The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-03
union VETERANS MHEP
Fifteenth Annual Eneampment of
the National Organization.
Nearly Six Hundred Delegates From
the Various Sections of the Coun-
Womnn's Relief Corps Also in ses-
sion - Welcomed to Washington.

The fifteenth annual encampment of the
Union Veterans Union and the woman's
Veteran Relief Corps. will hold the Sec
ond days meeting this morning at 3
O'Clock. the former at National Rifles
Hall, and the latter at typographical
Temple. Both sessions are to be held BE-
hind closed doors, this being prescribed
by the bylaws of both organizations The
business which will be brought up for
discussion consists of the reports o: the
various committees, and the widow and or
phan fund.
1t is not likely that the election OF
commandment -ehief and two deputies will
take place at this mornings session. II
such should be the case, however, it is
almost certain that the present command
er-in-chief, Gen. r. C. Dyrenforth, will
be unanimously reelected
The woman's Relief Corps will elect
president. senior vice president, junior
vice president. chaplain, and conductors.
The offices of secretary, treasurer. inside
and outside guard, are filled by the presi
dent. Mrs. Ada B. Johnson, of Bingham
ton. n. Y, is the national president.
The Union Veterans Union roll call at
the meeting yesterday afternoon brought
responses from $50 delegates, represent
ing Ill commands. They come from all
parts of the Union. and some of the
States have adopted peculiarly significant
badges. The badge OF the Kansas delega-
ton, for instance. consists OF an imita-
tion Of a huge sun-fower, with the word
Il o. in LOT
ire. The regular delegate badge, how
ever, is a handsome affair, and has been
made from metal from the memorable
Maine and historic Kearsarge.
There will be meetings this afternoon
of both branches and this evening Mrs.
Dyrenforth, President Of the Ladies'
Auxiliary of Hancock Command. will
tender reception at her home, 1922 New
Hampshire Avenue, in homer of the Wis
iting delegates of the Relief Corps. o. G.
Staples will tender the veterans a recep-
ton at the Riggs House tomorrow even
ing. to which the District Commission
ers. the board of managers Of the BUSH
ness Mems Association, and other prom
inent citizens of the District have re-
ceived invitations. Arrangements are be-
ing made for reception by President
Mckinley tomorrow evening
Logan and Green Clay Smith Commands
did honor last night to the visiting vet
Grams at their hall. 719 Sixth Street,
which was festooned with the Stars and
Stripes and the emblem of the associa-
tion- Colonel Meacham, chairman of the
entertainment committee. presided. and
as the first number on the programme he
introduced Prof. Beehe,s quartette, who
beautifully rendered the song, THE Flag
OF the Free"
General Legg, of this city, followed with
an address. advising the veterans not to
bind themselves to any political party, but
to vote for the one which has the interest
Of the veteran at heart. He said: mo mat
ter who occupies the White House for the
next four years, this country will go to
glory and lead the world" He was fol-
lowed by Gen. W. G.. Langstaff, Depart
ment Commander OF Iowa. who made a
short patriotic speech. Miss Corinne Hay
rendered Emma Frances Dawsons beauti-
full poem. "Old Glory" in perfect style, and
was loudly applauded. How We Kept the
Day" was another of her recitations to
satisfy the audience. Deputy Commander
Of Michigan G. J. Roberts. followed with
an address. bringing politics to the fore.
After he had finished the chairman inter
dicted political discussions for the even
ing. Miss Mamie Smith, the daughter OF
Gen. Green Clay Smith, after whom tho
command was named, reaped rich ap-
plauSe with her negro sketches. EX-Rep-
resentatIye s. s. Yoder gave a short sketch
OF the history of the organization, and
said that politics should not be brorgnt
into the festivities OF the evening. Mr..
Patrick Michael Finch, of Iowa, took tie
house with his negro sermon. The visitors
enjoyed themselves thoroughly. After tho
programme they partook of refreshments.
which were served in the lower hail.
The local commands. Hancock, Sedg-
wick. and Green Clay Smith, assembled at
9 o'clock yesterday morning In front of
their headquarters on Street and pro-
ceeded from there to the Riggs House, the
headquarters OF the encampment. From
here they escorted the citizens commit
tee and national officers to National Rifles
Hall. Commissioner Macfarland, as chair
man of the citizens committee. called the
meeting to order, and Major s. s. Lincoln,
of San Francisco. Cal. offered prayer. He
was followed by Commissioner Macfar-
land. who delivered an address of well
come, which was responded to by Com
mander-inC Chief Dyrenforth. Gen. A. NJ.
Legg. commanding the division of the
Potomac. and Mrs. Ada L. Johnson. the
President of the Woman's Relief Corps,
also made short addresses, dwelling on
the purposes Of the organization, the cul-
tivation of patriotism. the preservation of
comradeship, and the betterment of the
condition of the soldiers widow and
orphans.