The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-06
OPENING DAY
Of the G. A. R. National Encampment
Exceeds Expectations.

Cincinnati, Sept. 6.-The opening day
of the thirty-SecOnd annual encamp-
ment of the G. A. r. surpassed expecta-
lions in the attendance and in the sue
ceSSful progress of events on the pro-
gramme of the first day. During the
Labor day parade and other parades,
escorting prominent arrivals from the
depOtS to the notes, the city presented
an unusually brilliant appearance, with
its elaborate decorations, which are dis
played everywhere.
Last night the Examinations were in
full blast everywhere from the trium-
phal arches in the public places and at
street intersections. ExcurSiOniStS have
been arriving by the thousands for the
past two days, and with the arrivals of
commandments Goblin and his
staff, Rear Admiral Kelly and his staff,
Mrs. s. J. Martin, president of the w.
Q. A, Mrs. Flora N. Davey, president
of the Ladies of the G. A. R., Mrs. Jen-
ME Laird, president of the Ladies Naval
association, and their respective staffs
of ladies, Colonel A. D. Shaw of New
York, Colonel James A. Sexton of Chi
cago and Colonel L F. Mack of San
dusky and their respective followers, in
the contest for the election of cOmman-
der-in-chief and others, the encamp-
ment of 1898 was in full blast on the
first day.
The large Music hall was filled to it's
limit at the naval camp fire last night
while receptions and reunions were go
ing on at other places all over the city
hall and Camp Sherman every night
this week, and smaller gatherings at
other points. There is a notable alb
sence of the old commanders, but they
have passed away. Many of the COM
rades refer to the serious illness of Gen.
Buell. who is now considered the rank
ing survivor of the civil conflict.
COMMUNICATIVE chief Goblin and staff
visited Camp Sherman in the afternoon
when the camp in charge of Captain
Byrne was formally turned over to him.
This camp has capacity of over $4,000
in its tents and ample provisions for
meals. The official salute was fired up
on the arrival of the commander-in-
chief after which the bands rendered
concerts. Prayer was offered by Rev.
David H. Moore, editor of the western
Christian Advocate, who was a colonel
in the civil war Major Joseph w Will
shire, chairman of the committee on
camps. made the presentation speech
and General J. P. s. Goblin responded
in an eloquent address of acceptance.
The ceremonies attending the raising of
the flag were in charge of Captain
Sampson, after which there was a con-
cert and other festivities.
Charles F. Sheriff, commander-in-
chief of the eX-prisOners of war, and
his staff, escorted by Patterson post of
Allegheny arrived over the Pennsylva-
MIA, when the local association and 9TH
er ex- prisoners of war who are in this
city, turned out and escorted them from
the depot to their headquarters at the
Commodore w. c. Collins and Comman-
der Captain Andrew Robinson, who
came from McKeesport, Pa, in a skiff
on the Ohio river, distance of over
500 miles. Their sl1iff is named the
Hobson and they have been holding re-
ceptions along the Ohio valley ever
since they started August 20.
The ladies are very largely represent
ed at the present encampment and
there is the usual rivalry between the
ladies of the G. A. R. and the Woman s
Relief corps. The business sessions of
their respective orders will not begin
until the encampment opens on Thurs
day morning. Meantime elaborate pro-
grammes have been arranged by the
ladies of this city and of adjoining
cities in Kentucky for their entertain
ment during the week
The executive council of the national
board of administration of the G. A. R.
met and appointed a committee to aud
it the accounts and report to the full
council. The business of the comman-
der-in-chief and his staff was found in
complete order No new business was
h1-O11orhf forward.