The National tribune., 1899-09-07

schools is a matter of much qualification.
1t cannot be questioned bnt that the proper
education along patriotic lines, instillfng
into the minds of the youth of our land
higher and purer spirit of loyalty, love of
country and flag, is one of the safeguards
of our Nation, and of the highest import
ance to the future welfare of our country, as
well as the perpetuity of the cherished
institutions of our land. It ennobles and
prepares for the higher duties and obliga-
tions, and the proper exercise of the rights
and privileges of American citizenship
How fitting it is that the Grand Army of
the Republic, composed as it is of men whose
valor and heroism saved the Nation, should
in the closing years of its existence have
inaugurated this grand work, the results of
which are far reaching, and cannot be
measured in its bearings upon the future
citizenship Of our country. This work is
receiving much attention from our COM
rades of the Department of New York, to
whom much credit is due, for the progress
that has thus far been made. The Wo-
mans Relief Corps is assisting very ma
terialiy in this work, especially through the
means of the Flag salute" which they
have successfully introduced in many of
the schools.
Having learned that there were a number
of members OF the Grand Army of the Re
public as well as those eligible to member
ship, located in Porto Rico, Cuba and the
Philippine Islands, and with a belief that
| the instituting Of Grand Army of the Re-
public Posts in those islands, would ma
| terially aid in the dissemination of patri-
| otic sentiments, and instilling into the
minds of their citizens American ideas OF
love of country and flag, began a CORE.
spondence some three months ago with
members of OuH Order residing at different
points on these, islagds, and while nothing
definite has as yet been accomplished, still
there is some encouragement, and / would
recommend that the incoming Commander.
| in-Chief continue the effort, believing there
will be ultimate success and much gool
accomplished as a, result
DEPOSITORY.
| The wisdom of establishing a depositor,
| of the records and Archives of the Order has
been demonstrated On the material benefits
that have resulted. The systematic care Of
the property under Comrade j. II. Holcomb
documents, correspondence, ETC., are care
fully preserved and filed away for future
ready reference in q place Of security, easily
accessible, is a matter of much satisfaction
and | am convinced should be continued
from year to year.
In conclusion permit me to express nv
profound qualification for the high honol
conferred upon me, one year ago, when, by
your unanimous vote ! was elevated to the
exalted position Of Senior Vice Commander
in-Chief, and with strongest emphasis tc
convey to each and every member of this
matchless organization my highest ap
Ipreciation of the uniform kindness anG
courteous manner in which l have beer
sustained during my brief administration
as Acting Commander-in-Chief
The hearty, splendid cooperation ani
warm-hearted comradeship so generously
rendered and contributed has ever been al
encouragement and an inspiration. The
requirements to perform the high and re-
sponsible duties which came Unexpectedly