The National tribune., 1897-08-26

i return my most sincere thanks 10 my Chief
and sill the members Of my personal staff for
their efficient and uDselfsh service.
MILITARY INSTRUCTION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The Grand Army OF the Republic believes in
military instruction in the public schools be-
cause it is good for the boys mentally. morally,
physically. and, above all, pstriotically. Tbs
report of my Chief Aid, Capt. L. l.. ZalinskI,
on this subject is most interesting. He has
given much time ard of his untiring energy to
this field OF work. Ii was inspiring sights
to see 1900 boys of the public and psrochial
schools of New York City in uniform parlici-
pating in the tribute TO Gen. L. ;. Grant az the
inaugural Of the tomb, through the especial
effort of Capt. ZaIinski. So. too, have | been
inspired in many Of my visits TO public schools
and colleges in various localities during ths
year by the evOlutions of the companies of boy
soldiers, their marching, in carrying the colors
to be saluted by the schools and similar sxhi-
bilious in which they evidently take great
pride.
1t is my hope that this Departments of work
may be kept n good hands. aud shat the recon-
mendations made by the Aid in charge may DO
approved.
CUSTODIAN OF RECORDS.
The depository Of the records and archives
of the Order at Philadelph has proven to bs
of material benefit, which will increase as tho
Order grows older. The panstaking services
greatly appreciated and his report commended
PENSIONS.
The Committee on Pensions have iyen much
attention to this branch Of the work until
quite lately with bat little effect Within tho
last few months the latch strings have been
loosened and many. justly entitled pensioners
have had their cases acted upon; others. stop
ped without cause, have been restored to ths
rolls. and the machinery Of that great Depart
ment OF the Government seems TO have been
oiled with the oil of human kindness and
honest obligation and to be running much more
smoothly aud with much less friction than b.
fore. believe 10 will not be long until every
case properly made up will be reached and 70
celye attention.
SCHOOL HISTORIES.
No subject in which the Grand Army IS in
terested is more important than that the truth
of history should be Taught TO our children.
The COMMITTEES of eminent omrades appoi nted
by me to consider and report upon this subiscs
have given much time and thoughtful con-
sideration to It. and, do not hesitate TO say,
you will be surprised at their findings, and I
feel sure you will approve their report and
recommendations. It is certainly not the oo-
ject of the Grand Army of the Republic to keep
open the wounds of the war, but of this we sIs
determined. that one side in that great struggle
was right and the other side wrOBg-and
we not the wrong side, aud we don't in
tend that our children shall be taught that We
were. | hope the report of this COMMITTEES will
receive the careful consideration Of this En-
csmpment, and this or a similar com mittss be
kept at work until the school histories in ass
in the public schools tell the truth.
POLITICS
The Grand Army of the Republic is not .
political organization. 1t has within its ranks
men of all political faiths who were equally
non oil Tts Rnia md paon Iatio fo-h
the discussion in its Posts of political subjects
or the use of the Order for political purposes.
The desire for public Office is laudabe one,
especially to men who have bfaved their lives
for their country, are capable, and unable to
properly maintain themselves in other chan
nes. The veteran believes himself entitled 70
consideration, and he is, but be should not use
the Grand Army for that purpose. If be asks
Endorsement of his Post, there are comrades
there of other political faiths who cannot in
dOrse him, or if successful be may displace
another comrsde. Personally / will indorse .
camrade, if capable, every time, rather than
one who is not comrade, but officially will
iudorse 10 one. In the case of one Departments
have been compelled to require the with
drawal of circular issued for political pur-
poses and doing evident I'M ury to aspiring and
worthy comrades.
Again, parties are using the emblems of the
Grand Army for advertising purposes. They
are too sacred for such use, and we should ask
our Legislatures for the enactment OF laws
making such use illegal.
woMASs RELIEF CORPS
Who can measure the length or the breadth
or the hight or the depth of woman's love and
devotion, or who can measure the value of tins
service rendered to us by our great auxiliary,
the Woman's Relief Corps? How many q poor,
comrade or widow has been cheered
and aided by these good women how many q
weary path made lighter by their kindly min
istrations. Many q eomrade and Post would
have lost their membership but for the open
hand of this organization. In season and out
of season they minister to our wants, make our
meetings enjoyable, sustain in our work.
They have started and maintained homes for
the needy comrades, their wives or widows;
they are the most constant visitors at public
homes, furnishing of their means delicacies
and comfortable furnishings not otherwise at
tainabe. They are constant and persistent
of patriotic teaching In fact, they
are what woman was intended to be-s help
meet, indeed. We shall need their kindly
services more and more age and iuhrmity
creep upon Us. Their work, indeed, has but
lust commenced, and we wish that their num-
bers might be increased by the enlistment, in
this one body, of every loyal woman of tine
land whose circumstances would permit her
CO. operation. Every Post of the Order should
have rs Woman's Relief Corps auxiliary. Mrs.
Agnes Hit, the National President. has been
a tower of strength to me in my work. have
visited the Department Conventions of that
Order as every opportunity. and spoken words
of announcement to them, while their num-
bers and enthusiasm have been an inspiration
to me.
SONS OF VETERANS.
am more than ever impressed with the i'm.
portanee of organization among these young
men, through whose veins courses the blood of
rs brave, loyal, and patriotic men as ever
braved death for country's sake. have seen
the fires of patriotism light up their eyes a
they were enabled to do service for the veteran.
| would encourage them to organization, 70
take a high stand on the side of good order,
good morals, and good Government; TO be in
dependent of US or any other organ ization, bias
to show, by their actions, that they come from
patriotic stock, and are ready to help. If need
be- now and to fill our places when the greas
Reaper has made his last CALL / believe is
would be encouragement to these young men
to invite them to hold their annual gathering
at the same time and place as we hold our En-
campmeut They would receive benefit from
the spi.t and enthusiasm Of the veterans there
as embed, and we would be able to see for our
selves what the boys are doing TO maintain oar
patriotic standard
Yorng men, your country needs you. Fail
her not.
CONCLUSION.
To the Vice-Commanders and to my official
and pers Jual staff, who have so splendidIy sus-
ma in h0 h.v