The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1903-08-28
GENERAL BLACK IS
ELECTED COMMANDER.
Illinois Man Selected by the
San Francisco Encamp-
ment.
MEET AT BOSTON IN 1904
A Proposition to Admit Sons of Vet
Grams Into the Army Posts Was
Strongly Supp orted, but FL
nalIy Defeated.

San Francisco, Aug. 22.-The Grand
Army Of the Republic Thursday select
ed Boston as the place in which the en-
campmenc Of 1904 will be held, and
elected the following officers:
Commander-in-C Chief = General John
| c. Black of Illinois.
! Senior Vice Commander-Colonel C.
Mason Keene of California.
Junior Vice Communications
! Harry Kessler Of Montana.
Surgeon-in-Chief-Geo A. Harmon of
Ohio.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES Scott OF
Arizona.
The only contest of officers was over
chaplain, for which two ballots were
taken. On the first ballot Bress OF Ne
zona, 316. and Bradford Of Washing
ton, 352. Bradford withdrew and Scott
was elected on the second ballot.
Will Meet Next at Boston.
Boston and Denver were the only
places named for the next place OF
meeting. Before the ballot had pro-
ceeded far it became apparent that
Denver had no chance n it was with
drawn. Boston was selected by ac-
clamation.
The remaining officers will be cho-
sen tomorrow, also the committee on
resolutions, and it is expected that
the encampment will be adjourned at
noon.
During the afternoon a reception I'M
der the auspices of the press commit
tee was held at Mark Hopkins Insti-
tute of Art. In the evening there was
a reunion and dog watch by the naval
reserves, which during the day had
paid a visit to the Mare Island navy
yard.
The commander in chief was re-
ceived by the Ladies OF the Grand
Army in Union square hall and the
Women's Relief corps, department Of
Massachusetts,. had a reunion in
Golden Gate hall. All OF the social
functions were we'll attended.
The first report of the afternoon was
that of the flag committee. 1t recon-
mended the passage Of bills through
congress and the different states for
the purpose of fostering public senti-
ment in favor of honoring the national
flag. The report of the committee was
adopted.
comrade Kimball, Of the city of
Washington. presented a report on he
subject of claims of veterans for pref
erence in public service, and a resolu-
ton was adopted asking the president
to issue an executive order granting
this preference to veterans and for the
making Of an order by giving prefer
ence to veterans on the labor roll of the
executive departments.
Report Prosperous Condition.
Comrade ~Smedburg. of California.
presented a report of the standing
committee Of the memorial university
at Mason City, Ia, instituted by the
Sons of Veterans. The Institution. he
SAID, is in a hourishing condition, own
1ng property valued at several hundred
thousand dollars and having three to
four hundred pupils in attendance.
Genera John c.. Black, of Illinois
was nominated by Past Department
Commander LAWYER, of Illinois, for the
office Of commander in chief. The nom
NATION was seconded by Minton. of
kentucky, and Torrance, Of Minnesota.
Under suspension of the rules General
Black was elected by reclamation He
addressed the encampment saving.
L shall do in all ways whatever 7 can
as your representative to advance the
cause of comrade and country. | know
now veal any man is in the presence
OF the majesty of the American people,
put when l speak of your voices ! he
lleVe that all the people will. hear and
VIII accord tina which you request,
Following the selection of the civ
OF Boston as the place for holding the
next e~ncampment, General Miles was
called to the stand and spoke briefly
to theeveterans.
A proposition to admit Sons of Vet
Grams into the Grand Army posts was
strongly supported, but after an ex-
nded debate was defeated by a small
majority. ~
The encampment adopted a resolu-
lioh requesting congress to pass a bill
p~ensloning all veterans who have
reached the age of GO years.