The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-05-27
WORK FOR THE SONS.
Suggested by a Massachusetts Man to
Preserve Andersonville.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The Massa-
chusetts Division has under its charge DOR
mitory at the Soldiers Home. The purchase
of this dormitory was practical work, and
demonstrated in a measure that the Sons of
Veterans of some practical value as an aux
Hilary to the GAR. Ithas made many friends
for the Order out of those who doubted and OPP
posed the organization. 1t has strengthened
the true friends who advocated the Sons and
gave them unqualified support.
Work showing practical results is the best
demonstration of worth. AT its Encampment
in 1895 the Division Commander pointed out
the opportunity of assisting in a consistent
manner in the care of worthy institution,
largely dependent upon the GAR. and W.R.C.
for its support.
1t was recommended that dormItory in the
Horace Binney Sargent Hail. a portion of the
Soldiers Home at Chelsea, be purchased by the
Massachusetts Division, and the future care of
the dormitory assumed by the Division.
By the purchase it is meant to pay for the cost
OF fitting the dormtory since its establishment.
1t was voted to adopt the recommendations.
Each member in good standing was assessed 20
cents. Within 80 days the various Camps had
paid into the Division treasury $S29.20. OF
this sum $776 was paid to the trustees for the
purchase of the dormitory, which provides &C.
comm odations-beds, bedding chairs, chests,
etc-for 35 veterans.
The dormitory is now in charge Of the Di.
vision, represented by q commission Of five,
with terms ranging from to fv years, so
that at each Encampment member for five
years is elected. The commission now has on
hand over 5000 to meet any necessary expenses.
Marble tablets, suitably inscribed, explain to
the visitor entering the dormitory that tha
Sons Of Veterans care Tor the room, and attest
their interest in the veteran.
1t occurs to the writer that an opportunity
exists at the present timefor the Order at large
to render practical assistance to q cause worthy
of their support. This service would be of
value not ouly to the veterans, but to the
Woman's Relief Corps and posterity. The
thrilling story of Andersonville now being
published in the columns of THE NATIONAL
TRIBUNE is 9 remnderi of the proposition
to preserve this property. Probably all are
familiar with the project, and none doubt that
the Woman's Relief Corps will be successful in
the work they have undertaken. Anderson
vile should be preseryedai Money is the prime
requisite to accomplish and consnmmate the
desired ends. The SOnsof Veterans can easily
assist; they should do so. Inasmuch as the
Commander in. Chief has been selected as the
| representative OF the Order on the Board of
Managers, or similar body by the persons in
| charge of the undertaking. it is very probable
| that in some way the Sons will be found identi-
| fed with the preservation of Andersonville.
| Money is needed. I, The Massachusetts idea
| makes it simple matter for the Order to con-
| tribute a liberal sum. According to the latest
report published in General Orders, No. 9, the
Adiutant General gives the standing of the
| Order as 81, 1853 members. The sum OF 10 cents
special per capita from every member would
mean $3,l95.5O. How many brothers could
not afford, or would not be willing, to contrib
| ute that amount?
| The Order is all right, its work commendabe,
| but it is not generally understood and has not
| been marked by any special features. Here is
| a chance to do something that will bring the
! Order before the notice Of those whom they de-
| sire to have become their friends. Is not the
| object worthy one? Is not the opportunity
| worth making of some usefulness? At any
| rate, here is outlined n thought for the men,
| bers, from our worthy Commander-in-Chief to
the picket-guard, to think over. Less talk
about the junior GA. r., and some suggestions
Of methods to improve the standing in every re-
| spect of the Sons of Veterans are respectfully
made" STANLEY" Boston.