The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-04-09
EMPIRE STATE LADIES.


Enssrprising and Successful Department q
the Ladies Of the Grand Army Of the Re-
public.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The De-
partment of New York, Ladies Of the
Grand Army of the Republic. was never
stronger than at the present time. The
pioneers of the Order in this State laid
the foundations deep and well, and have
stayed by" to see that those who fol-
lowed them keep true to their ideals. The
fact that each year as it goes by finds
many veterans answering no more to
earthly rollcaIl is an incentive to renewed
vigor in the administration of an Order
composed of those only who are their
blood-kin. The organization has been
favored in the selection of presiding Of
ficers and the result has been that the
Past Presidents are its most earnest work
ers, whose interests are solely with and
for the Order. and when leaving the chair
have been still heartier workers in the
cause of the veteran than before such
service. for in that honorable position,
from the higher viewpoint gained, they
have seen yet more clearly the response
bilities and possibilities of the society.
Among those who have worthily filled
the position as Department President OF
New York is our dear Mother Brainard,"
who in 1861 babe husband and son good
by" as they left for the front, and whose
presence among the veterans is benedic-
ton. The writer had the honor of being
much with Mrs. Brainard ut the Saratoga
Convention, and no veteran who met her,
however humble his appearance, failed to
received a kindly smile and hearty
Good day, comrade" and every hat was
lifted in respect and recognition of the
fact that in the sweet-faced- white-haired
lady he had met friend. Mrs. Brainard
is always listened to with pleasure when
she carries the greetings of the Ladies OF
the Grand Army of the Republic to the
Department Encampments of the Grand
Army. She has also served as National
Chaplain.
Mrs. Hancock. of Fulton. under whose
the Order gained largely in
influence and numbers, is one whose heart
is devoted to the advancement OF the
Order in its work for the veteran.
The Counselor, Mrs. Walsh, has ably
served the Department as Secretary
Treasurer and President She IS a little
woman. but full of grit and perseverance,
a host in the work. Under her administra-
ton the Department was Incorporated.
Mrs E. NJ Chamberlain, of Albany. is
a woman who impresses one as of wonder
full self-possession. Seeing clear and using
good Judgment, under her the Circles
the State took an added inter-
est in the work.
1t is impossible to name all now, but
when the roll is called in that great here
after of those who were faithful to their
obligations we believe. the name of every
Past President will be marked true"
1t requires something more than love ct
self and Aforementioned to stand for
a principle, and work, in face OF OPPOSE
ton, for an organization whose very requi..
sition for membership Ia soldiers proof OF
seryice) should make for it q host OF
friends without q word of censure. This
qualification is only that required by the
Posts of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, and when they open the doors of that
grand and noble Order then can they with
consistency ask us to do the same. Our
contention is that it is not so much char
ity the veterans of 81 and 60 need as
due recognition of their sacrifices and the
grandeur of their deeds.
The Chairman of the Citizens Commit
tee said, in addressing the Department
Convention of the Ladies of the u. A: X.
at Saratoga: 81 believe that the member
ship of the Grand Army of the Republic
represents the true aristocracy of the
country, and your organization, composed
of the blood-kin of its members. share in
its position. In the training of the chill
dren and the children's children, shall the
Order find its best work for the brave men
whom they. should honor and revere. Let
me conclude by saying that every vet
Grams wife and daughter should feel 1t an
imperative duty to join a Circle. Not only
to have part in the work of perpetuating
the memory of those dear to her: but to
obtain proof, while easily done, of his re-
to veteran and to place that
proof on record. that no such obstacles
may be found of proving eligibility as the
Daughters of the Revolution and kindred
societies of the defendants of the Reyolu-
tionary times are having to prove their
claim. As sure as the country stands the
time will come when the descendants OF
those who saved the Nation will be as
proud of and anxious to prove their claim
to membership in the Ladies Of the Grand
Army of the Republic as are those OF the
war now to claim eligibility
in the D. A. R., composed of the descend
ants of those who founded it. For this
reason, if no other, the wives and daugh'
tiers should join the Order.-FLoRIDA 4.
Department Press Core
spondent, Wolcott, N. Y.