The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-02-25
NEBRASKA LADIES.
Department Corresponding Secretary Hess
Writes of the Hastings Encampment.

Department Corresponding Secretary Hesse
Writes of the Hastings Encampment.
EpIToR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Perhaps a
brief account of the work of the sixth annual
Convention of the Ladies of the GAR, De-
partment of Nebraska, will prove interesting.
On the morning of Feb. we boarded the train
at North Platte, and after . pleasant run OF
several hours arrived at Grand Island, where
the delegations from Loup, Ord, Arcadia, and
Burwell met us. We were at once driven to
the home of Mrs. K. A. Shepard, President OF
COL Ellsworth Circle, Is.
The evening of the same day we took the
train for Hastings, where committee met
and escorted us to the ]. O. O. +. Hall, where
we received royal welcome. City Attorney
II. S. DUNCAN welcomed the delegates; re-
spouse by Mrs. Sarah NJ. Mason, Department
President. A fine literary program followed.
On Wednesday morning the Convention was
called to order by Department President, and
the business taken up. Department officers
gratifying The Press Committee reported
visits to newspaper Offices, and the columns OF
the daily as we'll as the weekly papers were at
the disposal OF the Ladies of the GAR. Con-
solidation with other patriotic Orders was con-
sidered, and brought out spirited discussion.
"A motion to stand by the Ladies of the Oak.
aud never reinqush our claim was unani-
mously adopted by rising vote.
Campfire was held, pleasing feature OF
which was the presentation of q picture.
handsomely framed, OF the emblem of Odd Eel
lows. by the Department Counselor. Mrs.
H. NJ. Hunter, who spoke very feelingly OF
many courtesies received by the Ladies from
the local Lodge. Hon. C. Harrington responded.
Department President Mrs. Mason also made
few remarks, after which she was surprised ~
having charges preferred against her. Inc
~tatn koh pl of tho
delegates that she would watch her. and there
and then presented her with handsome gold
watch This was surprise to Mrs. Mason, but
she replied in her usual gentle and ladylike
way.
THURSDAY was devoted to the election Of
officers for the year. Mrs. NJ. Stull, OF Lincoln,
was elected Department. President. The choice
is wise one, and with her efficient staff, headed
by Department Secretary Marion Camphn. OF
Lincoln, will no doubt place the Ladies OF the
GA Z. of Nebraska in the front ranks before
the close of the year. Greetings were wired by
Division Commander Wolff, of the s. OF V.
The Committee on Greetings reported gra-
cious reception by the GAR. and WIG. For
the first time in the history of our Order the
W.RC. admitted our committee into their hall.
This courtesy was much appreciated by our
Order. An invitation to attend our installation
of officers was refused by the W.R.C., as they
were preparing for joint installation with the
GAR. but as the comrades had by this time
elected their officers and installed them, the
W.R.C. held their installation at the Opera
House and the Ladies of the GAR. at !. q. U.
L. Hail. At the latter place services were very
impressive and much enjoyed by all present. A
Campfire followed; the presence of comrades In
goody numbers was delightful circumstance.
Friday was devoted to the closing up of all I'M
finished business. Resolutions were read thank
ing the citizens Of Hastings for many favors
extended. The delegates then circled round
the altar with claspsd hands, singing one verse
of "The Tie that Binds" and the sixth
ANIMAL Convention of the Ladies of the g. T.
was declared closed. Such delegates as did not
leave until evening were entertained by Mrs.
Hitler. of Hastings
This Convention will long be remembered by
all as q most harmonious and interesting one.
The next Convention meets at Norfolk, where
we hope to meet again not only the friends
made at this meeting. but also many new ones
That the Ladies of the GAR. has firm hold
on the affections of the comrades, and has come
to stay in Nebraska, is unquestioned.-W. E.
HEssE, Department Corresponding Secretary,
North Platte, Neb.