The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-08-30


be changed, causing much trouble. %
That it would not be wise TO change the
date as originally designated, and 80
that the clergy would not approve the Sc
lection of Sunday. These objections
appear almost trifing in view Of the fact
that the growing tendency Of making on
ordinary holiday of Memorial Day, more
conspicuous for games and sports than
as a memory day for the dead, as now
the rule. AS 1t does not need a seer nor
prophet to foreten that in few years
after we are all gone. the sacredness of
this one day of patriotic memories will
be dead and gone memorial unless its
original purpose is wisely safe-guarded
The new custom Of scattering flowers on
the waters in memory Of those who died
on the sea in battleships or otherwise Is
touching memorial worthy Of the widest
extension and observance. The object in
thus urging the designation of the last
! Sunday in May for a national Memorial
Day is in order that the sacredness of the
| Sabbath may preserve 1t in the hearts
! of future generations-for on this day the
graves of soldiers and sailors and all our
dear ones could be decorated, each order
and friend doing this in their own way
and all to teach that life and death are
| the common lot OF man, and that the cul-
ture Of the living is measured by the ten
der memories of their dead. The legisla-
ton necessary for this change would be
so easily and readily provided as 20 rem
der objections on this score without force.
This noble organization (referring to
the Womans Relief Corps has been a
tower of strength during the past year,
/ and stands for the largest influence as an
auxiliary of our order. The devoted 10y
atty Of its members to all the inspira-
tons of patriotism and good citizenship
are too well known and appreciated 10
call for extended reference at this time,
| Wherever there is a Womans Relief
| Corps a good Grand Army post will al
ways be found. Their work is one noble
in its aims, rich in sympathy, and un
ceasing along all fraternal lines. The
| generations to come, in our great coun-
try. cannot fail to rise higher and higher
in love of the union and loyalty to our
American civilization with such woman
hood as IS now found in the ranks of our
worthy Woman's Relief Corps and SINH
lar organizations. In their financial aid,
Also we are greatly their debtor. and in
behalf of the Grand Army our best
| thanks are rendered them
What is true of the Womans Relief
Corps applies largely to the Ladies of the
Grand Army. Their object is mainly the
same, and in all that strengthens loyalty
and patriotism they are on an equality.
These and other loyal women's organiza-
| tons working for the culture of righte-
BUSINESS and valor among all the people
deserve the fullest confidence and merit
the nstinted praise of lovers of true lib
erty.
THE nearest approach to privileged
sons Of our soil is found in the Sons of
Veterans. To be the worthy son of a
| worthy veteran of the Union army or
navy is indeed proud distinction. And
the deep and abiding interest which stirs
the heart of every veteran in behalf of
the Sons Of Veterans is evidence of re-
gard and affection of a commanding
character As to how the Grand Army
can best aid in the development and
strength of this organization is perplex-
ing question. A copy Of the re-
port Of the department of Massachusetts,
accompanies my report. Your comman-
deri-n-chief suggests the appointment Of
a strong committee by this encampment
to specially consider this important mat
ter and report to the next national en-
campment.
THE experience Of the year now about
to end leads me to impress upon our
Grand Army the urgent necessity OF pru-
dent and wise organization. In union
L.
fort there is victory In division there
is failure There can be no
doubt that the only safe and right way
to approach the congress for needed ma
ticnal legislation in the interests Of our
Grand Army is through the regular COM
mittees and officials of our organization.
Hundreds of pension bills were intro
duced in the last congress, the vast ma
jority Of which failed 70 pass. In such
confusion there is weakness. for out OF
the mass Of these bills some are found
to be drawn as to shock the reasonable
Judgment OF prudent people and thus our
position and claims as veterans and com
rades are prejudiced in the minds Of
many would-be friends. Il
should be our anxious aim to 50 con
duct the affairs Of our Grand Army in
the future as TO merit a continuance OF
the happy relations now established be-
tween the congress and ourselves. This
can he done Il considerate caution Is
exercised and prudent counsels are fo3-
lowed
According 70 the report OF the adju-
tant general. the membership on June
80. 1870. was 27s.ss2 The net loss for the
year from ali causes IS I1,5ia. IN this Is
included 7.7o comrades who have dies
since our last encampmeut Among ihs
number who have died during the year
ARE Past Conuande-s-inChi Is
! George Sargent Merrill Of Massachuset-s.
who died az Lawrence, Nassachusetts.
February L. 800, and John Patts-eoa
Rea Of Minnesota, who died al Nieoiet
fIslaaa. Minnesota. MAY =, 100.
1T IS with mingled feelings = pride
and pain that lay down Ire trust soE
placed in ny hands che year ago- Awe
done what could % EfTit the co71isnca
q comrades AMI % mset The demands ~
my position II rs acceptable a way e.
possible. We are Al nearing
the anal sunset or cur Uses an5 olsT xork
Is mainly done. Let rs - i've IS - ~
SHIRE our yorth wfth safe IDEALS % al
rlotfc love q country. za1 thus sou :
the culture q q citizenship WORTHY - CIR
iaze and ore .hat WI S71laste ~ she
future along the lot,iest planss of @asEr-
iug llhcrsT~
Foll5ws-x the aasrezs = Gs7e-si sAazr
cane long ust - rsPorts susrn-.ts4 ~
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