The National tribune., 1901-04-18
LADIES OF THE GAR.
Work of Members in California.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The spirit Of
fine fraternity, as 1t should exist In the Grand
| Army household. and which was so ioyously
! eSemplifed on the occasion Of IN elaborate
reception and banquet rendered the Depart
neht commander, Geo NJ Mott, OF this city
sisted Dy Sumner and Fair Oaks Corps, to-
sether with the Ladies' Of the G. A. r., is, we
fhlnk, worthy OF mention in your columns
By q happy coincidence, the Department
President OF the W. r. c., Mrs. Cora Merritt.
OF Oakland. and Mrs. Olive A. welch, OF San
Jose, Department PRESIDENT Of the Ladies' Of
the G- A H., were both In the city in Off
claI capacity, and by pre-asrangement an the
part OF the Reception Committee, these dis
tingulshed officers were guests at the recep-
tion, participating in the addresses of wei
come. responses and toasts. Our city paper
In referring to the occasion, says: THAT it
was most fatterlng testimonial OF the love
nander and the Presidents Of the Ladies So
cietes were held by their comrades and
friends In and about Sacramento"
The beautiful and sentimental custom of
the Ladies OF the Grand Army OF placing
upon the breasts OF deceased soldiers a sIken
nag Is becoming more and more acceptable to
tion.
Very impressive ceremonies were recently
held over the remains of n deceased comrade
in the Assembly Chamber of our Capitol Build.
ing. which was fttingly drapped for the Occa-
sion. Felow-members OF the House and
Senate, the Legislature being in session, rep
resentatiyes Of the State. personal friends
and comrades, were present to pay their last
tributes to the deceased Legislator. Sumner
and Warren Posts, with folded colors draped
with mourning insignia. and the members Of
Edward ROby Circle. L. OF G.. A r. were In
reserved seats. After the many eulogies
tributes and other services, the Ladies' of the
Grand Army surrounded the casket, and their
''rltualiStic remembrance" was conducted by
Past Department President Herr.
Our Past Department Chaplain, Fannie B.
Stothard, OF John L. Wyman Circle, Oakland
reports similar services at the obsequies OF
the late David Irwin, centenarian and veteran
OF four wars, Sister St0thard giving the flag
the breast of the aged veteran who had
served 1t so loyalty and so often.
From Sister Wilmington, Correspondent
Secretary OF Seven Pines Circle, San Fran
cisco, We have received the sad intelligence
of the death OF Sister Sarah A. Metcalf, 4
great bereavement indeed to this Depart
ment, and n personal loss to many, she being
widely known in Grand Army circles through
out the East and West.
As charter member Of the Department OF
California Ladies OF the G. A. r., Past De-
partmcnt President, and Counselor, and Ma
tlOnal officer, her services to the Order were
most efficient and valuable. Beloved and
Of honor as 4 true veteran of the civil war,
in which she took an active part in her New
England home.
AS the time for our Department Convention
approaches, we become more and moro en-
thuslastic, looking forward to these annual
Reunions with much pleasure; strongly equip
ped with the courage OF our convictions, as
to the unselhshness and wisdom of our Organi-
cations, We are ready to enter upon whatever
duties may be imposed upon us.-ELIZA
HOLLOWAY WAGNER, Department Core
spending Secretary, Sacramento, Cal.