The Washington times., 1902-08-09
viii Address the Spanish
War Societies With
That End in View.
SUCCEED THE GRAND ARMY
Prospect That Next Annual Meetings of
Rival Societies Will Take Action
Looking Toward Consolidation-Con
ventions in Indianapolis and Detroit.

According TO a statement of promi-
nent official of the Spanish American
War Veterans that organization and
the Spanish War Veterans VIII be con-
solidated by action taken at the an
nual meetings in September of the two
societies. one of which will be held in
Indianapolis and the other in Detroit.
Many rumors have been in circula-
tion rs TO the outcome of the friendly
rivalry between the two organizations
but it has been learned. upon authority
that is considered authentic. that after
the annual meetings of the two societies
an agreement will have been reached
which will enable the veterans of the
Spanish American War to get together
on an amicahle basis, and work for the
benefit of all those who fought side by
side in the recent struggle for the SUI
premacy Of American arms.
President Favors Union.
President Roosevelt recently accepted
an invitation to address each organiza
tion on the respective dates of their
annual reunions. Inasmuch as the or
ganizatiors later decided to have their
annual festivities on the same date
Mr.. Roosevelt will necessarily be com
PEELED to give but a short time to each
1t is understood that he accepted the
invitations with the idea that by ad-
dressing each organization he would be
able by the use of his personal mag
netism and influence TO draw the two
organizations together.
President Roosevelt has always shown
a deep interest in all veterans of the
Spanish American war and it has al
ways been his warm desire that there
should not be a criss-cross purpose SO
far as the organization of societies is
concerned. From these who are close to
MIN it is known that it has al
ways been his wish. since returning
from the campaign in Cuba. that there
should be but one organization to rep
resent those who fought under the
American flag in the short but decisive
struggle with Spain.
The President has expressed desire
for absolute harmony. and feels that If
any one organization growing out of
the Spanish American war is to follow
in the footsteps of the heroes who sur
vived the great struggle for supremacy
between the Union and Confederate
forces in 1861 20 1865. it must be by
Initiating the wearers of the blue; that
is by making one organization, with one
head. out of which collateral societies
could grow.
The mere fact that some one or an
other of the rival organizations have
issued statements and appeals to their
various comrades, does not appear to
have appealed to Mr.. Roosevelt.
Liller Makes Appeal.
Within the last few days Adjt. Gen. |
William c. Liller, of the Spanish Wa.
Veterans Association made the follow
ing statement:
AT the national encampment of our
society at Buffalo last year it was unan-
imously decided to take no steps toward
consolidation during the present year.
Notwithstanding this, four gentlemen.
neither of whom is a member of our
society. but all of whom are members
of the Spanish War Veterans. undertook
to represent our society, and, after con-
ferring with the Spanish war veterans.
announced that the two societies would
unite.
This action Is unauthorized and dis
approved by the members of ou- socit:y
at large.
During the past month l have been
in communication with the various ne
par.n,cnts and camps of our order AID
find the sentiment is wholly against a
consolidation with the Spanish War
Veterans as a body. but in iayor of
wise and equitable amalgamat:on.
1.-The membership of our society is
over $4,000. and that of the Spanish
War Veterans about 1000.
THE Spanish War Veterans iE sec
tional organization; our society is na-
tional in its plan and scope.
Several State organizations at their
annual meetings have passed resolu-
tions vigorously protesting against con-
solidation.
THE Spanish War Veterans have at
tackled our purposes and our officers
and we propose to have dignified and
union or none at all. We
will only consolidate when all our rights
are considered, and We are represented
in name, badge, uniform, and officers, {
and have every ounce OF our greater d,
weight allowed for