone of the methods that will assist in re-
cruting the ranks of the Sons of Veterans to a
quota somewhere near the ambitions of its
leaders is to hold their National Encampments
at the same time and the same place as the
Grand Army of the Republic"