The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-09-16
Adverse to an insurance feature. Adopted.

IN favor OF Il reform IN the scnool histories
of the country in reference to the history OF
| the rebellion. In favor of appointing q CON-
mittee of five on patriotic teaching to cooper
ate with similar committee of the GA K.
| Adopted.
Judge Marsh, of the GAR Committee on
School Histories, made few remarks, setting
forth that his committees examination OF school
histories showed that in none of the histories III
use was it set forth that the war was really a
struggle between Government and portion oil
the people in revolt, but rather as an athletic
contest between the North and South, with the
| showing generally in favor of the South. lie
| proceeded to give number of illustrations OF
this. He made forcble presentation of the
subject, and was loudly applauded.
Brother Christian. Ind. made an i'm passioned
speech demanding that secession and treason
be made odious. He was the son OF soidier
who died in Andersonville.
Past Commando -in-C Chief Walker was again
introduced and eulogized by the Commander
in-Cbief for the many kiudnesses the Order
had received at his hands. He concluded by
presenting in the name of the Order loving
cup.
Gen. Walker, in accepting the gift, said that
saw the full antidote TO DebsisIn, anarchy and
similar evils, which threaten the grandest and
greatest OF all Governments. DE was greeted
with enthusiastic applause.
PROPOSED CHANGES.
The Committee on Constitution, Rules and
Regulations presented an amended report con-
shutting committee to consist of the Com
mander-in- Chief and all the Past Commanders.
ln-Chief TO revise and amend the Constitution,
Rues and Ritual, making such changes as they
may deem necessary, such changes to become
operative upon adoption.
The Encampment took q recess till o'clock.
The consideration of the report of the Com
mlttee on Constitution, Rules and Regulations
was resumed in the evening. Brother Maccabe
made strong argument opposing the delega-
hon, TO committee Of % of the powers the re-
port OF the committee would give it. he was
In favor of giving larger option in the matter
OF ritual and other nOn-esSentials, but he would
not for an instant favor giving a committee tho
right 10 alter the fundamental law OF the
Order.
question of constitutionality was raised
The Commanders Chief decided the matter
not constitutional question, and appeal
was taken.
Brother Noble, Kan, rose to question of
high privilege. 1T was that the Commandery-
ln-Chief could not divest itself of its sove-
relgnty, and confer the same upon a committee.
The appeal was decided against the Com
mander-in. Chief.
Brother Griffin moved that the first recon-
mendatlon be laid on the table. Changed to
not concurred n."
Brother Morgan offered as substitute that
a committee OF five be appointed to revise the
Constitution, Rules and Regulations, and re-
port at the next National Encampment. Ruled
out Oh a point of order. Reintroduced in
another form. Brother Maccabe moved to
amend by inserting If advisable" after " re-
wise" Adopted.
brother Patton, Mimi, moved as a substitute
the original proposition for committee Of %
with only power to report to the next National
Ehcampment the changes desired.
brother Maccabe wanted to know what these
evils were OF which we have heard so much.
They should he named and speci fed the Con-
s'itutlon shonid not be torn up without reason.
Brothcr Morgan, from the Committee on
constitution, Rules and Regulations, said the
object OF the committee was to answer the
numerous complaints that had reached them
from every source by referring the whole mat
Ter 10 committee OF tried and true brethren,
who would carefully consider it outside the
pressure and turmoil of the National Eucamp-
ment and formulate a plan by which the some
thlng that is wrong can be remedied.
Brother Griffin, lad, said this question had
come up regularly at every National Encamp-
ment Tor - years. Every year there had been
amendments. These amendments had been
carefully considered, and yet we have gone
amending" He did not believe the fault
Jay Win the Constitution. IL the committee
now proposed was appointed, it would as sure
rs the sun rose recommend the abolition of the
military feature. He was determinedly OPP
posed TO it. He was strongly in favor OF the
old blue coat and brass buttons which his father
wore. Every man in blue and brass buttons
who was in the street was lesson in patriot
ism. He wanted the Constitution let alone
the trouble with the Order was the financial
depression of the last few years. The country
&c
and the Order would lave full share of IL.
Brother Abbott, H., expressed similar views
The Constitution would not bring men into the
Order it grew before 1t had Constitution
IL would grow again in spite of the Constitu-
ton. 1t was now going through the ills OF in
fancy, such as assail all young Orders 1t was
outgrowmg these. What was needed was
work. Good work would bring up the Order
again. as it brought it w before. Tho tbincto
do was 10 take off COATS aud 20 20 work lie was
utterly opposed to remodeIing the Order upon
the form OF the Sons OF the Revolution, the
Loyal Legion, or any other Otder. 1t had
more members today than either Of them, and
its members preferred it TO any other.
Brother Parkinson said til at what was wanted
was recruiting officers for every Camp The
Order was going through the same sweat as the
trium phantIy. The Constitution was all right
let it alone.
Brother Morgan closed the debate for the
committee. lie made good point by abiding
To Brothers Abbotts and Griiin's eulogy on
the uniform, and asked where were their own
uniforms, both happening 10 be without their
uniforms. and the Encam pment was swept with
laughter. He said that the Order began going
down before the hard Times set in
A number of brethren Immediately pointed
out that several divisions had recently made
strong gains under the present Constitution.
Tho recommendation declared lost.
Brother Speeman moved that the Committee
on C., r. and K. be discharged, Carried.
THE COMMITTEE on RESOLUTIONS
reported
In favor Of the passage Of law by Congress
promoting military instruction III the public
schools. Adopted by rising vote.
Cordially praising The NATIONAL TRIBUNE
for the great and signal service IL had done for
the Sons of Veterans. Unanimously adopted,
Thanking the Governor Of Indiana, Past
Commander-in-CbiefW Walker, comrades of the
@. L., and the citizens of indianapolis for
their successful efforts to make the 10Th Ma
tional Encampment enjoyable success
Adopted by a rising vote.
Thanking Commander in Chief Rake for his
able aud impartial performance of his duties.
Adopted by a rising vote.
Commander Soule, on behalf of the Maine
Division, presented portrait of Past Com
mander- in Chief Frank 7. Merrill who was
the first Commando r-in- Chief of the Order.
Past Commander-in-C Chief Maccabe responded
with a fitting eulogy of brother Merrill and
accepted the gift for the Order.
Commander Dodge of the Department of
Indiana, GAR, was presented aud received