The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-02-24

Nearly 3Vu veterans OF liat CANii w sal
assembled at Conover hall yesterday
at the annual encampment of that
grand old organization, the G. A. R.
The gathering was a representative
one. including delegates from ia posts
all over the state of Minnesota. coming
within the Jurisdiction of the Depart
ment of Minnesota.
The session lasted all day. and ex-
cept for a short space during the morn
ing il was closed To all except the
wearers Of the blue. The morning ses-
sion was given up largely 10 routine
business. In the afternoon some unfin-
ished ends were picked UP. and an i'm
pressive memorial service was held in
memory of the departments dead and
C0mmander-in-Ch James \. Sexton,
who passed away snort time ago.
The social side of the gathering was
evident at the Commercial club in the
evening. when a reception was tender
ed the visiting veterans by the city.
The spirit of fraternalism which has
ever been evident AT gatherings of the
q. 4. r. was not missing yesterday,
ana the inrOads made by the grim
reaper and the thinning out of the
ranks only made the spirit Of brother
ly love and patriotism stronger in the
breasts of those who defended the
Union in the SOS.
SOLDIERS HOME AID.
The most Important matter taken up
by the department. was the question
Of the restoration of the annual $4,000
appropriation for the maintenance of
the Minnesota State Soldiers home.
Four years ago the legislature failed
70 make the usual appropriation. and
since that time a continuous draft has
been made on the soldiers relief fund,
with the result that over $4,000 has
been used in maintaining the home at
Ninnehaha park. Without a dissent
ing voice, the gathering voted to go on
record in favor OF the restora ton of
the appropriation. To this end q. COM
mittee was appointed consisting of
John Day Smith, Of Minneapolis; NJ.
W. Bates. of Duluth; F. B. Doran, ST.
Paul. L. I. Wheelock. OwaUOnna, and
@. A. Whitney. OwatOnna, TO draw up
suitable resolutions and make a report
TO the meeting today. The committee
IS also designated as a Legislative COM
mittee. and it will present the matter
10 the legislature, with suitable me-
mortal and Endorsements.
4 pleasing feature of the afternoon
session was the presence of commit
tees from the WOman's Relief corps and
Ladies Of the G. \ r. bringing the
greetings Of both organizations. Mrs.
Van SAINT from the former Organiza-
ton. presented to the session the plan
which the ladies We're furthering with
the desire to secure sufficient funds to
erect a cottage home at AnOka for the
old soldiers and their wives.
FUSILLADE OF DOLLARS
One Of the comrades in the front row
tossed a dollar on the stage in response
To Mrs. Van SAINTS appeal for financial
aid. 1t was the signal for a general
fusillade Of dollars. which came from
all parts of the house Before the
amazed officials occupying places on
the stage could realize the situation.
dollars were coming from all parts Of
the stage. When they were all col
lected it was found that nearly 800
had been contributed towards the
home The incident only served TO
show the sentiment which was strong
est in the hearts of the old soldiers
The morning session was called to
order by Commander E. W. Mortimer.
of Minneapolis, and followed by the re-
ception Of the cOIOrs. a beautiful
stand Of cOlors was borne down the
isle to the platform. In reverence the
old guard Of the Grand Army stood
and saluted the nations emblem of
liberty and freedom.
The Brant post quartette. Of Mime
apOiis. sang the beautiful anthem,
Elias Without STAIN
Mayor kiefer who was 10 have de-
livered the address Of welcome was
unable to be present. and Can't. j. c.
DOnahOWei. of MINNEAPOLIS. welcomed
the delegates TO the Twin Cities.
Capt Donahower asserted that it was
an occasion Of genuine pleasure to him