Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-02-07
GIVES FIGURES ON FRAUDS
Comparative Statistics Given by Commander
in-Chief Shaw, G. A. 3.
Opening Proceedings of the Encamp-
ment of Department of
Potomac, G. A. II.

The thirty-second annual encampment of
the Department of the Potomac. G. A. r.,
opened last night in the hall of the organi-
cation on Pennsylvania avenue. Com
mander~ Calvin Farnsworth presided, and
laid before the gathering a letter from
Commander-in-Chief Albert D. Shaw, who
left the city yesterday to attend the we'd
ding of his daughter.
The co4lmander-in- chiefs communica-
ton devoted the consideration of
the pension fraud cry" and he presented
arguments in support of its refutaton. He
stated that there had been but little notice
taken of the frauds, indictments and prose-
cutiors throughout the country, excepting
as to those relating to pensions, and quoted
figures from the last annual report of the
Attorney General showing proceedings on
account of violations of different laws as
follows:
Internal revenue laws-Convictions 4,O21 ;
acquittals s25; noile prpssed. 1,t9S.'
Post Office transformations, 10; acquit-
tails, 81; nolle pressed 244.
Customs transformations, 1885, acquit-
tails, n; nolle pressed. 80.
Pension aWS-Convictions, 100; acquittals
II: nolle pressed, SS.
The cases still pending July |. 1899, were
4,SS9 for violation of internal revenue laws,
13' post office, H. customs and 1876 PEN
sions.
Regarded as Proof.
These figures wrote Commander Shaw,
strike me as remarkable proof of what l
said about the frauds cry against pensions,
and hope these facts will be widely read
We seek impartial and quick justice in all
pension claims and we have a right, as
veterans to be regarded as sayiors of the
ration. and not as lOoters of its treasury:
for there would have been no national
treasury had our brave foes of the sos
destroyed the Union.
The time has come for plain speaking,
in just words, and l have full faith in the
loyal-hearted people of our country that
they Will see that our moderate and rea-
sOnable requests are granted.
Other business of the evening included
the reception of reports from Assistant Ad-
jutant General B. f. Chase. Assistant Quar-
termas;er General ]. H. Devices. Medical
Director j. D. R. Hayes Inspector f. Y.
Calvert, Judge Advocate A. n. Thompson.
Senior Vice Commander G. H. Slaybaugh,
and others. These statements had all been
examined, audited and printed and were
Kay of New York delivered an address on
Grand Army of the Republic privileges and
present responsibilities.
Election Tomorrow Night.
The next session will be held tomorrow
night, when the annual election will occur,
for which nominations We're made last
night. George H. Slaybaugh. now senior
vice commander has no opposition can
didate for department commander. The
other nominations were: For senior vice
commander, Leander p. Williams and c.
NJ. Robinson: Junior vice commander. Israel
W. Stone, now chief mastering officer:
medical director. DR.. Thomas Calvert; chap
lain, Rev. r. w. Davenport: delegates to
national encampment. John NJ. Keys. Chas.
Matthews. L. X. Brown, James I. Thomas
and Lawrence Wilson; alternates. Denis
OConnor, w. H. Fuss. Fred. H. Smith, G.
F. Graham and Richard Henderson.
WOmnn's Relief Corps.
The eleventh annual convention Of the
Woman's Relief Corps, which is auxiliary
to the Department Of the Potomac, also
began last night at the G. A. R. building
There was a large attendance. In her an
nual address President Charlotte A. kib-
hey recommended an increase in quarterly
dues and retention of membership in the
federation of clubs. Satisfactory reports
were received from the senior and junior
kittie Waggaman. The report of Secre-
tary j. Z. Evans showed GIL members in
good standing. During the year 7O5 per-
sons had been assisted at a total cost of
s1,79457, including s1,039SO in clothing
Treasurer Annie b. Frost reported receipts
during the year of $49J26 and expenditures
S45S.12. Inspector NJ. w. Fuller reported
that Burnside Corps led in amount of re-
lief work during the year, George H. Thorn
as Corps being second and Lincoln Corps
third
The convention will meet again tonight,
when officers for next year will be elected.