Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-10-09
Union Veterans Union En-
campment Begins.
LITTLE DONE AT FIRST
ONLY COMMITTEE ON CREDEN-
TIALs APPOINTED.
A Welcome by Gen. Meacham on Be-
half of Division Of the
Potomac.

All kinds Of trouble seems to have entered
the ranks OF the Union Veterans Union. the
national encampment Of which was begun
In the auditorium Of the Concordia Club.
9Th and E streets northwest. this morning.
Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty is the
slogan of this organization, which restricts
its membership to only those who saw &C
tual battle service during the civil war.
The question of who shall succeed Com
mander-in-C Chief R. G. Dyrenforth as the
head Of the organisation has caused fac
tional disturbances that threaten, it is
said. the life of the Union Veterans Union
Members of each faction were loath to talk
today regarding the actual situation. The
morning session was held behind closed
doors, and only those who wore the badge
and could give the countersign were ad-
mitted
Dyrenforth and Commander Meacham Of
the Department of the Potomac was
brought to the attention of the public few
days ago by proceedings instituted in court.
commander Meacham of the Department of
the Potomac asked for restraining order
protecting him from removal, which was
granted by the court temporarily, and after
the filing Of Commander Dyrenforth' 8
answer continued in force until final de-
cislon may be reached on hearing the
merits of the case.
Throughout the morning the members of
the Union Veterans Union gathered in
groups about the club and discussed the
situation. When approached upon the sub
Ject they were as uncommunicative as a
clam Even Commander Dyrenforth after
the close Of the forenoons session, declared
tnat everything had been harmonious, and
tnat ne looked for no diSSensions.
The executive committee went into ses-
sion at o'clock. Commander Dyrenforth
presided, and the i'll feelings that have
come up during the last year were gone
over as far as the limited time would
permit.
Friends of Meacham were strong In say
ing that the committee had told Dyren-
!orth that the committee was superior to
himself and that 1t would continue to do
business as of old without consulting him
If necessary.
The commanders adherents On the CON-
mittee who were inclined to say anything
declared that Dyrenforth had come out
victorious.
The debate was at times acrimonious and
many sarcastic utterances were exchanged
Before the encampment was called to or
der Gen. Meacham. commander of the
Department of the Potomac, extended a
nearly welcome to the visiting delegates.
Encampment Called to Order.
Commander Dyrenforth called the en-
campment to order at 11:15 Adjutant Cen
eral A. C. Hawley of his staff occupied
by Acting Chaplain George w. Honey.
Commander Dyrenforth read an order ap-
pointing VIM Mabrey of Hancock Regi-
ment. this city, chief of staff There was
much interest manifested as to what the
commander would do in the appointment of
committee on credentials
He named Adjt. Gen. Hawley Gen. Geo.
Foote and Gen. J. W. Ellis.
AT IL o'clock the encampment took a re-
cess for fifteen minutes to give the COM
mittee on credentials time to report. The
members of the encampment stood about
the Railways and in front of the club and
discussed among themselves the situation.
On returning to the hall the members
found that the committee had not been
given sufficient time to report Some one
moved to adjourn until o'clock, and the
motion was carried by 11S to 10.
This afternoon when the committee on
credentials submitted Its report there was
started very lively discussion as to its
adoption, and the debate is still going on.