Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-09-07

lAklnE UP the question OF tllAIEllb Allt
date of the observance OF Memorial day
the commander strongly recommended that
Il fall on the last sunday in May, as he
was unfavorably impressed with the way
the day was now being observed as re-
CARDS games and diversions Of one kind
and another. He said: 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 IL IN the hearts of future
generations. And as we now front face
in one line Of Christian American citizen
ship, one in love of the stars and stripes,
and one IN loyalty TO the union, We can
we'll unite on one Memorial day for our
dead, when the mOurntul and yet sweet
memories of our departed dear ones may
be httingly and lovingly remembered as our
heart and tastes point out the way.
His Ambition.
Concerning his services as commander Mr..
Shaw said. My ambition has been 10 win
your approval OK ms record AZ ~ close a.
well done and TO this end have devoted
my whole energies. The year has been
both the sweetest and saddcst of my lie,
and the delight OF my election as your
commander IN chief was later chastened by
the death OF my devoted and noble wife.
In the valley OF sorrows ] have proved
the meaning of the words one taken and
the other left and the lamp of the Lord
has been my consolation in the presence
OF the majesty and mystery OF what We
call death.
Nearing Final sunset.
In conclusion Mr.. Shaw said:
I'VE are nearing the hnal sunset OF our
lives and our work is mainly done. Let US
so live as TO inspire our youth with safe
Ideals Of patriotic love OF country. and
thus secure the culture of a citizenship
worthy OF our age, and one that will DOM
mate all the future along the Hottest planes
OF enduring liberty.
And now. In fraternity, charity and 10y
atty, with a full heart Of gratitude for the
honors conferred and friendships formed.
and with deep and abiding affection for
our noble order, | wish you every happi-
ness, and may God bless you every one"
No Change of Pate.
The committee which had taken
the annual message Of Commander in
Chief Shaw under consideration re-
ported approval of all his suggestions
with the exception of that relating
10 a change of date of Memorial day
from May 80 to the last Sunday in
May On this the committee reported
adversely. aud their report was adopt
ed by the convention.
Total Membership.
The actual membership of the Grand
Army of the Republic. as shown in the
report of Adjt Gen. Thomas J. Stewart,
was on June 80 last 1862; members
suspended. 29.474; total names on rolls,
316l3O. During the year 6,969 mem
bers were dropped from the rolls, hav-
ing been previously suspended. The
death rate has increased from 2.7s in
1899 TO $50 in 1900.
Auxiliary Societies.
The Woman's Relief Corps, Ladies
Of the Grand Army, Daughters Of Vet
Grams and, ex-Prisoners of War held
business sessions, the latter rejecting
James Atwell, OF Pittsburgh, national
commander.
Chose Their Chief
Chicago. Aug. 31.-The Grand Army
of the Republic yesterday elected Off
GERS as follows:
Commander In chief-Leo Rassieur. ST.
Louis
Senior vice commsnder-E. c. MiIlikeps
Maine.