The Washington times., 1902-10-09
GEN. DANIEL S|CK[ES
An IMPORTANT FACTOR
New Yorker in Running for
Leadership of G. A R.
Should Aspirants Lack
Necessary Votes.
-Four Announced Candidates
in Field Express Conf
denoe in Reaching the
Much Coveted Prize.

iIQAtl L
The program Of those in charge CT the
campaign of Gen Daniel E. Sickles foI
the position OF commander-in-chief u
the Grand Army of the Republic pro-
vides for the stampeding Oh the encamp-
mcnt on the third ballot.
General Sickles it is stated. is on
the most intimate terms with the other
contestants and in view of the LIAR.
pledges made to the several candidates
he is reluctant to have his name pre-
scented at the beginning of the contest
1t is therefore proposed that the 9TH
er contestants be given the opportunity
to develop their strength. If there fails
to be an election on the first two bal
lots the name of General Sickles will be
presented.
Each of the four comrades whose can
didacy has been announced expresses
confidence. They are opposed TO
give. figures as to the votes pledged
Each candidate also bases his claim for
recognition upon different ground
An Energetic Worker.
Gen. Thomas J. Stewart. of Pennsyl-
vania, saw but ninety DAYS. service in
the Union Army. and never left the
boundaries of his State. He has, on the
other hand. been an indefatigabie work
er In the interests OF the Grand Army.
to whom he has given his services for
years without recompense Of amy kind.
Along with Gen. Charles Burrows, now
quartermaster general of the national
eneanpment. he accepted service on the
staff Of the commander of the Depart
ment OF Pennsylvania at a time when
the department was In deep financial
difficulty. General Stewart served as the
adjutant ssnerai of the department ana
General Burrows as its quarterma ster
general, They refused the salary that is
attached to the office. and by means OF
their devotion and business ability
placed the department on good financial
ground.
Col John McEiroy is another who
has devoted much time and attention t.
the interests of the organization. He is
al presen. senior vice commander-in-
chief and past commander OF the De-
partment of the Potomac of this city.
colonel MeEirey saw active service at
the front and was for many months
prisoner In the hands of the Confed-
crates.
Gen. John c. Black, of Illinois. is
r.an who during the four years and four
months active service by meritoricus
Bid gallant deeds forced his way from
the ranks to trevet brigadier general
He has further claim upon the consid
grafton OF his comrades because of his
liberal administration of tn. Persio,
Cfiice. of which he was for a time Com
missioner.
A Strong Figure.
Maj. Gen. Daniel sickles occupies n
unique position. He is taking no ac-
tive part in the campaign which has
been fnaugurated by his friends. and
mas not even expressed himself regard
Ing his candidacy. The briIliancr of hi,
work in the Union Army. the MANY no.
siticns OF prominence that he has oc-
cupied. the fact of his being the senior
major general or the retired list of the
regular army, and many other weighty
reasons are advanced In supDort of The
assertion that he is the man hos, fit,.d
10 NIL with credit the office toward which |
every veterans eye is turned.
The opinion seems to prevail In we'll |
Informed circles tina, the contest has
narrowed down to a hight between Cen |
erals Stewart and Black. with the
chances in favor of the latter. II Is |
urged that,it is the part OF wisdom on
the part of the organization TO place
IN the position of commander chief
only such men as have seen long AMI
active service at the front. In view of |
the demand OF the organization that
veterans should be given preference IN
employ II is asserted that
1t would be inconsistent for the Grand
Army TO place short service man IN
30 prominent a place. despite his mag
nificent work in the interests of the or
ganization.
There will be several conferences ard
caucuses fhie morning prior to the
meeting at Congregational Church,
Tenth and G Streets northwest. snd the
managers are losing little
to further the interests of
heir man.
Sessions of Encampmert.
The session OF the encampment will
V called to order promptly at o'clock,
a the big auditorium of the Cor sresa-
ional Church. The morning sill lie de-
voted to the opening address by Brain
lrd II. Warner, chairman of the citi-
ems executive committee. who will
present General Torrance with a hand
ome gavel.
Among the many reports that will ne
unlimited. none Is looked forward TO
nth more concern than the eport of
he pension committee. II has been /;
arefully guarded. and its contents will !
70 made known for the first time this /
morning. 1t Is not thought hat The
lection OF officers or the selection of
be place for the holding of the next en- !
ampment will be taken up before to- !
borrow.
DEAL TO BE RATIFIED.