The National tribune., 1902-07-10
FOR COMMANDER=IN-CHIEF.
The Department of the Potomac Nominates
Comrade John McElroy.

The Department of the Potomac has is
sued the following:
Department of the Potomac
Washington, ID. c., June 26, 1902.
| To the Members of the Thirty-Sirth National
| Encampment, Grand Army of the Republic
Comrades: The undersigned, on behalf
of the Department of the Potomac, nomi-
nate for election as COmmander-in-Chief
Senior Vice Commander-in-C Chief John Nc
Elroy, and it is confidently believed that
this nomination will receive confirmation
at your hands in October next.
Comrade McElroy's military record, COW
ering the period from October, 1862 to the
close of the war, is above criticism. He
nand Guards, which subsequently became
Co. L, 10th Ill. Cav, and was consequent
ly only 10 when discharged.
While q prisoner of war at Anderson
vile and other places, his excellent quail
ties as soldier and comrade were fully
tested. He refused repeated offers from
the rebel authorities of assignment to duty
outside the stockade, preferring to decline
all favors and to remain with his fellow
all as Little Illinois," and was member
of the band of Regulators who arrested,
tried, and hanged six raiders July IL,
1864, and thus contributed to the restora-
ton of the law, order, and security of life
among the 25,00O prisoners then confined
at AnderSonville, many of whom were
helpless and wholly at the mercy of the
lawless. This incident shows his mettle
as a 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 continuously
since the war.
As a Grand Army man he requires no
introduction anywhere among his COM
rades. His membership in the organiZa-
ton dates back to 1866, and he has been
at all times during the intervening SO years
the loyal and unfailing friend of the Order
never 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, a paper
of wide influence and extensive circulation
throughout the country, and Immediately
made it a strong advocate of veterans
rights, and in 1884 he accepted the man
aging editorship of The National Tribune,
at Washington, ID. c., which he yet re-
tains, thus making a period of 2S years
during which he has had editorial control
of papers of National reputation and influ-
ence. He has Zeaously used them at all
times during this entire period to perpetu-
dtt lut lIeS VI
formed ''in the fire of battle" and to ad-
vOcate, with unfaltering courage and de-
votion, every interest pertaining to the
welfare of the men who crushed the rebel
lion, their comfort, 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 it 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 locating
Headquarters at the National Capital, and
the advantage to all concerned of having
the Commander-in-Ch where he may be
in constant touch with Congress, the Presi-
dent, and other high officials of the Govern
ment, cannot be overestmated.
In F., c., and L.,
Geo. H. Slaybaugh, Past Department Com
mander, Chairman; Israel w. Stone,
Past Department Commander, Secre-
tary; Nathan Bickford, Past Depart
ment Commander; Thos. S. Hopkins,
Past Department Commander; ]. Tyler
Powell, Representative, Committee. Ad-
dress, 1412 Pa. Ave. \. w.