Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1899-09-06
BUSY DAY FOR G. A. R.
Business Session Of the Encampment
Begun and Reports Of ON.
GERS Read.
Contest For Commander Between
Shaw, Of New York, and Res.
sisur. Of Missouri.
Ex.Prisoners Of War Give q Parade
and Various Auxiliary Asso.
Ciations Hold Meetings.

campment. The contest for comman-
der-in-chief is between Col. Albert D.
Shaw. of New York. and Judge Leo
Ressieur, of Missouri. Reports Of Of
fcers were read as follows:
Report Of Thomas j. Steward, adju-
tant general:
The total membership Of the Grand
Army OF the Republic in good standing
June 80, 1898. was 1918 posts, with a
membership Of 305, SOB; on Dec. 81, 1898
7,17S posts, with a membership of $685.
747. and on June 30, 1899. 6,965 posts
with membership of 2S7,9S1. Ex-
pended in relief during the year, $780,
955.64.
THE year 1890 was the high-water
mark in membership (4O9, ,489). Every
year since then has shown a decrease
and it is not likely that any year in
the future will show gain over losses
although enough comrades and ship
mates Of the army and navy Of the civil
war period yet remain to make such a
thing possible. Each year shows an in
creasing death rate among the member
ship. Surely the Grand Army of the
Republic is marching into the shad-
ows.''
The remainder of the report deals
with routine matters.
In view Of the death OF Commander
in-Chief Sexton while in office, Judge
Advocate General Ell Torrance, of Min
neapolis, suggests an amendment to the
regulations to the effect that the vice
commanders be declared successors In
such cases in the order of their senior
1ty.
The report of Quartermaster General
Fred w. Sphinx, of Chicago, shows tota
receipts OF $26,30s; expenditures, $14.-
636; balance on loans, 81, ,672;; invest
ments in United States bonds. SIG. 900.
The address Of Senior Vice Comman.
der-in-Chief W. c. Johnson, OF Cincin.
natl, opened with a memorial tribute tt
Commander-in-C Chief James A. Sexton
Past Chaplain -in- Chief Rev. Thoma:
C. Warner and George K. Mallory, 9
member of the national council of adj
ministration, all of whom died during
the year, and follows with encouraging
reviews of the work of the Sons of Vet
erans and the Women's Relief Corps
& The latter has membership of IA, ,93t
and expended for relief during the yeal
$61, 1872.
The Ladies Of the G. A. r. also came
In for good word.
The matter Of dissatisfaction with the
administration of the pension laws was
treated at some length and the order is
referred to the report OF the pension
committee on the result of its investi-
cation into the subject.
The veteran in the public service and
necessary legislation for his protection
were also treated fully.
On the subject Of the Spanish -Ameri-
can war Col. Johnson said In part:
..The Spanish American war, though
short in its duration, has wrought some
almost marvellous changes and accom-.
plished some far-reaching magnificent
results, in which the survivors Of the
Grand Army of the Republic have es-
pecial reason for rejoicing and satisfac-
ton. and / might say, congratulation
The cementing OF the ties of nationa
fraternity. the open recognition of the
fact that we are one nation with one
nag. and are a strong, united people. is
especially gratifying. 1t has demon
strated to the world that the American
soldiers and sailors stand today, al
ever, for intelligence, pluck, bravery
yalor, patriotism and endurance, pre-
and immense, and can be quickly util-
ized.'
Col Johnson then referred in words o1
praise to the matter OF supplying
United States flags for the schools OF
Porto Rico, initiated by the G. A. R.
and added as to our own schools:
..The success attending the earnest
efforts OF our comradeship in the intro
duction of systematic. patriotic teach
ing in our public schools is a matter OF
much qualification.
In addition to the national encamp-
ment, the following auxiliary associa.
tions began annual meetings today:
Naval Veterans. Woman's Relief Corps
Ladies Of the G. A. r., Union ex-Prison-
crs of War, Ladies Auxiliary, Nationa
Army Nurses Association and Daugh-
ters OF Veterans.
In addition there were many corps
reunions during the day and night The
show feature was the parade OF Unior
ex-Prisoners of War.
The report of Mrs. Matte Jamison
OF Tippett, ILL.,, national secretary of the
w. r. c.. showed a membership of 49,.
426; contributions to the emergency
fund for soldiers Of the Spanish -Ameri.
can war. $59,2Ss. The report of Mrs. Isa-
bella T. Bagley. national treasurer
showed total receipts of $42.O41 to the
general fund and balance of $l4,147
Mrs Mary E. Hartwell, national pa.
triotic instructor, reported great sue.
cess throughout the country in teaching
patriotism in the schools.
In executive session Commander-in.
Chief Johnson delivered his annual ad.
dress Then the committee on resolu.
tions was appointed. Acting Comman.
der-in-Chief johnson was elected t.
serve the unexpired time Of the late
Col. Sexton. which will be during thu
present encampment.
PRESIDENT VISITS SHIPS.
~ prssideut mads : visit 70 Admira