Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-09-07
E. A. R. NOW AT WORK.
Veterans Settle Down to Business In
Philadelphia.
LIVELY TIMES EXPECTED.
Effort to he Made to Change Method
of Choosing Executive Commit
tee, Which Is Practically
the Governing Body.

Philadelphia, Sept. 1.-THE real bust
hess OF the Grand Army gathering begar
with the assembling of the national en-
rampment in the Grand Opera House
pne of the most spacious structures in the
city. The election of the next command
er in chief is an important question which
will he decided by the delegates.
Colonel William C.. johnson Of Cincin-
matt, the acting commander in chief, has
been elected TO fill the unexpired term of
two days. This renders him ineligible to
candidacy for the full term, and he will
be given the title of past commander In
chief
The contest for the commandership is
between Colonel Albert ID. Shaw of New
York and Judge Leo Ressieur of Mis-
souri,
There are likely to be lively times in
the meeting of the council of administra-
ton after the adjournment of the CON
vention. There will be an effort to change
the method of choosing the executive
committee, which is practically the SOW
erci"n body of the national organization.
Hitherto it has been the rule to author
ize the commander in chief to appoint
from the members of the council of ad.
mlnlStratlon seven men to act as the ex-
ecutive committees. Added to their num-
Der are the adjutant general and quar-
teltnaSter general who are also appoint
ed by the commander in chief.
Elections of the commander in chief
ana other officers are made by delegates
selected one from each LOCO comrades,
delegate at large from each state or
department and all past commanders in
chief and senior vice commanders In
chief.
In addition to the national encamp-
ment, the following auxiliary associa-
tons began their annual meetings:
Naval veterans, Women's Relief CORPS
Ladies of the G. A. r., Union Ex-Prison-
ers of War, Ladies' Auxiliary Naval
veterans. National Army Nurses associ-
alton and Daughters of Veterans. In
addition, there were many corps reun-
ions during the day and night. The
show feature was Il parade of Union
EX- Prisoners of War.
Adiutnnt Generals Report.
Thomas j. Steward, the adjutant gem
eral. says in his report to the encamp-
ment:
The total membership of the Grand
Army of the Republic in good standing
June 30, 1888, was 1913 posts, with a
of 300 SOB. on Dec. 81, 1898
a. - posts. with Il membership of 29S,-
III. and on June 80. 1899. 69O5 posts.
with membership of 2S7, 1881; expended
in relief during the year. $50, 955.64
The year 1890 was the high water
mark in memberShip-409,4 S9 Every
year since then has shown decrease,
and it is not likely that any year in the
future will show a gain over losses, al
though enough comrades and shipmates
Of the army and navy of the civil war
period yet remain to make such a thing
possible. Each year shows an increas-
ng death rate among the membership.
Surely the Grand Army of the Republic
s marching into the shadows One year
lgo | reported Il decrease of $346.33 in
DER capita tax received, as compared
With the previous year, and said then the
decrease would be greater in amount
ZACH year. This year there is decrease
If Al over last year; in two years,
'1T.14. The decrease in the sale of sup
'lieS over the year ending June 80, 1898,
$ s., .,42 22
The address of Senior Vice Command
L In Chief W. c. johnson of Cincinnati
pened with Il memorial tribute to Com
lander In Chief James A. Sexton, Past
'haplain In Chief Rev. Thomas c.. War
or and George X. Mallory, member of
he national council of administration, all
whom died during the year.
On the subject of the Spanish Ameri-
an war Colon% Johnson said in part.
1.-The Spanish-American war, though
lort in its duration. has wrought some
most marvellous changes and accom-
lShod some farreaching, magnificent re-
hts, III which the survivors of the Grand
Imy of the Republic have especial rea
N for rejoicing and satisfaction and. |
Ugh say congratulation. The cement
g of the ties of national fraternity, the
zen recognition of the fact that we are
lc milton with one flag and are a strong
nted people. is especially gratifying. 1t
Is demonstrated to the world that the
merican soldier and sailor stands TODAY. {
ever. for intelligence, pluck, bravery, l
lor, patriotism and endurance pre-emi t
mt; that our resources are varied and q
mcnse and can be quickly utilized" S