The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-08-27

Encampnent marched to the 1rOQuOlS
Hotel TO the music Of bands and the
cheering of their comrades, visitors and
citizens. The proscenium arch was
draped and festooned in the national
colors, surrnounted by the coat of arms
tipped with a golden eagle crest. Above
the arch flags of all nations formed a
brilliant cluster. On the sides of the
arch were satin banners bearing the
name Of the State of New York. The
balcony was covered with maroon silk
plush hangings. Pictures of Wash
ington, Lincoln, Grant and Garfield oc-
cupfed prominent places.
Guards with crossed bayonets barred
the doors to the hall. Only comrades
with the pass words were admitted to
the galleries, and only delegates with
credentials were admitted to the main
floor. Only the preliminary session of
the encampment was open to a limited
number of press representatives. The
executive session was absolutely star
chansber.
General Clarkson, Commander-in-
Chief, took the platform at $50 and
was loudly cheeped.
General Edgar B. Jewett, Mayor of
Buffalo, was among the next to come
on the stage. He was welcomed by
General CIarkson and cheered.
Bugler r. e. Rexford rendered eve
Are Tenting Tonight on the Old Camp
Ground" At-the last note deafening
applause rose throughout the hall.
General CIarkson then called the en-
campment to. order. AS he was speak
ing Hon. Frank S. Black was escorted
to the stage. The delegates rose and
cheered him.
II introduce to you, gentlemen" said
General Clarkson, the Governor of the
great Empire. State"
Governor Black said: 1.-THE struggle
of the human race should be to reach
that plane in civilization where the
horrors of the world will not include
the savage crime Of war.
TT has many times transpired in the
uncertain progress of the world that
the crisis of a nation has been decided
by IT'S soldiers. and the value of that
decision .hasedepended upon the char
acter of the victorious. soldier and his
power to improve and command HIM
self
Fortunately, beyond any time or
people has been the American people
in tire character Of its soldiers and
more fortunate stillthas been the Amer
lean soldier in the marvellous achive-
merits he has wrought.
The peoples willingness to confess
their obligationsno soldier will gainsay
or doubt, who saw the. exhibition made
not long ago inshonor of their most dis
tinguished General. His achievements
and yours We're their salvation. His
.fameqand yours are their possession.
They have enjoyed the blessing of one.
the other they will cherish and defend.
''To every brave- and hnnored soldier
though his name be less, his country
snnen extendethe measure of esteem, and
tosevery soldier here, whatever his rank
may be, I extend the cordial welcome
of the State.
There is one soldier here in whose
welcomeeevery citizen will join with I'M
equaIed zeal and fervor. Not because
The holds, the highest office in the world.
sbut because his character, unspotted
through all his years, his impulses
strong and high, his whole life by it's
unobtrusive power, has ennobled and
lenriched the office which he holds"
Gentlemen" said General Clarkson,
when Governor Black ceased speaking,
.'it is my pleasure to introduce to you
.Eomrade Jewett, Mayor of Buffalo"
Mayor Jewett's reception was hearty.
when he had completed his address, a
comradein the rear of the hall arose in
his seat. attracting the attention OF
General Clarkson, and said that the
delegates in that portion Of the build
ing could. not hear the speakers.
you can read it in the newspapers, -
replied the Chief, IF
you viii only keep quiet and let the
speakers get in their work.
Then turning to Colonel NJ. D. Shaw,
General Clarkson addressed him, add
ing. a glowing personal tribute Colonel
Shaw stepped to the front of the plat
form. and spoke. He said in conclusion
that he had expected to read a poem
written by a conrade, which he had be-
1ieved would become Grand Army lit
erature. The author was present, and
he would call uEon him to read it in
person.
Comrade Foster Of New York was
called to the stage and read the poem
entitled New York's Greeting to the
Grand Army
Hon. Edward w. Hatch Of Buffalo,
Justice of the Supreme Court of New
was introduced by General Clarkson as
son Of a veteran. Justice Hatch
spoke in a vein Of picturesque elo-
Quence.
The annual report Of COMMANDMENTS
Chief J. S. Clarkson was in part as
follows:
Comrades: Once more we have as
Eembled in annual encampment to rem
der an account of our stewardship, to
renew old associations, to legislate for
the present, to plan for the future. We
meet in fraternity, charity and loyalty.
and may all our hearts unite as one in
sustaining the great objects of our
order.
THANK God we still live to enjoy. in
crease and TO prosper in the land we
helped to save.
81 have given the entire year to the
work of the order have Travelled some
what over $4,000 miles, have visited ev-
cry department that I could reach at
their encampments, some at other than
their encampment dates, besides very
many posts and reunions, and have
been splendidly received everywhere
by veterans and all other citizens, and
by reason of these visits have been
greatly impressed with the spirit and
enthusiasm of the comrades and the