The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-02-24
THE GRAND ARMY.
What Veterans Are Doing for
the Good of the Order.

The 22d annual Encampment of the De-
partment of Nebraska, held at Norfolk.
was largely attended by the rank and file
Vi me order, as well as delegates and off
GERS. Commander John A. Erhardt pre-
SIDED. Mayor Bear, an ex Confederate
soldier, welcomed the allied Orders to the
clty- Prayer was offered by Chaplain Z. IL.
Eighmey.
Commander Erhardt's address touched
on many matters of interest to Nebraska
veterans. He referred to the fight he had
led Tor the continuance of the Soldiers
Home at Milford, when a bill was before
the Nebraska Legislature for its disband-
ment.
Said Commander Erhardt: "Ibaye n,
ambition TO enlarge orr numbers excent bv
the addition OF our comrades, hut it seems
10 me that when we lose by transfer two
members Tor every one that VIC receive
when we suspend for non-payment of dues
three members for every one that we rein
state, when we lose by death and honor
hDie discharge as many members as we
muster in, II becomes a matter of grave
Importance TO our continued existence
NO comrade should be suspended for
non payment OF dues if fnanc ally unable
u pay. No transfer cards should be issued
except TO enable Il cOmrade 10 tran fer his
membership from one Post to another
1ruc, many OF our comrades are coo-. and
OWING to business depression in the mast
Fave been out OF employment; many OF
our comrades on the farms have had a
struggle for existence, and added to this
that many are unable to attend the Post
meetings by reason OF their infrm ties. have
allowed themselves to be SUSPENDED for non
payment Of dues: bot " tn a brighter SIM
sh ming uron their pathway, and with the
Increased prosperitythat we are now ha wing
! see no reason why a very large mai rit y
OF or Comrades who have been suspended
cannot be induced TO take their places as
active working m embeTs"
The report of Assistant Adiutant Copara,
Gage showed heavy loss. On Dec. 81. 1896
the membership w IS 7,264. There was a rain
from all sources Of G25 The loss by death
was 123, by honorable Discharge l3G nv
transfer 222, by suspension 639 hy djshon
orable discharge &, and by dclnauent re-
Torts 276; a to al OF 1893. The membersh;n
DEC 81 1887, was q .iD1
Sc Tor Vice Commander r. J. Majors was
unanimously elected Commander. Other
officers chosen are: S. Y. c., John E. Eyuns
North Platte; J. V. c., II. b. Stafford
tlainview; Medical Director j. r. Hapcard
Chap, w. =. Pease; Council of Adminstra-
ton, DR. w. II. BanweI! John Reese. w s
Askaiih, N. Cordy, and j. +. Diener. Dele
gates, Comrades Mclaughlin, Stiles, Bon
ner, B.ainley, and King Aliernatcs. Com
rades VIII amso1, Mitchell, Trucker.
George, Meade, and COrdy. The next meet
ing VIII be at York.
Among The resolutions passed was one
ask Pres dent Mckinley to have liberal
and fair construction placed on existing
pension laws. Appropriation sufficient for
hospitals at the Grand Ielard and Milford
III ers' Homes was asked of The Nebraska
Legislature. Gen. Thayer introduced a
resolution cOndemning DR.. Andrews. of
rown University, and President Elliott. of
Harvard, for unpatri3tic ute ances regard
ing Union soldiers and pensions.
DEPARTMENT DoINGs.
W. w. Cooke Post, 472. Hamilton. On
tario, Canada, recently held an enthus iastic
Campfire with L. S. Consul Sheppard as its
guest. Nearly 30 veterans were present.
Comrade Gason is Commander Adi't
James RyeTs0n writes: This Post was