Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1902-07-30
G. A. R. ENCAMPMENT.
Ine annual Encsmpment of tho Crane
Army OF the Republic will be One of
Unusual Interest.

inc annual Encsmpment of tho Crane
army OF the Republic will be One of
Unusual Interest.
The gathering of the Grand Army
IN reunion at Washington, D. c., the
first week in October has awakened
considerable enthusiasm among the
comrades in the state. Department
commander Starkweather desires Min
nesota shall make good showing and
issues the following circular letter;
Dear Comrade:
The coming National Encampment at
washington, which will be held during
tlie 1lrst week OF October offers us an
o'ner ana probably the last opportunity.
: 10 visit as a body of veterans the CITY
when 10 us must ever be the most in
es' e1 ing as Well as the most dearly loved
o1 the commonwealth of our country.
10 every American the CITY of WASH
1ngton Is sort Of Mecca, but to US it
must ever hold an attraction which is
not only greater but more tender and an
peallng; for it is the heart of our ma
t,ohai NE, and 1t typifies and represents
Inc OBJECT for which we so gladly Of
fered the greatest sacrifice man can
make. ~
rorty years ago many Of us marched
through Its streets in the flush of youth,
WIN light step and a buoyant heart.
Wnen We came into contact with the
oder men, when there was held up to
Us the grlef OF the nation, which looked
more IN sorrow than in anger at the re-
oelllous sons, We hardly understood the
meaning OF their tears. We marched
sayly out from it's walls, with our BAN
ners flung out to greet the sun. The
Deat OF the drum was not more confident
tnan the beat of our own hearts. the
sAinl ME was not so high as were our
n brave boys in blue were we, con-
iiuenc IN the victory over a foe whom we
imagined would flee before US, strong in
the thought that in a few short DAYS. or
weeks we would return with the hum
ple apologies of the few rebels whom we
inlsnt overtake in their flight Our only
n'a the shackles of the millions Of
slaves Whom We would liberate, and the
laurel wreaths which in all probability
would replace our fatigue caps. when
we came back We would take time to
look over the city, and we might di-
Versl1y our pleasures with receiving the
piaudlts OF a grateful people. All, nv
Comrades, who of us can look back upon
mat n'st visit to Washington without a
1ond smile of regret. Little did we know
OF the stern work before US, and not even
the most doleful fears Of the most home
SICK lad among us COLD paint the ex-
perlences of the days which heightened
into weeks, into months and dra
their black trail into the long years which
1ollo"eo oe1ore we again looked upon the
dome OF the capitol.
Our ranks were sadly broken. our
banners tattered, our heads bowed with
WEAKNESS, our hearts with pain, which
only the thought Of reaching home could
Tighten. What cared We for sight seeing
or Tor the beauty Of the city? The humb-
lest farmhouse or cottage, so it were
nome was sight far more beautiful,
ana rev indeed of the returning soldiers
tarr1ed longer than compelled by duty.
10 them, as to every soldier, a visit
to Washington at this time offers the
greatest promise of pleasure To go at
all would be enjoyable, but to make the
trip in the society of men who have
shared with you the scenes which are the
most vivid Of your life is indeed a de-
llght not lightly to be put aside. A gath
erlns OF the survivors of the civil war is
always an interesting as Well as pleas
uraDie occasion, but to meet where every
surrounding speaks with the voice of an
old and familiar friend gives an added
zest to every moment Of joy.
1t Is. therefore, urged upon your at
tentlon that the coming encampment is
out a snort time away. The three
months which separate US from the date
OF the meeting will soon be past and the
commander desires to call to your mind
the necessity of soon making plans which
may permit you to share the pleasure
which is promised us at that time. Make
up your mind to go. That is the first
step. and that decided upon, ways and
means OF putting your determination into
effect will more easily present themselves.
Low rates have been promised us and
the route selected will be one which we
feel sure will give the greatest amount
OF sightseeing at the least cost A
through train will be secured and will be
composed of baggage and day coaches,
tourist and Pullman sleepers. This will
present accommodations which will be
within the limit Of every purse and inso-
much as entertainment while in the city
| will range from the free lodgings, fur
nished to such Of the veterans as desire
to avail themselves of their use, to the
most costly and magnificent hotel SER
vice. the needs of every one are sure of
attention. Although it is not possible at
this time to give exact informa ton as
to the cost of tickets it may confidently
be asserted that the rate will be as low as
In former years, and the attraction Of at
! tending the encampment much greater.
Around no other city north of Mason 8
and Dixon's line cluster so many memo
rles of the great conflict. Take up the
| order of events which transpired near
washington and note the impressive ar
ray:
First Bull Run, the Peninsular Cam
| paign, Second Bull Run, South Mountain
| Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
vile, Gettysburg, The Wilderness, Spott.
! sylvania, Cold Harbor, Richmond Peters
burg, the Shenandoah Valley, Appomat.
| tOx. Comrades, no man who ever car.
| ried gun can hear that list and not ar.
| IDENTIFY desire to view once more the
scenes of such tremendous action. Can.
| not you'll mean each one Of you-come
with us and have this great qualification
Put aside the cares Of your toll and treat
| yourself to a grand and glorious holiday
Don't sit down and think that this pre-.
vents and that binders, but make up you,
| mind to come and just march out. Min.
neSOta ought to make the best SHOWING
| that she ever has. The honor of the cleo.
| ton Of the commander in chief has beer
! given her and she should manifest hel
appreciation. The commander or adju-
| tant general will be glad to reply to any
| letters from comrades who wish to make
| special arrangements and invite all who
! are interested to address them If they car
be Of any assistance. Due notice will be
| forwarded at the earliest possible moment
| as to routes, rates and prices ON tours
| and Pullman sleepers.
Many short trips and excursions have
! already been planned to the various bat.
| tlef1elds and other points Of interest neal
| to the city and the cost Of visiting these
| places Of historic interest will be nomi
nal. Talk this matter over with YOU
friends, your neighbors and your com.
rades and make up a party to go.
| Yours in F. G.. and L..
| PERRY STARKWEATHER,
Department Commander.