The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-05-24
G. A. X. Receptions Last Night Toe
Overflow Took TO the streets.
THE FIGHT FOR COMMANDER
CAUSING LESS TALK THAN w. IL. Cs
PRESIDENCY STRUGGLE.
Outlines of Colonel Hyan's Annual
Address and the Department Re-
ports to BE Made To-day.

Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
TERRE HAUTE. Ind, May 23.-The open
iLg day of the state G. A. r. Encampment
Was marked by the arrival OF nearly twenty
thousand visitors and delegates. All trains
arrived with from three to fourteen extra
coaches fun OF passengers and the after
noon train from Indianapolis ard the East
was run in three crowded sections. The
famous Culver Black Horse Troop. accom-
panied by the Culver Military Band ana
three companies of Culver cadets. arrived
at noon i'm charge OF Major Gignlliat and
Lieutenant Floyd. The Black Horse Cav
airy gave an exhibition drill at the fair
grounds this afternoon and the entire COM
mand will take part I'm the street parade to-
morrow.
The sham battle at tae fair grounds this
afternoon was witnessed by a crowd or
nearly O,00O and from 10 o'clock this morn
ing until $3.50 o'clock this afternoon the
street-car system was crowedd TO its utmost
capacity. After 1 O'Clock no attempt was
made TO carry any passengers on any but
the main line to the fair grounds. The cars
were all jammedtan passengers sat on top.
Two motor cars broke down from over
loading At o'clock this evening the crowd
commenced to come back to town and even
With the assistance of the VaDdalia Rail-
road the grounds were not emptied until
o'clock tonight.
The sham battle was a representation OK
the American attack at FL Caney, the bat
tefeld being laid out inside the famous
race track under the direction of Capt
George w. Bigler. late Of Company X. One
hundred-and-ffty-n Indiana. Capt. d.
F. Allen commanded two companies of in
fantry and one of artillery representing the
Spanish forces. while Captain Rich. with
four companies Of infantry and one or ar
tillery, represented the commander OF the
United States forces. The battle was car
ried out with all the advances and retreats
of the original and terminated with the final
capture Of the blockhouse on the Hill by the
Americans. The boom of the artillery to-
gether with the rattle OF the rifles brought
the excitement of the crowd TO the highest
pitch and every movement of the represents
atiye American forces was greeted with
cheers. The plan of battle had been care
fully arranged and the excellent drilling OK
the troops made everything go of smoothly.
Before the battle there were exhibition
drills by the militia companies and the Gull
YER Black Horse Troop gave q
specimen of cavalry tactics. Inc
bands from all surrounding towns
assisted by the Soldiers Orphans
Home Band, of Knightstown. and the Boys
Brigade Band, of the Terre Haute First
Baptist Church. gave a band concert during
the drills.
After supper the visitors were given re-
ceptions at the various brigade headquar-
tiers and at the state Normal School Hall.
AT the latter place the big reception was
held. and from there the guests adjourned
to the armory of Company ID. where sec
ond reception was given. At both places
speech making and musical programmes
were carried out The visitors did justice
TO their hosts and turned out I'm full force
They were invited TO take the city and they
have taken IT.
There is very little interest developine
over the contest for officers of the encamp-
ment but a bitter struggle is going on over
the presidency of the Woman's Relief Corps.
The candidates are Mrs. Zinn and Mrs Nil
ler of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Davis. OK
Michigan City, who is detained at home
by sickness II is a struggle for leadership
and the result cannot be forecasted yet
The session begins at o'clock In the morn
ing and the annual address Of Department
Commander Ryan, well as the annual re-
ports, will be heard by the delegate body.