The Washington times., 1902-07-13
CANDIDATE M'ELROY.

George II. Siaybaugh, past department
commander, chairman; Israel w. Stone.
past department commander. secretary;
Nathan Bickford. past department COM
mander; Thomas S. Hopkins. past de-
partment commander, and J. Tyler Pow
ell. representative. composing a commit
tee Of the Department Of the Potomac,
G.. a. R., have Issued a circular letter
favoring the election OF Col. John Nc
Elroy, of this CITY, as commander in chief
OF the Grand Army Of the Republic. The
circular says:
TO members of the Thirty sixth Nation
al Encampment, Grand Army of the
Republic:
Comrades: The undersian ned, on behalf
of the Department of the Potomac. nomi-
nate for election as commander-inc chief.
Senior Vice Commander -ln Chief John
McElloy. and 1t Is confidently believed
that this nomination wilt receive con-
frmation at ycur hands in October next.
"Comrade McElroys military record.
covering the period from October. 1862. to
the close OF the wer, Is above criticism.
He enlisted at the age of sixteen in the
McClernand Guards. which subsequently
became Company l.. Sixteenth Illinois
Cavalry. and was consequently only nine
teen when discharged.
while prisoner of war at Anderson
Vile and other places, his excellent
qualities as q soldier and comrade were
fully tested. He refused repeated offers
from the rebel authorities of assignment
to duty outside the stockade. preferrins
TO decline all favors and to remain with
his fellow prisoners in distress. He was
q, e. md
was member of the band Of Regula
tors. who arrested, tried. and hanged
six raiders" July IL. 1864, and thus
contributed TO the restoration OF the
law. order. and security OF life among
the $4,000 prisoners then confined at An
dersonville. many OF whom were help
less and wholly at the mercy OF the
lawless. This incident shows his mettle
as boy. and was prophetic of the un-
swerving loyalty he has shown his COM
rades. and the untiring efforts he has
made to advance their interests continu-
ously since the war.
''As a Grand Army man he requires
no Introduction anywhere among his
comrades. His membership IN the or
ganization dates back to 1866. and he
has been at all times during the inter
vening thirty-six years the loyal and
evading or shirking any duty or service
within his ability to perform for the
advancement of its interests or those
OF his comrades.
In 1874 he became managing editor
OF the Toledo Blade Toledo. Ohio,
paper Of wide influence and extensive
circulation throughout the country. and
Immediately made 1t strong advocate
of veterans rights. and in 1884 he ac-
ceptod the managing editorship of the
National Tribune at Washington. D.
c., which he yet retains, thus making
period of twenty oight years during
which he has had editorial control OF
papers of national reputation and in
fiuence. He has zealously used them at
all times during this entire period to
perpetuate and strengthen the ties OF
comradeship formed in the fire of bat
tie, and to advocate, with unfaltering
courage and devotion. every interest
pertaining to the welfare of the men
who crushed the rebellion, their com
fort. and the amelioration of conditions
Of distress or suffering incident to their
service.
THE opportunity is now offered to his
comrades TO show their appreciation OF
his magnificent and unexcelled service
in their behalf by making him their
commander in chief. which office. II is
needless to say he will fill with ability,
discretion. and superior regard for the
truest interests of the organization.
His election will also result in To-
eating headquarters at the National Cap
ita!, and the advantage to all concern