The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-27
Veterans of the g. A. Il. Meet
New Commander.
Governor Bailey Spoke of Les
sons of Citizenship.
MRS. BAILEY THERE.
First Appearance of Governors
Wife at Social Function.
State Departments and Corps
We're Well Represented.

Topeka old soldiers and their families
turned out in large numbers Saturday
night for the reception to Department
Commander A. w. Smith at representa-
tive hall The reception was rendered
by the local G. A. r. posts.
Speeches were made by Governor
Bailey, Commander Smith, Mrs. st.
John, department commander of the
Ladies Of the G. A. r.. and Mrs. Evelyn
Bradford, department commander OF
the Woman's Relief Corps. The address
of welcome was delivered by p. H.
Coney. The Rev. Bernard Kelley pro-
nounced the invocation.
Not only was the reception memoir
able because of the number of promi-
nent G.. A. r. people present, but also
because of the fact that Mrs. w. J.
Bailey. wife of the governor, was pres
ent. 1t is the first public social func-
ton which has been attended by the
governors wife. 1t was her coming
out party" in Topeka society.
Governor Bailey did not make long
speech, and it was entirely extern
poraneous. He eulogized the Grand
Army of the Republic and acknowledged
the great debt of gratitude which the
country owes to that organization.
Il have come here this evening" said
the governor, Ito pay tribute to an or
most remarkable men in the history OF
the country. OF men who dared to
stand forth in the defense of their
country in her darkest hour. l want to
thank you for the splendid lessons of
citizenship which you have taught the
younger generation. The best that is is
yours"
Commander Smith in his speech dwelt
especially on the comparative condition
of the country at the breaking out of
the civil war and it's condition. tOdaV
He said in part:
THE Grand Army is an unique or
ganization. 1t is composed exclusively
of old soldiers, and it is one of the or
CARNATIONS in which it is impossible
to get new blood. 1t is an organization
which is slowly passing out of exist
ence, but its fame will live forever
Speaking of the depressing conditions
which confronted the country at the
beginning of the war, Commander
Smith referred to the difficulty Of OBJ
tanning money, the little respect PAID
to the American flag abroad, and the
dtssension in the land. Today" he
continued, there is more to stimulate
the young men to be patriotic than
there was in 81. We have more pres
tige abroad. our flag is respected in ah
parts OF the civilized world, we have q
strong army and powerful navy and
wherever our citizens go they may be
sure of protection"
A quartette composed of Messrs.
music several times during the evening
and the first number on the pro,
gramme was a violin solo by Carl
Wood, accompanied by Miss Celia
smith Refreshments consisting of
punch and waters were served
AFTER the programme of speeches and
music, a receiving line was formed, and
the handshaking commenced. Besides
Mr.. and Mrs. A. w. Smith and the
heads of the Women's auxiliary orga-
nizations, the following acted with the
receiving committee:
Chairman Of the reception committee.
J. w. Dumenil; secretaries, Gilbert
Bedel and George W. Weed. Members
of the committee from the w. r. c..
Mrs. Fannie Seymour Mrs. NJ z. Per-
lSinS, Mrs. May Lewis and Mrs. Belle
Morrissey. From Lincoln Post No. l. ] .
@. Wood. Judge Huron and T H.
Lesher. From Lincoln Circle, Mrs Mol
lie Hunter Mrs. Clara Covell and Mrs
Hanley. From Gage Corps, Mrs. DR..
Edison, president; Mrs. Emma Wilcox
Mrs. c. e. Shaeffer and Mrs. Glunt. Of
Gage Post, Harlow Chase.