Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-05-21
c. A. R. MEETING LARGE
Attendance Seems to Be a Rec.
ord Breaker-4, 900 Old Vets
in Line.
Neuman Reports IL, ,633 NJ Members
in Good Standing = Com.
mander Metzgar's Report.
Veterans Should Be Favored in
Veterans Should Be Favored in
Politics-Free Passes Now
Restored.
,ial to Times Republican.

Des Moines, May 21.-The Crane
Army encampment held today is on
of the best held by the Iowa department
for many years. The attendance i
declared by prominent members OF tn
Organization to be larger than usual
/ Many of the most prominent Of the G
A. r. men of the state are here ant
they are making 1t one of the mos
| enjoyable occasions in the history O.
| the order. The business sessions O.
the department began this morning
with the annual address of the depart
ment commander and other officers
in the afternoon the grand parade tool
place, nearly 1000 of the old soldier.
being in line. The camp fire last night
was grand success and another viii
be held this evening.
The annual report of George A
Newman, assistant adjutant general
for the calendar year 1901 does MOI
make quite as good a showing for the
department as the report of the fnspec-
tor for the inspection year. The num-
Der reported in good standing in the de-
partment at the close of the previous
term was 1852. During the year
ended December 81, 1901, there was 6
gain by muster in of 276, by transfer
153 and by reinstatement of 500. There
was reported loss by death Of 295, by
honorable discharge 3s, by transfer 221
by sus pension GA, and by surrender OF
charter So. This leaves the total re-
ported in good standing at the close OF
the year 1858. There were also re-
naming suspended 1,775, and dropped
during the year 1l6.
The report of George Metzgar, Of
Davenport, department commander, op-
ems with a statement that he finds a
growing sentiment which is becoming
universal that 1t is important the rem
nant of the boys of 81 to '65 should
stand together, touch elbows again as
in days gone by, when that touch gave
them confidence and renewed courage
to face the bullets of the enemy. to en-
dure hardship and suffering in camp
and hospital. realizing always that un-
Ger whatever circumstances they We're
placed the comrades would be true to
each other. "Today," he said, I'VE need
each other as never before, and I am
glad to say that I find an enthusiastic
response to the sentiment of comrade-
ship wherever have gone among you"
He reported that as result of the ar
duous work of his predecessor he had
found the department in good working
order. Considering the age of the COM
rades it is remarkable how few posts
fall by the wayside
In regard to the Soldiers Home at
Marshalltown, Commander Metzgar
had the following to say:
''It is not my intention to give you
detailed report in regard to this insti-
tuion, as the whole matter will be COW
cred by the committee appointed for
that purpose. Your commander visited
the home together with the committee,
and found everything so far as he was
able to judge, in satisfactory condi-
ton. The commandant seems partic-
ularly fitted for that responsible and
very difficult position. The board of
control seems to be doing everything in
their power to make the inmates COM
Portable and to provide for their well
fare. / was accompanied to the home
by the Hon. A. B. Cummins, governor of
Iowa and several members Of the gen.
eral assembly. Gov. Cummins adj
dressed large and enthusiastic camp
fire at the court house in the city Of
the evening previous to
our inspection. The occasion was
greatly enjoyed by all those in attend-
ance. The department takes just pride
in this institution and it's management;
and after careful inspection Of the in
1t was found to be as satisfac-
tory and complete as the facilities in
the hands of the management would
Certain additions were found
necessary. some of which were pro-
vided by the last general assembly. A
statement Of the situation ano
what has been accomplished viii be
aid before you thru the committee on
Home appointed by this ad-
Reference was also made to the SOL
1iers' orphans home as follows: This
Institution not being confined entirely
% soldiers orphans, has not received
he fostering care of the department
which has been given the Soldiers
Home, not thru any lack of interest in
he institution, but on account of it's
splendid management it has been deem |
ID unnecessary. l am familiar with this |
it being located near the
,ity of my residence, and can assure |
he comrades that the home is well |
the children are comfortably
ared for, are given practical edu-
alton and the management are doing
III in their power to make Ine lnsti-
ution as ideal in it's character as a
lome without parents can be made.
ecommend to the comrades when in
he city of Davenport to avail them
elves of the opportunity to visit this
cry worthy and we'll managed instt-
ution."
On the question of official employ
nent of soldiers Commander Metzgar
lad this to say:
My predecessor treated this matter
n so exhaustive manner, showing
learly that he had given 1t much
hought and consideration, making 1t
to consider 1t at length.
here are positions under the state
overnment that many veterans are
apable of filling, and so long as they
re physically able to perform the SER
ices required. should In my Judgment,
e preferred to those who are able to
erform other work. For this l have
he authority of no less person than h
: