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

GfanO ARMY OIL tne hepupiC Has Jun
neyed to the Pacific Slope to hold its An
nual Encampment. When We met in this
city of San Francisco II years ago, the
eastern shores of the Pacific Ocean mark
ed the Western boundary of the Republic.
Since that time the foes of other days, the
men who wore blue and gray in the great
est war known in all time, have marched
together under the flag of q united coun-
try, and carried it forward in the march
of civilization and Of progress. To-day
as surviving soldiers of the war for the
suppression of the rebellion and the pre-
seryation and continuance Of the Union We
rejoice in the added glory of the flag ana
the greatness and the power of the Nation,
all of which emphasizes the grand results
of the war in which we bore part, ana
the browning glory of which was the in
estimable blessings conferred on the hu-
man race. The great State of California
and the wonderful city Of San Francisco
united in giving the Union soldier and
sailor cordial, loving greeting, and to them
and theirs extends her hospitality. The
tide of battle in civic strife did not ebb
and flow in California. but her sons were
q part of that great army that answered
the call of their country. They contributed
freely and bravely their portion of the
cost of the Republics safety, and to-day
the Grand Army of the Republic as
sembled within the gates Of this State
pays fitting tribute to the loyalty OF her
people. and gradeur of her citizenship, the
hospitality Of her homes, and the glory
and progress that jewels her history.
MEMBERSHIP.
For many years we have been assuming
and asserting that it was not possible for
the Grand Army of the Republic to in
nd xvIfi
standing the fact that less than one-third
the survivors of the war for the suppress
sion of the rebellion are enrolled as men,
bers in our organization. l determined to
make a special effort along the line of re-
cruting-General Orders were issued, LET
tiers were sent to Department Command
ers, form of circular was prepared for
Posts to be used in reaching those en-
titled to membership but not yet members.
Some Departments had these printed IN
quantity and distributed to the several
Posts The effect was soon apparent IN
increased activity among the comrades,
and where the work was inteiligently d.
rected the results have been most satisfac-
tory. By reference tc the report Of the
Acknowledgement it will be observed that
many of the larger Departments have re
tanned their strength, while others have
notably increased it, and this notwIth-
standing the increasing death rate. The
Department of New York, with MEM
bership of 10000. shows a net loss for
the year of but GO. The Department of
Indiana. with a membership of 1856 IN
June, 1902, shows al increase of 2333. The
Department of Minnesota shows an in
crease of %. Tennessee IN increase Of
$40, California and Nevada an increase Of
3O7. Washington and Alaska an increase
of 1872 l think that the result in these
Departments clearly shows that it is pos
sble to at least hold our own for few
years longer. For the year ending June
30, 1903, we have gained
By muster, S,1S3; by transfer, 3,6oS;
by reinstatement, 11,613.
Our losses have been: By death, 1896;
by honorable discharge, 100; by transfer,
1880; by suspension, 1855; by dishonOr-
able discharge, IS; by delinquent reports,
5,022.
OFFICIAL VISITS.
In the discharge of the duties devolving
upon me as Commander-in-C Chief l have
Travelled over 10000 miles and visited %
Departments. l have been unable to do
all that the honor conferred demanded
and warranted; other duties required at
tention. Many Department Encampments
met on or about the same dates, and tins
prevented official visits that otherwise
would have been made.
Everywhere / was received with mark
ed courtesy and kindness.
In February last, in company with the
Executive Committee of the National
Council of Administration, Past Com
mander-in-Chief Rob't b. Beath, Chief of
Staff j. Cory Winans, and the National
Presidents of the Woman's Relief Corps
and of the Ladies of the Grand Army, l
visited the Department of California, and
conferred in San Francisco with the Com
mittee of Management having in charge
the work of preparing for the National
Encampment. We visited the Capital
City of the State. where 1 had the honor
to extend the thanks of the Grand Army
of the Republic to His Excellency the
Governor of the State, and to the General
Assembly for their valued contribution Ot
$4,000 to the fund to be raised for the en-
sertainment of the National Encampmeni
ard its friends.
On the return trip we were cordially
and courteously received by the Governor
and General Assembly Of the State Of
Kansas.
In the Department Of Colorado, a
Denver, a large Campfire was held ant
we were welcomed by the Governor Of thu
State. The party were shown distinguish
ed courteses in Chicago by the Depart
ment of Illinois and in Kansas City by tn
Department of Missouri.
MEMORIAL DAY.
The observance of this festival of re
membrance and of loving tribute to tn
honored dead on May 30, 1903, was of
character to assure us that the heart o
the people of the land is still in sympath
with the beautiful and impressive SCI
vice instituted by the Grand Army of tn
Republic. There have been, as there a
ways will be. some who will disregar
the obliga tons that rest upon all tn
people TO pay tribute to those whose valo
secured them the blessings, and the sect
rity which this and future generation
will enjoy and share. The Grand Arm
of the Republic has been true, and W
cannot but hail with delight the particips
ton in the ceremonies of the day of til
school children of the land. / believe tha
In this direction is one of the ways, If NJ
the surest way, to perpetuate the da.
We must invoke aid in the work. On
numbers grow less, and the sacred mound
increase in number with each passin
year. In many localities just prior |
Memorial Day appropriate services al
held in the public schools, and the childre
told the story of the days of war and I'll
meaning of the service of Memorial Da,
What more impressive sight than to Sc
the children Of the land gathering frol
field and garden, hill and valley, the swe
flowers of Springtime, to lay them lovin,
ly upon soldier and sailor graves, or wit
song cast them upon the waters in tribut
to our brave ones who sleeD in the on rder