Omaha daily bee., 1902-10-07

day with other general officers Of the order
at headquarters at the Ebbitt house, receiv-
ing delegates and distinguished members OF
the order. Among those who called were
6nicial Representatives Of the Departments
Of. Kansas, Montana. Arizona, Colorado and
California. Pr6minept IN the Ohio deleea-
tion was General Henry b. Darlington Of
Ohio. now so years cid. said to be the only
surviving regular army colonel Of ante
bellum days. General Torrance told all
Corners that the outlook for the encamp-
meat could not be better.
Regret Of the President.
The following statement ives made at the
White House today;
The president has expressed to Comman-
der-in-Chief Torrance aud to Chairman
Warner Of the local committee his keen re-
o. the Grand Army OF the Republic on
Wednesday. His physicians feel that he
holld not subject himself to the great
ever. thought in some way he might be able
to greet the members Of the Grand Army
friends who accompany them. His physi-
clans today stated that " nothing unfore-
seen occurred in his condition and u the
driven along the line OF the parade on
Wednesday. and It is hoped this arrange
ment can he carried out.
Center Of Interest.
A center Of interest during the day was
the grounds south Of the White House.
On the eclipse, under the shadow OF the
Washington monument. are located tents
which are TO be used as the headquarters
OF the different corps and other divisions,
whose members constitute the Grand
Army. The organizations thus represented
are the Army OF the Potomac, the Army
Of the James. the Army of the Cumber-
land and the Army Of the Tennessee. All
these tents we're occupied during the day
and all proved powerful magnets to the
veterans. There were officers on hand in
each tent to answer questions and many
interesting meetings took place. The post
once and the hospital tents were taken
possession OF during the day. as were
most Of the tents which are to be used
as free sleeping quarters.
After today the camp will be under
guard as in war times.
Great Campfire at Night.
Five thousand veterans and their friends
tonight gathered in Convention hall and
participated in the campfire Of the thirty
sixth encampment Of the Grand Army OF
| the Republic. The hall was decorated en-
tirely with American flags. The cere-
monies we're opened by a medley OF pa
triotic airs played by the United States
Marine band, followed by songs, speeches
and music, which stirred the veterans 10
unbounded enthusiasm. Each person en-
tering the hall was presented with a small
American flag, and these we're constantly
waived by the thousands within the build
ing when some old wartime melody was
played or some striking utterance delivered,
The principal address OF the evening was
by General Ell Torrance, commander-in-
chief, who congratulated those present on
the happiness Of the hour and the unity
Of hearts. The flag, he said, was beautiful
beyond the power OF speech to describe,
w are the custodians," he said, "of a
trust that is OF imperishable value. This
government has a character which is meas.
ured by the character Of its citizens and
as we measure up to the true standard
NJ greatness. sn does nur country. We
must have faith. or we are useless as citl.
zens, and there should not be standing
room upon the great body OF the republic
for a man without hope. without faith"
TIL president Is reported to be doing
very we'll tonight, he had a comfortable
uhg, EeCttNluB lew NtblUOTb. IL u expected
that he will be expected to carry out his
hope Of riding along a portion Of the parade
route next Wednesday to review a part, al
least, OF the Grand Army.
General Jacob II. Smith also made al
address. When he was introduced the ova.
ton accorded him was a remarkable on
and 1t was some time before he was abb,
to proceed with his remarks. He said II
part: 'It will be impossible for me in wordI
to express the thanks ! feel for the in
~vitation to appear before you. 1t is par
t~icularly sweet under the existing circum
stances. Forty-one years ago / enlisted Il
make the union ~inseparable. AS time goe
on. nature will demand OF US our lives, an,
/ ask you to meet 1t as I will, like a sol
dier. Let me say to the rising genera
ton that they should do reverence to tn
men who made the nation what 1t is today
The United States can turn out today tn
finest soldiers and the finest patriots 81
the world"