Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1900-02-28

eeuIoiS. lHiuOlS udu something over
twenty posts then and was the only
State organized into department with
department officers. Since. then the
army has prospered until every State in
the Union almost has department,
large membership and large benefit
revenue. In 1890 the comrades num-
bered over 100000; to-day, less than
ten years later, the army has been re-
duced to but trifle over two-thirds the
high-water mark.
Line of March Shortened.
Year after year the line of march In
all parades has been shortened, that the
faltering veterans may not be over
fatigued. Even when civic pride de-
mands the old long lines the men with,
the blue blouses and bronze buttons
pass the reviewing officer and then.
again dropping their military forma-
ton, fall out of the line and mingle with
the people who assemble TO see the pa
geant. STOPPED shoulders bent under
the burden of years have replaced the
erect body, and slow, hating steps have
replaced the jaunty stride of the war
days. The old men clinging fondly to
the trinity of the order, charity, frater-
nifty and loyalty, turn out indeed, but
the long marches of forty years ago are
beyond their strength.
Steadily each year the percentage of
loss by death is rising until to-day 1t is
almost as high as 1t was in the days
when muskets were borne over the
shoulders or leveled in fight. Nine
years ago the high tide of the army
was reached. Even then the losses by
reason Of the falling out of stragglers
whose memories alone remain was
heavy, as heavy as the average loss by
death in any great battle. Last year
the decrease in membership and the In.
crease In iower-decked mounds was
nearly as great as the total losses from
all causes In the stiffest fight any mem.
Der ever participated in.
But few years remain of earth to
the men who fought the good battle to
preserve the Union. None lives now
with here and there notable excep-
tion-but those who were beardless
youths when they went to the front to
throttle the most serious rebellion the
world ever saw or ever will see. The
men who In 1861 wore boards and had
the tread of mature manhood have gone
before to blaze the way to the haven
of eternal rest for their juniors. Thirty
four annual encampments have been
held since the organization was born
In Springfield. A round dozen more as
semblies will see the closing of the
records, for the veterans will be all
gone and posterlty will have but the
recollection Of what they did and how
In all the years since the close of the
strife they have kept alive the loyalty
to the flag which sent them out to face
death in Its defense.
In Past Encampments.
But few years ago 1t was no uncom.
mon thing for 100000 boys in blue to
assemble In the city chosen for the an
nual encampment of the Grand Army.
Not all. indeed. held seats in the ma.
tional body. but where that body met
the comrades have been wont to meet
and fight again the fights of the war.
To-day If half that number-in spite of
the heavy membership In Chicago and
the State-should assemble from all
over The broad land 1t would be nota.
BILE gathering. Age. poverty-few OF
the members are wealthy-and distance
from the scene will prevent many a
man from attending. Yet in every
breast Will be the hope. for every vet.
eran realizes that this may be his last
opportunity to meet with his comrades
this side Of the grave.
Thirty-seven years ago. while at the
front lighting for the Union. the Idea of
an association Of volunteers after their
military duties had closed was born in
the mind of son of Illinois. DR.. Ben.
lamin Franklin Stephenson, surgeon OF
the Fourteenth Illinois Infantry. and
a native of the State. was the man who
6rst thought out the scheme which has
worked so grandly. With him as tent
mate and intimate friend was Chaplain
W. ]. Rutledge. In the quiet hours OF
the night after "taps" had been sounded
these comrades often talked of the hope
of organizing the Grand Army. As
early as the spring of 1862 Mr.. Rut
ledge broacled the topic and DR.. Ste
phenson elaborated 1t to include ma
tional order.
Looking far into the future the Doc
tor saw that distress would come to the
men of arms as the years passed by
Wounds and disease would cripple
them prematurely. Hardshlps and ex
posture, bad food and not enough Of thai
in the field would shorten the term Of
their active business life. Hope Of ale
they would have none unless. banded
together as brothers. they should re
lieye each other. Seeking to keep alive
the fires of patriotism, seeking to pro
vide o relief association which should
aid BY the highest type Of charity 2 Dc