The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-18
INDIANA'S GRAND ARMY
LARGE ATTENDANCE OF VETERANS
AT THE COLUMBUS MEETING.
PrOfuse Decorations I'm Honor OF the
VisitOrs-POints from the Address
of Commander Dodge.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.


COLUMBUS, Ind, May 1.-THE streets,
the hotels, the public buildings and depots
are swarmng with G. A. R. men. 1t is the
occasion of the nineteenth annual encamp-
ment of the Grand Army of the Republic,
which opens tomorrow. The Grand Army
men do not meet alone this year With them
are the Ladies of the G.. A. R., and also the
Woman's Relief Corps, and for the first
time in the history of the organization the
Sons of Veterans and the Ladies' Aid So
ciety, which is auxiliary to the Sons of
Veterans.
Columbus is fully prepared to entertain
all who will come. Each train has been
met and the visitors have been escorted to
the bureau of information. Here they are
assigned TO quarters in the private homes
of the city. The hotels are already overflow
ing with guests. Everything is being done
in a systematic manner, and there is little
or no confusion. There is nothing but praise
for the committees that have arranged the
plans.
In the line of decorations the city has
undertaken to excel any city that has yet
entertained these organizations. Colonel
Dodge says they are more elaborate than
have been displayed in any other city. The
electrical effects are beautiful. Washington
street and the streets that intersect it are
lined with arches intertwined with red,
white and blue bunting and incandescent
lights. Three arches span the principal
street. The first is the welcoming arch. On
this stands a sentinel, guarding the city.
The second bears a shield and revolving star
studded with electric lights: on the top is
statue of General John A. Logan,
mounted On the third arch is a representa-
ton of the battle ship Maine; below the
vessel is a flag, constructed of electric
rated. In the residence portion of the city
the houses are draped with flags and bunt-
ing. The homes of Hon. Joseph L. Irwin,
Captain w. j. Lucas, president of the
First National Bank; Hon. P. H. McCor-
mack, f. Volland, f. T, Crump and DIR. j.
w. Prall are among those that deserve
of indianapolis. said this evening: "Colum-
bus has more than redeemed her promise
to give the Grand Army complete re-
any city. It's committees were at the train
anxious to see visitors to their quarters.
me DECORATIONS are most elaborate Pri-
Vate residences away out to the suburbs are
covered with national colors. Many resi-
dences are most tastefulIy decorated. For
the Day before the encampment the arrivals
by the evening trains were very large If
tomorrow is as fine day as was to-day
more people will be in Columbus than have
ever been in a city of its population in In
diana Bands and drum corps are parading
the streets giving spirit to the occasion.
introduced with brighter auspices"
Tonight receptions were held at all the
headquarters of the various organizations.
Tomorrow night a banquet will be given
the visiting newspaper men at the st.
Denis Hotel.
Commander Dodge, with his staff, is pres
ent, and the officials of all the other orders
are also here. They will review the parade
which will take place tomorrow afternoon,
and which will be the feature of the day
The military organizations will be followed
by an industrial parade representing the
city and its manufactures.
There are four candidates for the office of
department commander. They are Rev
Daniel Ryan, Of Utica, who seems tonight
to be In the lead; D; W Brown, of Indian
apohs; B. B. Campbell, Of Anderson and
Russell P. Finney, of New Albany The con-
test promises to be spirited. The fight is on
the dividing of the offices of adjutant gen
eral and quartermaster general which have
beer. combined in one. 1t is proposed by one
Iaction TO separate these offices and divide
the salary. The work has heretofore been
done by one man. r. M. Smock of Indian
apoils, now holds this office. The first bust
ness session of the encampment will be held
tomorrow morning.