Evening star., 1899-03-04
ASSOCIATION OF SOLDIERS
Spanish American War Veterans to Organ
ize for Promotion of Mutual Interests
0bIiteratiOn of Sectional Lines One of
the Purposes in View-General
Wheeler's IndOrsement.

The proposed new association to be form
ed of soldiers who fought in the war of
1S9S, to be known as the Spanish-American
War Veterans Association, is receiving en-
couragement from every quarter. A call
has been issued for a meeting in this city
for September B. 4, . and 6, when the or
ganization will be perfected. The associa-
ton will have for its objects, among other
things, the wiping out of sectionalism in the
land, which, it is believed cannot be ac-
complished by the Grand Army of the Re
public and the Confederate Veterans Asso-
citation. no matter how long these two or
ganizatiOns may continue. and despite their
efforts to bring the sections together The
Spanish-American War Veterans Associa-
ton will be composed of the officers and
men from the east, the south, the north
and the west. All will join hands frater-
nally and work for one end-the mante-
nance of the glory of American arms.
Some of the other objects of the proposed
association are the fostering of a more un-
selfish patriotism and the corporate effort
10 secure the enactment of legislation in
state and nation in the interest of soldiers
the army and navy generally. These OBJ
Jects are set forth in d circular call which
is being sent out by the secretary of the
new organization. Mr.. William ChristOpher
Liller of Lancaster Pa. Elaborate prepara-
tions will be made for the convention in this
city, and it is expected that d large number
OF delegates from all the states in the Union
the territories and the District of Columbia
will be in attendance
The Endorsement of the scheme to form
TINS new veterans association by a local
post of the Grand Army of the Republic
Will be followed it is expected, by similar
action throughout the country. All agree
that the soldiers and sailors who fought so
Naliantly in foreign lands and on distant
waters should organize for their own good
and for the accomplishment of the objects
above mentioned.
Gen. Wheeler Interested
Major General Joseph Wheeler has hearth
ly approved the plan to form the organiza-
ton. In a letter to the secretary he says:
Il heartily approve of the suggestions
contained in your letter and will most
gladly permit the use of my name on the
projected circular referred to-
Brigadier General ]. P. s. Goblin in the
course of a letter, says:
Il assume that there will be an organiza-
tion formed of the soldiers of the late war
similar to that of the Grand Army or Con-
fedeIate Veterans, and the great advantage
OF this proposed organization would be that
ii would embrace men from all sections of
the country. l certainly favor such a prop
ositton. l notice some efforts have been
made in this direction and local organiza-
tfons created, but for all purposes 1t would
be preferable to have a general call T
think, and if the use of my name can add
to 1t you are perfectly at liberty to use it
in that connection"
, George NJ. Studebaker late colonial of tho
l3ith Indiana Volunteers, writing of the
association, gives these thoughts:
md the sentiment and purpose set
forth in your circular to be highly com
mendable, deserving of the Endorsement of
those imbued with the spirit of patriotism
such an organization as you suggest NAV
be OF great benefit in uniting more firmly
then ever the parts of our country. the
north and the south, the east and the
west"
Mr.. Iiller has received numerous addi-
tonal letters on the subject, all in favor
of the plan.
The executive committee has already been
suggested and will doubtless be composed
as follows: Major General Joe Wheeler.
chairman; Brigadier General ]. P. S. Goblin
Major E c. Davis, Atlanta, Ca Major
Russell b. Harrison, provost marshal :. n
Army Corps.
A very enjoyable surprise party was
given Miss Blanch Pushaw. 1914 Vermont
avenue. Friday evening, by her young
friends In the eighth grade FRANKLIN