The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-04-29

section, no party and no creed 1t has
overridden state lines. political fences
and religious dOgmaS. We are one
country, under one flag and all Ameri-
| cans. There is no north, no south, no
east and no west, but one great indi-
visible and irresistible nation. If the
whole world assail US, we, of the old
army as we'll as the boys in blue today,
will stand together we did in the
olden days to uphold this government
until death-or victory crowns our eff
forts and our arms.
This is a political year. The depart
ment commander believes in politics,
and is himself a partisan, but, in the
G. A. r., there is no room for politics.
Let it be understood that the post
room and the campfire and the reunion
shut out politics in every form, and that
members of the Grand Army of whatev-
er political creed, are comrades, broth
erS."
The department commander will at
tend all reunions and campfireS and do
his utmost to increase the membership
of the organization. He anticipates
year of prosperity for the G. A. r. Re
ferring to the enlistment of troops and
their probable departure for the front
from Kansas, Commander Eastman
says:
whenever it is practicable, let the
veterans escort our soldier boys of the
present war to the railroad station and
trains and give them all the encourage
ment possible in their departure. Offer
them Godspeed, and make them know
that the Grand Army believes it is
sweet and glorious to die for ones coun-
try and Old Glory.
"They are not fighting to make them
selves free, but that all men, every
where, may be free; that the creed of
human liberty shall not be an empty
formula nor the brotherhood of man a
hooking dream.
The election of Mr.. Eastman places
at the head of the G. A. r. a man emil
nently qualified to perform the arduous
duties, which are connected with it.
Mr.. Eastman is one of the best known
men in Kansas. He has been a resident
of Emporia for 70 years. HIS proml-
nence as a Republican is well known;
his capabilities are unqueStiOned and
the fattering support which he received
for the office of department command
err is a high testimonial to his person
atty.
Mr. Eastman has always been an
earnest and devoted member of the G..
A. r. He has served his post in every
possible capacity and has been con-
slant and faithful in his attendance at
post meetings. He has served the de-
partment as a member of the council
of administration, as assistant quarter
master, as aide to the department and
national commanders, and as delegate
to department and national encamp-
ments and is thoroughly familiar with
the rules and usageS of the order, and
competent to perform all the duties of
department commander.
The friends of Mr.. Eastman have de-
sired to see him in this distinguished
position for years, but until last year
he declined to be a candidate for the
reason that his business would not per-
init him to give the time to the office
necessary to the proper discharge of it's
duties He is now situated so he Will be
able to give the time and attention nee
essary to the prompt and efficient dis
charge of his official duties.
He enlisted August 80, 1861, as a pri-
waite and served in the ranks. His SOL
der qualities were SUCH that he was
promoted to sergeant and quartermas-
ter sergeant of his company, and ser
geant major, first lieutenant and adJu-
tant of his regiment. He served until
1865, when he resigned on account of
death in his family. In every position
he has ever filled he has been true and
devoted to his duties and has always
received the appreciation and retained
the confidence of his constituents.