The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-02-25
FLoRIDA's GRAND ARMY.
Fifteenth Annual Encampment Held
at Palatlxa.

Palatka. Fla. Feb 22-Washington's
birthday has been duly celebrated here
BY many manifestations of patriotism, de-
spite an almost constant down pour of
rain.
The Putnam House is profusely decorat-
ca with days and bunting, ana the spa
cious dinning room is scene of dazzling
beauty. The orchestra has discoursed nat
ional airs and guest, both male and female,
have decorated themselves with beauti-
full miniature flags.
The main attraction however, has been
the annual encampment of the Grand
Army Of the Republic at Masonic Hall
While the attendance, owing to the freeze,
is smaller thar usual enough old soldiers
have come in to give success to the oc-
casion, and crafty Veteran Post of this
city. whose guests they We're
No char in assessments or appro-
priations v suggested for the new year
There have. Gcen many deaths of old SOL
diers the past year
The encampment met this morning with
Commander Packwood presiding. Several
of the department officers were absent,
Col. H. F. Dutton of Gainesville being
kept al home on account of sickness. The,
usual reports were read and adopted, res
olutions in regard to the death of Cotn-
raander-in-Chief Sexton and Past Depart-
ment Commander McMurray and Col Ca
ter were passed and large amount OF
routine business transacted Col. S. Her
bert LaRcey, specia. aide TO the eomman>
der-in-ch eff in charge of military instruc>
ton in the public schools of the depart-
ment, made a very gratifying report Of
progress, largely due 90 the recent national
military convention at Tampa. 8 No ac-
ton was taken in regard to national
soldiers home in Florida az the time does
not seem propitious for such movement.
Sanford was chosen without opposition
for the holulng Of the eneampment next
year. Hearty thanks were voted to Vet
eran Post and the peop.e OF Palatka for
their generous Hospitality.
The following are the newly-eleeted Off
GERS for the present year who were in
stalled in due form al this afternoons ses-
son: Commander. Edwin KIRBY of Po-
mona POST senior vice commander. George
NJ Brown, U. s. A.. of Chatde4ds Post. az
St. Augustine; junior vice commander.
Frank G. Purcell Of Terry Post. at Tam
pa; surgeon DIR. w II. Cyrus of Veteran
Post. at Palatka; chaplain Rev. Samuel
d. Paine OF Harvey Post al Sanford;
council of adm nistratIon James Bell of
Gainesville, George If. Mathews of Dav-
tona. w. H. Cook of Pomona, d. Lecn-
lietner of Pa.atka, W. j. Allen of jack
sonville; delegates 10 national encarnp.
ment az Philadelphia. Walter w Hunt OF
Thomas Post. at LongwoOd, with Samuel
w. Fox Of Mitchell Post, at Jacksonville.
as alternate. The assistant adjutant gen
quarternaster general are 10 be appointed
eral, the judge advocate and assistant
| by the new commander.
The musical and literary and social on
tertanment tonight at the armory. given
by the CITIZENS of PalatSa, was one of the
most enjoyable ever attended by the en-
| campment. Commander George L. Fox
and Senior Vice Commander II. c. Clark.
with Adjt j. e. Marshal of Veteran Post
! were very untiring in their efforts 10 make
| il success. DR.. w, +. Cyrus presided
| over the large ana cultured audience pres
emit the blue and the gray occupying the
front center seats in body. The address
of welcome by Capt w. NJ. Davis son OF
! Congressman DAVIS, was quite eloquent
| ana was responded to by Capt Charles NJ
Ellis of Jacksonville, in a cordial and ap.
| preciative manner. The chief addresses