Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1897-07-20
COL. ROWLAND ARRIVES AT LEAV.
ENWOBTH SOLDIERS HOME.
RECEIVES A WARM WELCOME.
THE VETERANS TURNED OUT EN-
MAssE TO GREET HIM.
Colonel Rowland Says He Hopes for
an Era of Harmony and Good
Feeling Mt the Home-The
Past Not to BE Raked
Over.

Leavenworth. Kss.. July 19-CSpecial)
| Colonel J. II. Rowland. the new governor
OF the Soldiers home arrived this morning
at ll.&1 on the Santa Fe train from the
west. He was accompanied by his wife and
daughter. The news that he was coming
was received in time 10 permit the veterans
10 turn out and extend him u warm well
come.
DR.. McNary, assistant surgeon, met Colo
| mel Rowland at Holiday and came up to
| the home depot with him. When the train
| pulled in, all the home officials were at the
depot. After Colonel Rowland and party
alighted. the members of the official stafr
OF the home were presented 20 him. Car
| riages were in waiting and the party went
| TO the headquarters building at once.
The veterans of the home were drawn up
in two lines on the main parade, and they
saluted as Colonel Rowland and party
passed. There was no cheering. but a look
| of satisfaction was shown on the faces OF
| the veterans. who voluntarily turned out
to welcome the new governor After the
party alighted. a number Of veterans were
introduced to Colonel Rowland. but there
was no speechmaking. Colonel Rowland
Will take charge OF the home as governor
tomorrow morning.
Colonel Rowland is a native Of Whining
ton, Del. He removed to Quincy, H., in
early life and was educated for a physician.
He did not like the medical profession. and
soon engaged in the real estate business
on the breaking out of the war he en-
listed in the Union army and rose rapidly
until he became lieutenant colonel of the
Tenth Illinois infantry. AS a soldier he
has record TO be proud Of. After the war
he filed various positions, including that
of mayor Of Quincy. which he held two
terms. He has always taken keen in
terest in the affairs OF the old soldiers and
was trustee first and then governor Of the
Illinois state home, being connected with it
in all from 1857 10 1898. He has been in
charge of the Pacific home since 1898.
Colonel Rowland is said to be a kind
hearted man. who will permit no foolish
ness" and who deals justly with all
The Journal correspondent called on Colo
mel Rowland this evening and found him
seated with his wife and daughter on the
porch of the governors residence, which is
now undergoing repairs from the wreck Of
the dynamite explosion.
After a brief chat with the governor
about his trip and the beauty of the Leav-
enworth home, the question was asked:
Colonel, what will be your policy in re-
gard to the management Of the homer"
Il will get the men together day after
tomorrow" he replied. when I will make
them an address, outlining what think
is the best policy for the present This
meeting will give US a chance to get ac-
quainted, and 1 will tell them some things
that are considered necessary for the con-
Quoting of this home"
Have you any instructions from the
board of managers as 10 the policy to be
pursued here?"
mo. have none. So far as I know the
board has no special policy for this place"
Are any improvements contemplated
Il have no Instructions about any.
understand that some money has been ap-
propriated. but 1 don't know of any plans
yet"
You probably know of the lack Of har-
mony and trouble that have prevailed at
this home. Have you anything TO say in
regard to ths2"
II came here without any prejudice and
without partiality. and will avoid and have
nothing to do with any entanglementS of
the past. / am not taking up any old
fights: am not here at my own solicitation
but by order of the board of managers. I
shall propose that we all go forward to-
gether in harmony. There is feeling that
we should work TO make this a comfortable
home for the old men who have come here
TO live. / believe that we will have har-
mony and work together TO make this a
good home. I have no criticism TO make
on anything that is past"
Colonel Rowland spoke of the kind man
ner in which he had been treated on his
arrival by Major Shockley and the other
officials and expressed himself being
greatly pleased with the action of the vet
Grams in turning out TO welcome him.
The colonel was at one time engaged in
the newspaper business, and Is a pleasant
man to interview