The National tribune., 1902-10-02
FOR COMMANDER=IN=CHIEF.


/ McElroy. Upon this he bases his chances
| of winning the contest for Commander-in-
Chief. Col. McElroy has been news
paper man almost ever since the war,
and on that account has not occupied as
prominent Il position before the public
as his opponents. although among his COM
rades he is well known.
I Col. McElroy entered the army in 1867
when just 10 years of age, fought through
the civil war and came out a prisoner
without becoming an officer. He rose to
the rank of Sergeant-MajOr. the highest
office an enlisted man can hold. Neverthe-
less, he was good soldier with record
for bravery and efficiency. He was a
member of Co. G, McClernand Guards,
enlisting in Chicago. His company later
became part of the 10th Ill. Cav. and was
attached to the Army of the Tennessee.
Later it went with Burnside into eastern
Tennessee. where the battalion to which
Col. McElroy belonged was cut off from
the remainder of the command and cap
tured after hard days fight. Col. Nc
Elroy spent the last year of the war
prisoner. serving at Andersonville and
other prisons.
Col McElroy was Commander of the
Department of the Potomac in 1896. This
Department has II Posts and a member
ship Of about $500, with 80 votes in the
Encampment.
KEYSTONE STATE Is STRONG.
The solid Pennsylvania contingent will
be back of Gen. Thomas J. Stewart. of
Norristown. Gen. Stewart (who is just
Col. McElroy's age), bases his claims to
recognition On his service for the G. A. r.
He has been particularly active in work
ing for the organization ever since the
war, has a wide acquaintance among in
fiuential members, and is popular with
the rank and file.
Gen. Stewart was Adjutant-Genera of
the G. A. X. for three or four years, and
has held every office at the disposal of
the veterans of the Department of Penn
sylvania. He is now Adjutant-General
Of the State and prominent man in the
Republican party. A short time prior to
the close of the war Gen. Stewart en-
listed in the 13Sth Pa, and served until
peace was declared. A strong element Of
veterans are back of Gen. Stewart, the
State being solid for him. Pennsylvania
has 567 Posts, 10000 members and 64
votes in the Encampment. As it isn't far
from points in Pennsylvania to this city,
it is expected the attendance from the
keystone State will be enormous and that
the demonstration for Stewart will be
equally strong.
The Department of California and the
business men of San Francisco have
united in a strenuous effort to take the
Encampment. A strong delegation, head
ed by Gen. William r. Shafter. has been
chosen to come to Washington with a
determination to win. The National En-
campment was held in San Francisco in
1886 and a royal entertainment was ac-
corded the veterans.
The Saratoga Springs business men, it
is learned, are making an effort to have
the Encampment there. No invitation
has been extended as yet. and it is be-
lieved the State Department has not taken
the proposition up. An invitation will be
extended, however, and the delegates here
from New York will probably join the
business men in the attempt to have Sara
toga chosen.
The business men of Atlantic City are
also after the Encampment, and it is be-
licved they, assisted by the Department
of New Jersey, will be formidable cam
didates for the honor. Pittsburg and Los
Angeles. it is understood, will also make
play for the big gathering.