Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-09-14
COMMANDER IN-CHIEF ALBERT D. SHAW.


Louis, had declined to be a candidate.
Carly in the campaign there were
three candidates W. c. Johnson, of Gin
einnati, who was acting commander.
in-chief, was first mentioned, and the
names OF Col. Shaw and Judge Rassieur
later became prominent. Johnson's
boom was ended Wednesday with his
election to the office for the unexpired
term OF the late commander, Sexton,
lasting two days. This rendered him
ineligible to candidacy for another
term and with the election of Col.
Shaw he becomes past commander
in-chief. The friends of Col. Shaw and
Judge Rassieur claimed the victory un-
til the Missouri veteran at yesterdays
session OF the encampment withdrew
from the contest in favor of his New
York opponent.
Aside from the selection of COM
mander-in-chief the pension question
received the major portion of attention.
The report of the pensions committee
WAS as follows:
cur committee on pensions respectfully
presents this supplemental report pursuant to
the instructions of the encampment We re-
specially direct attention to section All of the
revised statutes of the United States. which
rcaVs us follows; The commissioner of pen
ssohS snail perform under the direction of the
secretary of the interior such duties In the exc
cu'lon Of pension and bounty laws as may be
prescribed by the president.
Resolved, That this encampment respect-
fullv represents to the presidentits eurnes, con-
viction that rule 225, now in practical effect in |
the adjudication of claims for pensions, under
section of the act of June a. 1890 in the pen
sion bureau, works grave injustice to worthy
eX-Soldiers and ex-sailors, and we express the
hope that you will find it consistent with your
duties aSexecutive officer to abrogate this rule
ana fe-establish the principle as defined in rule
lGl
Resolved, This encampment Respectfully
represents that the practice in the pension
bureau in barring widow claimants who have
an income of S96 q year, is not warranted BY the
terms Of law and we warmly indorse the recon-
incubation OF the commissioner of pensions to
secretaries of the interior that the
be increased to $50 year
hesolved, That the commander-n chief an
point Il committee of five comrades to present
10 the president certified copy of the action of
This national encampment with an expression of
our earnest desire for justice only to our djsa-
1led comrades and the widows and orphans of
'ur dead under the letter and spirit Of the law.
Resolved That this committee Is hereby au- I
'horized and directed in the event that 1t is de-
ermlned that relief may not be accorded by the I
administrative ofl1cers of the government, to =
present to congress a request for the amend
neht OF the law In such form as to make certain /
ne true intent Of the statute as we believe 1t O
an he construed as herein presented.
Corporal Tanner was of the maior;tv !,
Vt the committee. He made an address c
coring the practice alleged to have !
'een adopted by the pension bureau. d
After much heated discussion the re- C.
ort was referred to the committee on q
Late in the afternoon mo- tt
ion was made to return to the south R
ags captured during the war. This r,
'as killed as was also motion TO y
Omit sons of veterans as members of ii
he Grand Army of the Republic. pr
hortly before adjournment Adit.
ZEN. Thomas ]. Stewart, of Pennsyl- :
ania, was re-appointed. Il
The newly-elected officers were in
talled' Gen. Louis Wagner, of this
ty, past commander-in-chief, con-
ucting the ceremonies, after which
lie encampment adjourned sine die.
The features of the fourth davis
'lebration of the G. A. R. encamp- W
ent were the illumination of the
orth Atlantic squadron and the camp
re of the Union ex-Prisoners of War, sd
9TH of which occurred last night so
he lighting up of the feet drew large or
owds to both the Pennsylvania and
cause, although he declared that fine
liter formed only small point in do a.
G prosecution of Picquart and that Di
far as he was concerned. the pro. ap
'dings were only instituted in order EST
to allow a French officer TO liza
meath the blow of the CHARGES ins
ought against him by Mai. Lauth nc
the fact that Col. Picquart Ian. n' 4
shed ten months in prison under to
'se unproven accusations cannot be rec &c
'arded otherwise than as blot upon gus
reputation of Gen. Zurlinden and O.
4 more Of the general staff. .