Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-05-01
ORDERS ARE ISSUED.
Officers of q. A. r. Preparing for
Two Big Events.
MEMORIAL DAY AND THE ENCAMPMENT
commander-in-chief Torrance Sends
to Local Posts the Memorial Day Or
der and Department Commander
Metzgar Publishes Program.

Orders have been issued by Eli Tor
rance, commander in chief OF the
Grand Army of the Republic, and by
George Metzgar of Des Moines, depart
ment commander in Iowa of the G. A.
X, the former outlining plans for the
observance of Memorial day and the
latter touching upon these plans, but
more particularly concerned with the
details OF the twenty-eighth annual en-.
campment of the Iowa department OF
the G. A. R., which will be held at
Des Moines May 20 to 90.
For Memorial Day.
The order of Commander-in-C Chief
Torrance is as follows:
TO every patriot, Memorial day is
the most sacred of the year, and its
proper observance is one of the ma
TONS strongest safeguards.
1T is the national Easter, when the
people are summoned to the patriots
tomb; not with power to stir the en-
campment of the dead, but "by the
mystic chords of memory" to resur
rect the virtues which adorned theil
lives.
1T is the nations Sabbath, when at
the shrine of patriotism, all creeds
ale forgotten and we receive into oul
hearts a new inspiration to duty-a
benediction day to all who observe il
in its true spirit and meaning.
No more beautiful or impressive
scene could be witnessed than that of
redeemed nation, ceasing from its
daily toll and gathering around the
graves of its defenders, bearing offer
ings of flowers, and giving suitable
expression of the love and gratitude
which a great people feel toward
those who gave their lives in de
Tense of their country.
'Plutarch tells of witnessing the
six nundreth memorial service in hon
Or of the Athenians who died at Ma
rathon. We are only in the youth Of
ours, but the memorial is so becoming
and has already been so fruitful in
blessing, that it will surely continue
to be observed as long as the republic
endures.
Day of Memories.
ITO every soldier of the Union it is
day filled with sweet and precious
memories. Unlike the dead of other
wars the memory OF our comrades
never fades. Though unseen by NOR
tai eye, they still walk by cur side
and their place in our hearts remains
untitled
I'VE rejoice as the day approaches
and in ever-diminishing numbers low
ingly deck with flowers the multiply
ing graves of our comrades. In brok
en- column and with enfeebled step We
still carry the flag they loved SO well
and march to the same music to which
their loyal hearts were attuned, oul
hearts pulsing with joyous pride as we
realize that the memory of those who
fell in defense of freedom and the
right is immortal.
Comrades will therefore, in compli
ance with well-established custom, fit
tingly observe Friday, May 80, A. D
1902, as Memorial day.
Post commanders are requested tc
invite clergymen of every denomina
ton to deliver appropriate addresses
on the Sabbath preceding Memoria
day, and as far as practicable posts
should attend divine service on thai
day.
Ask Schools to Assist.
Post commanders are requested tt
ask the schools of their respective 10
calities to hold patriotic services, i'm
mediately preceding Memorial day
and cooperate with the teachers ant
school officers in such services. This
duty is of special importance, for un
less the deeds of the fathers live ii
the hearts of the children the altar O.
liberty will be without incense.
"The beautiful ceremony of strew
ing with flowers the waters that run
to the sea, in memory of our gallant
sailor dead who fell in the cause o.
the republic is heartily commended
May the myrical streams, as they q
laughing and sparkling on their joy
GUS journey to the sea, carry some
forget-me-nots to those who sleep I'm
disturbed in it's restless bosom.
THE Womans Relief Corps, Sons O
Veterans, Ladies of the Grand Arm.
of the Republic and kindred organiza
tons, and all citizens who sympa
thize with the spirit of the day, are
cordially invited to unite with us in
it's proper observance
President Lincoln's Gettysburg adj
dress is published herewith, and il
accordance with the resolution of the
thirtieth national encampment, will
be read at all memorial day exercises
held under the auspices of the Grand
Army of the Republic. BY command
of Eli Torrance, Commander-in-C Chief
Silas H. fowler, Adjutant General"
The Iowa Encampment.
The annual encampment of the Iowa
department of the G. A. R., for which
elaborate preparations are being
made, is to be held May 20, 81 and %,
and will be one of the most successful
encampments and reunions of the old
soldiers ever held in Iowa.
The encampment will be called tc
order at $3.50 o'clock in the Auditor
ium. Headquarters of the department
will be at the Slavery in parlor l. 1t is
announced the council of administra-
ton will meet at Grand Army head
quarters at the state house, Tuesday
May 20. Adequate arrangements have
been made for the care of the veter-
ans at hotels and boarding houses. In
formation as to location in private
boarding houses may be secured by ad-
dressing T. B. Robinson, chairman OF
the committee on entertainment.
The Program Outlined.
The program of the encampment is