Evening star., 1902-08-23
VETERANS AS VISITORS
Their Annual Gathering a
Benefit to Washington.
MR.. SHOEMAKER'S VIEW
STATEMENT REGARDING DUTY
OF PROPERLY ENTERTAINING.
Announcement Made of Additions to
ommittees-Interestin Souvenir
of the Civil War.

Mr.. Louis P. Shoemaker vice chairman
of the citizens executive committee on the
forthcoming G. A. R. encampment, gave
out a statement this morning in part as
follows:
The general public should, and l have
doubt will, appreciate the fact that we
are now approaching the time when Wash
ington will be called upon to entertain and
provide suitable accommodations for mem
bers of the Grand Army of the Republic
1T is a great mistake for our people to
feel that this duty devolves merely upon
the chairman, vice chairmen and the va
rious committees in charge, for Washing
ton is a national city, and an invitation to
the members of a national organization
such as the Grand Army, their guests as
well as friends, and the acceptance thereof,
creates an obligation and devolves duty
upon the general public.
Independent of this duty which devolves
upon US to entertain them creditahly, 1t Is
believed that Washington can be greatly
benefited. and that national interest will
be inStilled, thereby causing those who
come to urge the advancement of the capi-
tai city, not only along national lines, but
very properly at national expense.
When all of our members of Congress
fully realize, as many of them now do that
their constituents desire fair treatment Of
the District of Columbia people, who are
wards of the nation. 50 to speak. deprived
of representation and taxed to an oppreS-
sive extent without their consent, the pres
ent non-representative and un-American
form of government may become more red-
sonable and satisfactory to our people.
Without advocating a change, but seeking
to accomplish the best results under exist
ing conditions, it Is believed that the pres
ence of national organization such as the
Grand Army will do more than any known
factor to produce desirable results, and
cause Congress to make a national city at
ar,1 oI,n xIirh
just proportions.
Already Influenced.
Il was about to say that we must infiu-
ence the people of the country, but I am
satisfied that they have been Influenced.
1t is. therefore, only necessary for us to
be brought into contact with them and
urge the Importance Of presenting their
wishes in behalf of Washington to their
representatives in Congress.
IF all our citizens will render the f1nan-
cia1 support that they are now called upon
to give. and which many have given, the
encampment will not only be a great sue
cess, but Washington and, indeed, the na-
tion, will be greatly benefited, for every
successful meeting of a national organiza-
tion must encourage patriotism and there
fore become to a great extent not only
local, but national benefit.
Il am about to send out a general appeal
to many of those who are known to me
personally to be deeply interested In the
general welfare of Washington, and feel
confident that each and every one of them
will cheerfully contribute some amount,
even though it may be small, to assist In
the work which now devolves upon our
chairman and his committees.
1T is my desire, Also to ask those who
do not receive a copy of this special appeal
to which i have referred to send some
suitable contribution to our treasurer Mr.
Clarence F. Norment, at the Bank of
WaShin StOn.'