The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-08-20

which includes the reports Of several De-
partments showing that there is a general
practice of flying flags over the schools of
every State, Territory and Island posses
sions, and recognition Of patriotic holi-
days by special exercises in nearly all edu-
cational institutions.
The tendency toward the enactment OF
laws directing patriotic education and rev.
erence for the flag is encouraging and com
and every Department is urged
to lend its influence through General Or
derS and public addresses to assist what
ever measures may be adopted to carry
on this estimable work.
We can not commend too highly the ser
vice which has been rendered nor urge too
strongly the aid of all comrades when op-
portunity presents.
l desire to record herewith the val
liable service rendered by the Hon. Charles
r. Skinner. Superintendent of Public In
Of the State of New York.
Others may have evidenced the same in
terest in the work, but the COMMANDMENT
Chief has frequently met Mr.. Skinner on
public occasions, and knows personally his
deep devotion to a work that must appeal
to every comrade and citizen who rever-
ences the flag and believes in teaching
loyalty and love of country in our public
schools and in educational institutions.
THE EX-coNFEDERATE.
Under this heading my immediate pre-
decessor, Commander-in-C Chief Comrade
Ell Torrance referred at length to what
he termed ''.etter of good will" and
which suggested helping hand be given
to the Home Cor Confederate Veterans To-
Gated at Mountain Creek, Ala. The Ma
tional Encampment gave its unqualified
Endorsement and commentator to the ac-
ton of the then Commander-in-C Chief.
While travelling through the Depart
ments located in the Southern States,
had an opportunity to meet Maj. J. NJ.
Faulkner, the Chairman of Committee on
Ways and Means of the Home at Noun
tain Springs, Ala, and to converse with
him for n short time regarding the Home.
He stated that contributions to limited
extent had been received from every sec
ton of the country, through the Grand
Army of the Republic. The only con
tribution that passed through National
Headquarters was that of Post 80. De
partment of Connecticut. amounting to
SIG, and which was turned over to the
Commander-in-Ch Chief at public Campfire
of that Department held in Danbnry.
Conn. The amount was transmitted, and
in acknowledging the receipt of the same
Mai. Faulkner stated that up to that time
(June /, 1909 $1,715.S3 had been received.
He gave the list Of contributions in detail.
and an examination of the list showed that
of the amount contributed 81, 1899 came
from organizations and comrades OF the
Grand Army of the Republic. He stated
further that 1.-The fraternal feeling and
the kind sentiments expressed by the dIf-
ferent c. A. Il. Posts and the individual
members thereof through the North has
touched and softened the hearts OF every
Confederate soldier in the South
BENJAMIN F. STEPHENSON MEMORIAL.
In accordance with the action of the
last National Encampment and of the tx
ecutive Committee of the National Coun-
Gil of Administration, the COMMANDMENT
Chief reappointed the Committee original
Iy appointed by authority of the 34th Ma
tional Enca mpment. The Committee com
municated with the Commander-in-C Chief.
stating that they concluded that S2J.OO0
was needed for the work, and requested
that a General Order be issued calling for
contributions. The request was complied
with and a General Order issued, urging
Department Commanders in their respec-
tive Departments to formulate such plans
or adopt such measures as would advance
the work and secure the necessary
amount The report of the Committee to
the Encampment will show what measure
of success has attended their efforts.
TEXAS RELIEF FUND.
On Sept. 8. 1900. Galveston. Texas. and
the adjacent mainland was visited by a
destructive tornado, causing great loss of
life and much distress among the people
OF that section. On Sept. 10. the members
of Post ~. Department Of Texas. issued
an appeal for aid. Subsequently the then
Department Commander applied to the
COMMANDMENTS Chief for permission to is
sue an appeal on behalf of the Depart
ment of Texas. This permission was
granted, but required the withdrawal of
the appeal Of Post ", and that the
methods and necessity for the appeal
be approved by Comrade Edward n.
Ketchum, Chief of Staff, and W.
mittee, National Council of Adnnistra-
ton. These officers approved both the
methods and the necessity. Post u can,
celled their appeal, made a report of re-
ceipts and expenditures, and all subse'
auent contributions were turned over tc
the Department Headquarters, Depart
ment of Texas. from whence thereafter al
aid was dispensed.
The Department Commander associated
with him certain comrades as an Advisory
Board. The Woman's Relief Corps
through the then Department President
and with the approval of the Nationa
President, issued an appeal to that or
ganization for help to relieve the distressed
comrades and their families. 1t appears
to have been agreed that all moneys should
be disburscd by check of the Department
Commander and all supplies received t.
be cared for and distributed by the Custo
dian of the Relief Corps.
Under date of Aug. 81, 1901. a repor
was made by the Department Commando
Of Texas, showing that S14,0S5.66 was re
ceived in cash, and supplies to the value
of 81. S1047; making total of 81 .S.H. 1'
OF the cash contributions it was shown
that the Grand Army of the Republic
contributed $1G31.24, the Woman's Relic
Corps, Sc, 454.4 AZ. A detailed statement o
receipts was submitted.
The following disbursements were re
ported, viz:
Supplies by Custodian, to value Of. S7Sl0.4
| Cash to members Of G. A. R........ S643.1
| Cash relief to W. r. C.. 5267
| Cash relief to Union Veterans. 49,. 1000
| Hospital expenses. salary and ex-
penses of Custodian, printing, sup
plies purchased, headquarters ex-
| penses, etc. Observation-Disclosures. 1,WO. 4
Total disbursements. $40, 30. 8
A supplemental report was made show
which $3.50 was from Grand Arm
sources and $3SO.55 from the Woman
Relief Corps. 1t was also shown that ad
| al lt,r ont l,a1 hna IL