Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-09-07
VETERANS
IN SESSION
The Grand Army of the Re-
public Holds Business.
Meetings.
MANY REPORTS MADE.
Abstracts of the Annual Reports OF last
Years Oficers-Auxiiiary AssocI-
ations Also Begin Their An
nual Meetings.

ID 70
Philadelphia, Sept. 6.-(By Associat-
ed s.l-The business session of the
Grand Army began today with the as
semhling of the national encampment
The contest for ommander-in-chief is
between Col. Albert d. Shaw, of New
York, and Judge Leo Ressiuer, of Mis-
souri,.
In addition to the national encamp-
ment, the following auxiliary associa-
tions began their annual meetings to-
day: Naval veterans, Woman's Relief
Corps. Ladies of the G. A. r., Union
Ex-Prisoners of War, Ladies Auxiliary,
National Army Nurses association, and
Daughters OF Veterans. III addition
there are many corps reunions during
the day and night. The show feature
was the parade of the Union Ex-Pris-
oners of War.
In executive session COMMANDMENTS
Chief johnson delivered the annual ad-
dress, and this was followed by the
reading of the reports of officers.
The following is the report of Thorn
as j. Steward, adjuiunt general:
"The total membership of the Grand
Army of the Republic in good standing
June 80, 1898, was 1913 posts with a
membership of 3O5,6O3; on December
81, 1898, 7,17s posts with a member
ship of POSTAL, and op June 80, 1899,
l6,965 posts with "A membership of 2s7,-
1881. Expended in relief during the
year. $160,955.64.
"The year 1890 was the high water
mark in membership. (4O9,4s9). Every
year since then has shown decrease,
and it is not likely that any year of
the future will show gain over loss
es, although enough comrades and
shipmates of the army and navy of the
Civil war period yet remain to make
such thing possible. Each year
shows an increasing death rate among
the membership. Surely the Grand
Army OF, the Republiciis marching in
| to the shadows"
| The remainder of the report deals
with routine matters.
/ LII NlGN u lllG ueuiu VI
in-Chief Sexton while in office, Judge
Advocate General Eli florence, of
Minneapolis, suggests an amendment
to the regulations to the effect That
the vice commanders be declared sue
cessors in such cases in the order of
their seniority.
| The report of Quartermaster Gener-
lal Fred w. Sphinx. of Chicago, shows
total receipts, $26,30S; expenditures,
S14,636; balance on loans, $11, 6T2;, In
vestment in United States bonds, $16,-
900.
| The address of Senior Vice-Comman-
lder-in-Chief w. c. johnson. of Cincin-
natl, opens with a memorial tribute to
Commander-in-Chi James A. Sexton,
Past Chaplain-in-C Chief Rev. Thomas c.
| Warner. and George K.Mallory. mem
Der of the national council of admins
tration, all of whom died during the
year, and follows with encouraging re-
views of the work of the Sons of Vet
Grams and the Womens Relief Corps.
The latter has a, membership of 'l41 $50
and expended for relief during the
year, 61.192.
| The ladies' of the G. A. r. also come
| IN Tor good word.
The. matter OF dissatisfaction with
the administration of the pension laws
is treated at some length and the or
der is referred to the report Of the
pension committee on the result of its
Investigation into the subject.
The veteran in the public service and
necessary legislation for his protrac-
| ton are also treated fully.
| On the subject Of the Spanish-Ameri-
can war, Col. Johnson says in part:
''The Spanish-American war, though
short in its duration. has wrought
some almost marvellous changes, and
accomplished some far-reaching mag
niticent results, in which the surviv-
ors of the Grand Army of the Repub-
| lie have especial reason for rejoicing
and satisfaction, and might say, con-
graduation. The cementing OF the ties
of national fraternity, the open recog-
milton of the fact that we are one ma
ton with one fug. and are strong,
united people is especially gratifying.
II has demonstrated to the world that
/ the American soldiers and sailors
stand today. as ever, for intelligence,
pluck, bravery. valor. patriotism, and
endurance, pre-eminent, TINT our re-
sources are varied and immense. and
can be quickly utilized"
Col. johnson then referred in words
of praise TO the matter OF supplying
United States flags for the schools OF
Porto Rico, initiated by the G. A. t..
and added as to our own schools,
The success attending the earnest
efforts of our comradestip in the in
production OF Il systematic, patriotic
teaching in our public schools is a maj
ter of much qualification"
Then the committee on resolutions
was appointed by Netting Commanders
i in-Chief Johnson. who was elected ia
serve the uneNpired time of the late
Col. Sexton. which will be during the
present encampment.
The report of Mrs. Matte Jameson
of Tippett, H., national secretary OF
4 the W. r. c., showed the membership
to be 11o.426; contributions 10 the EN-.
ergercv fund for the soldiers OF The
| Spanish war were $59,29s. The report
Faz