The National tribune., 1899-09-07

ndIQ, uIlllSGu lt,cft
Throughout our country generally, III
every hamlet, village, town and city there
was a renewed and increased interest taken
in the observance of the day, which was
intensified by the newly-made graves OF the
fallen heroes of the SpaniSh-American war.
to which similar tributes of respect We're
reverently paid. Thus should it ever he TO
the Nations honored dead making Me
mortal Day one of tender, loving memories,
not only of the veterans for the war of the
Union, but of the noble, patriotic dead OF
the entire Nation.
This beautiful custom of honoring the
memory of the dead, not by costly sacrifices,
but by tenderly strewing the richest of
Spring flowers upon the grassy mounds,
has in it so much of pure simplicity, genu
inc feeling and sentiment and so much that
appeals to the higher and better elements of
our nature, that it must ever continue, as it
has already become, the sacred day of
patriotic citizenship. The Nation who
honors the memory and cherishes the de-
.yotion of its defenders will not lack for sup
port in any threatened danger or crisis.
SONS OF VETERANS. -ss.
Commanders-in-Chef in the past have
embodied in their reports many enceurag
ing words for this organization. 1t has
now successfully passed through the diff
culties incident to young organizations and
fairly settled down upon more solid basis.
with a more substantial and reliable mem
bership. Having gone safely through The
formation crisis and tested well It's fasis.
methods and principles, it is in most ex-
cellent shape for n healthy. prosperous
growth. Its object is a noble ore. Into
whose hands could we more safely place
the sacred trust Of carrying forward those
great principles Of patriotism. loyalty love
of country and her hallowed institutions
(which We fought for and cherish so dearly),
than into the hands and keeping of our
sons and daughters? They are bone OF
our bone" and flesh Of our flesh" and ara
imbued with the Spirit Of their fathers AS
a help to our Order in its declining years
they are devoted and their assistance in
valuable. 1t seems clear to me that we
Should foster and encourage close relations
with this splendid young organization.
trust such practical measures will be de
vised by our Order as will tend to strengthen
build up and encourage our "Sons OF Vet
erans to still higher sphere CT usefulness
and citizenship.
WOMAE'S RELIEF CORPS.
Icannot commend too highly the efficient
work and Invaluable assistance rendered
TO our Order by that magnificent auxiliary
organization. the Woman's Relief CorpS.
When we fully comprehend the full scope
OF the usefulness and charitable work per
formed by this loyal, devoted self-sacrific-
ing band of noble women, in their varied
fields OF labor and what has been and is
being accomplished through their patriotic
efforts, we can but express our gratitude
and appreciation in highest medes OF praise.
Page upon page might be written, and vet
he half would not be told
In every charitable and patriotic work OF
our Order We ever find the Woman's Relief
Corps to the front with willing hearts and
hands, from the establishment of Soldiers
Home down to the relief of the distressed old
veteran and his family, no matter how OBJ
scure. | am impressed with the fact thai
hundreds of g. A. II. Posts would not to- dav
be In existence but for the untiring labors
OF their Relief Corps. Upon Memorial Day
they are always present, and lend a helping
hand by liberal contributions and other
wise.
During the past year the Nationa
Treasurer of the W.RC., Mrs. Bagley
forwarded to our National Headquarter.
the muniiicent sum OF 81 ,028.56 as con
Memorial Day fund. Besides their grea
charitable work, they are teachers of Datri
otism and loyalty TO flag and country of tn
highest order, as demonstrated by thei
splendid work in our public schools. T
them we are indebted for that beautiful
and inspiring service now adopted in S
many OF the schools of our land-the "salut
to the flag"
Truly, the Woman's Relief Corps aboun
in good deeds and good works. AS tn
years go by and the infir1nities Of advance
age creep upon our membership. and til
need OF assistance grows more pressing. til
more will the services Of the W.RC. be al
preciated, and the brighter will their mattel
less deeds appear upon the imperishabl
pages of our history.
Over $3.50, 900 was expended for relief th
year, making a grand total expended ft
relief since its organization to juno 3
1893, Of 81, ,s73. .99171.
Another organization Of excellent d
voted women who have aided materially
the charitable work of our Order is that
the Ladies of the GAR, who have
many places rendered valuable service
and deserve our sincere thanks.
PENSIONS.
The question Of Pensions, always one
vital interest to large percentage Of Il
membership Of our Order, presents itself
this Encampment with perhaps deep
significance than ever before. The 70
reaching dissatisfaction and disaffection
TO the administration of this important ID
partment of tho Government has, duriI
the past year, found expression throug
resolutions adopted by many Posts, r