The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1900-09-27
RECEPTION TO cOMMANDER-IN.cHIEF.
St. Louis Grand Army Men Welcome Judge
Rassieur.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: Gen.
Frank F. Blair Post. of which Maj. Leo
Rassieur is Commander, gave him n re-
ception in their hall on his return from the
Chicago Encampment. Invitations had
been sent to all the Past Commanders
throughout the State, and to the Posts of
st. Louis. inviting them to attend. All
those who were prevented from being pres
ent very readily sent letters of deep re-
greet, and wished the comrades in attend
ance most enjoyable time, which was
surely had.
At an early hour the great hall was well
filled with a cheerful company of veterans,
anxious to meet the new Commandments
Chief AT the appearance of the Com
mander-in-C Chief with Judge Denton and
Adjutant- General Sterrett at the door, the
company arose and the Commander en-
tered and was received by Acting Com
mander Nogcl in Il few well-choSen words,
as he introduced Judge Denton. lie was
chosen to address formal words of well
come to the Commander-in-C Chief, which
he proceeded to do in n very creditable
manner, both to the speaker and to the
distinguished comrade introduced.
Comrade RaSSieur gave utterance to
words and thoughts that brought forth
rounds of applause from the comrades lis
tening. Being remarkably modest. he as
cribed the result of the election in Chica-
go to the popularity of the Department
of Missouri, but was willing to say that
as he CHANGED to be the representative of
the Department, he would give most will
ingly his best of mind and body for the
year to advance the interests of the Or
der and the wcll-being of the humbleSt of
the old veterans of the war and the wild
ows and orphans of the fallen comrades.
His words were wcll-chosen and We're well
received, as promises Of the future year OF
tl,.,, Ia
conclusion of his address a very large
sheaf of flowers was sent him by an old
schoolmate, with letter, which was read,
rejoicing in his election to the highest of
fee in the gift of the G.. A. r., saying that
he had always thought that he would come
to some great distinction in life, in this
land of his adoption. The Commander
was visibly affected by this unexpected to-
ken of respect from his old schoolmate,
and gave utterance to appropriate re-
Spouse in words of feeling.
Hassendeuble Post then gave to the
COmmander-inC n beautiful set piece
in flowers, in words conveying the love and
esteem of that Post of Germans. Command
er Pollard, of Ransom Post, then spoke in
behalf of n large delegation of the Post
seated by his side, assuring the Command
er-in-Chief that there was not n Post in
his broad command that would give him a
more loyal support than Uncle Billy's"
"Old Ransom" He then, in very touch
ing words, gave the Grand Army badge
worn by Gen. A. J. Smith in his lifetime,
which had been left in the care of a mem
Der of that Post, to Commander-in-C Chief
Rassieur, to be kept in the archives of
Blair Post. The comrades arose to their
feet, as the Commander received the sa-
cred token, and gave utterance to most
pathetic words, as he spoke of the life and
services of that heroic man and officer.
Gen. Noble coming in, was called upon
for an address. He told why it was ap-
prOpriate that the Chief of
the G. A. X. should be chosen from Mis-
souri,, at the late Encampment. III very
eloquent words he spoke of and to the dis
tinguished guest of the occasion, and pre-
dicted for him a very prosperous and ac-
tive administration.
Refreshments were then served, and a
time of hearty handshaking was enjoyed
and the comrades went to their homes
pleased with the glowing prospects for the
incoming Administration. 1t is useless to
say that this Department thinks that the
Commander has shown great wisdom in
the choice of his Adjutant- General, who
has already chosen his office, gotten things
arranged, and the first order out and
mailed to the ends of the Nation. In the
course of the evening the Commander-in-
Chief told the comrades that the banner
which had been displayed IN the march IN
Chicago, for prize to the Post making
the best show of uniform and march in
parade, was awarded to Ransom Post of
this city. This is only confirmation of
the spontaneous award made by the
crowds along the line Of march in Chicago.
Missouri is proud of her position among
her sister Departments, and will try to so
deport herself during this year that she
may feel even more elated at the next En-
campment in Denver.-F. II. HAGERTY,
Past Chaplain-in-C Chief, st. Louis, Mo.