Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-11
GRAND ARMY ENDS MEETING
Many Suggestions Are Made to Congress for
Needed Legal Alterations,
UNION VETERANS FIGHT, SPLIT ENsUEs
Adoption of Easier Membership Rule,
and Structures Passed by Commit
tee on Commander Lead to
Serious Trouble.

for 1902 came to a close today. although a
few social gatherings may assemble tomor-
row. San Francisco was chosen as the next
place Of meeting and the election of officers
begun yesterday was completed.
The kindred bodies to the parent organ
ization also brought their several conven-
tions to a close, the Sons Of Veterans,
Womans Relief corps and other bodies
choosing officers for the ensuing year.
The Union Veterans association had
lively day and the final result was a split
in the organization.
The first row was over a question of
eligibility to membership. A resolution
was adopted that let down the bars too
much to suit some of the state delegations
with large membership in tie order. This
caused i'll feeling.
Later the friction in the union developed
rapidly in consequence Of the adoption by
committee which had been investigating
the character and conduct Of Commander
in-Chief Dyronforth of a report recommend
ing his suspension.
General Dyrenforth was ore siding over
the convention when the committee en-
deavored to report. He refused to sur
render his ONCE. Turbulent scenes fol-
lowed until finally a large element of the
electing General Dyrenforth and the Sc
ceders taking steps to form new union.
will Meet in san Francisco.
The Grand Army Of the Re-
public today decided by large
vote to hold its encampment in 1903
at San Francisco, Cal. Practically the only
competitor was Atlantic City, but few
votes we're cast for Saratoga. The chances
of the last mentioned place were destroyed
by the decision of the New York delega-
tion to support San Francisco. and when
the solid vote OF that delegation was cast
today for the Pacific coast city it was
recognized that Atlantic City's, prospects
also were very slim.
General Shaffer made the speech nomi-
mating San Francisco, while Department
Commander Hall Of New Jersey named At
iantic City. The vote VAS San Fran
cisco, 1853; Atlantic City, 17s. The selec-
tion of San Francisco was then made unan-
imous.
Before the place of meeting was chosen
the list Of national officers was completed.
A. W. Atchison OF Texas was chosen sur
geon general and Rev. d. B. Shuey Of Kan
sas chaplain i'm chief.
During the day the committee on legisla-
tion presented it's report. The report was
devoted especially to the committees eff
forts to secure a modification OF the civil
service laws in the interest Of veterans,
which, II was stated, congfess haaf ffail led 10
concede. The committee finds that the'pres
ident is in hearty sympathy with the effort
to secure a broader recognition of the
claims of the soldiers and "in marked con-
trast to the attitude Of congress-"
Make Suggestion to Congress.
The recommendations were as follows:
First-That the committee on legislation
for veterans in the public service be con-
tinued; that a similar committee to this be
appointed by the incoming commander-lh-
law makers of the nation at the coming
session of congress the enactment OF II. X.
l4lO5, as introduced, or some similar legls-
lation.
Second-That in the event of a failure to
secure a vote on the subject matter ana
the adjournment of the Fifty-seventh con-
gress occurs without legisla ton; that the
commander-in-chiefa and said committee are
fully authorized, directed and charged 90
appeal to the president of the United states
in the name of the Grand Army of the Re
public for justice, and respectfully request
and urge that he Will exercise the power
conferred upon him by section 1888. Revised
Statutes, to the end that by executive or
der, or otherwise, he Will make enectlve
throughout the civil service in practical
way, as applied to the national government
the tecommendatory provisions or section
requirements of all other laws Affecting the
rights OF honorably discharged soldiers and
sailors in matters of appointment, employ
ment and retention In the public service
shall be carried out and observed
wish Pension Examiner ReinstRted.
A resolution was adopted by the encamp-
ment endorsing the report Of the Persons
committee as was also resolution request
ing the commissioner CT pensions to re-
instate Pension Examiner Charles Ham
back, who was dismissed by Commissioner
Evans.
The movements for the erection at ST,
Louis Of a monument to the memory OF
General Franz Sigel, and for a memorial
bridge across the Potomac at Washington
ere endorsed, as was tho proposition to
erect at st. Louis a building to be used by
all fraternities in connection with the ex-
position in that city.
The question Of admitting the Sons Of
Veterans to the meetings OF Grand Army
posts was discussed at some length and
referred TO a committe of five to be ap-
pointed by the commander chief
Considerable time was devoted to propo-
sition 10 eliminate from the regulations of
the order the provision against admission
of auxiliary bodies OF those who have borne
arms against the union. The suggestion was
made by the southern delegates, who ad-
vocated the organization Of a citizens corps
In connection with the Grand Army. No ac-
tion was taken.
There was also some Intellectual discussion
OF a resolution condemning the movement
to change the army service uniform from
blue to gray and of a suggestion made by
Pension Agent Huddekoper of Philadelphia
TO change the system for the payment OF
pensions from quarterly to monthly.
A resolution submitted by Past Comman-
der-in- chief Burdett was also adopted, en-
dorsing the position taken by Commander
in-Chief Torrance in his recent address
calling for assistance from members for the
Home for the Confederate Soldiers at Noun
tain Greek, Ala. and urging generally the
adoption OF an attitude OF brotherly kind
ness toward their foes Of the late war.
Since his arrival In Washington, General
Torrance has secured many assurances OF
appreciation Of the spirit OF that address
from his comrades. There have also come
to him number Of letters and kilograms
from points In the south. expressing ap-
probation. In some instances these com
munieations advise him Of the action OF
posts Of ex-eonfederate veterans endorsing
the address.
Commend BrotherIv Lave