Santa Fe new Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1898-1951, 1900-04-12
The Growing Feature Of the G. A.
r. Encampment Greatly Enjoyed
By the Old Veterans.
JUDGE M'RIE'S FINE ADDRESS
Other Speeches Too Were Of An Eloquent
and Patriotic Nature-Army Rations
rved-Encampment Adjourned
This Forenoon.

the visiting comrades in attendance up
on the annual encampment of the New
Mexico department of the Grand Army
Of the Republic and to many invited
guests was in all respects notable and
enjoyable event, and certainly reflected
much credit upon the members of the
local post. Both socially and intellectu-
ally it was glittering success. Fra
grant memories of the occasion will
long and vividly linger in the minds of
all who were so fortunate as to partic-
ipate in Its pleasures. Fully 300 Grand
Army men and representative residents
Of New Mexico assembled around the
hospitable tables Of Carleton post and
partook with keen relish Of its gener-
GUS good cheer, consisting Of steaming
black coffee, baked pork and beans, cold
baked ham and roast beef, bread and
butter, pickles and other substantial
supporters Of the inner man, from tin
cups and tin plates. The banquet was
intended to be approximately typical of
soldiers rations, but the veterans pres
ent recalled many occasions during the
years Of their perilous service in the
civil war when such a spread would
have been deemed a feast fit for the
400"
Following the material feast of good
things came rare banquet of speeches
and music presided over with grace and
urbanity by Post Commander John P.
Victory, who "opened hostilities" with
most fitting address of welcome to all
present, concluding with we'll merited
tributes to both the retiring and the in
coming department commanders. He
then presented Judge John r. McFie,
the new department commander, who
was accorded a genuine ovation.
Judge McFie delivered an address
that was at once eloquent and evidently
heartfelt. He thanked the post COM
mander for the highly complimentary
illusions to himself and the retiring de-
partment commander, Col. George w.
Knaebel, but declared that this was a
bean bake given in honor of all present,
and not tribute to any particular In
dividuals. All were at home, and all
had an equal share in the honors and
pleasures of the evening. This was one
Of the beauties of American citizenship.
Americans were at home in every part
Of this broad land. He very highly
priced the honor conferred upon him In
his election to the exalted post Of COM
mander of the department of New Mex
leo. The Grand Army of the Republic
was one of the most honored, respected
and beneficial organizations in the
country. 1t had grown to be a power
for good during the past forty years, its
influence was felt everywhere, and par
ticularly in the national capital he had
noticed with satisfaction that it was
potent factor in shaping pension legis-
lation in the interest of old soldiers,
who deserved all they had ever received
from congress and q great deal more.
But as he looked over the gray heads of
the veterans present and recalled the
many faces that had forever disap-
peared from such earthly assemblies he
was unspeakably saddened. The ranks
Of the Grand Army were rapidly thin
ming, and in a few more years would
fade away; but there was the comfort
ing thought that our boys were filled
with the same patriotism and courage
that inspired the millions who flew to
arms in defense Of country in the COS,
and they would bravely fill the vacant
places. He loved to be with Grand Army
men. There was a comradeship between
old soldiers like unto that between old
schoolmates, and the ties binding them
together were Of the strongest fiber.
Death alone could break them. He
praised the gallantry Of the boys who
took part in the late war with Spain,
particularly commencing the New Mex
leo volunteers. and impressively alluded
to the great benefits the country had
derived from that war in the bringing
together of the people Of the north and
the south under our common flag In
defense of our common country against
foreign foe. He was proud Of the fact
that the same Joe Wheeler who nearly
scared him to death during the civil
war led his son in triumph up San Juan
hill. In concluding. the speaker read
with much feeling the touching poem Of
Gen. Albert Pike on THE Passing Of the
Years."
After the singing of "In Days of Old
by Max Pracht, whose magnificent
voice thrilled every one, Col. George w.
Knaebel was called on to respond to q
toast to the retiring department COM
mander. He spoke with much earnest
ness. feeling and propriety. particularly
rejoicing that the north and the south
had cordially shaken hands across the
bloody chasm" and that the "bloody
shirt" was at the bottom Of the chasm.
to remain there forever. The Spanish
war had removed the last traces Of Sec
tional bitterness. We were all Ameri-
cans and all equally ready to defend our
nag against any foe. When we were en-
gagged in war with the south we were
fighting foemen worthy Of our steel.
who were as sincere in their belief that
their cause was Just as were we Of the
north. The Grand Army Of the Repub-
lie. although Justly proud Of its achieve-
ments during the civil war and since,
did not claim q patent on all the pa
triotism and loyalty In the country. The
late war with Spain proved that there
was plenty Of It In our boys, and that
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