The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-20
MERGER Of SPANISH WAR
VETERANS IS COMPLETED,
NEW SOCIETY FORMED
Major Megrew and Captain Eng
lish VIII Divide Control of I6o,-
600 Men Under New Name.
CONCESSIONS ARE MADE,
Results Are Satisfactory, and
United Spanish War Veterans"
Begins Auspiciously.
NOTED MEN INTERESTED
President Roosevelt and General
Miles Are Expected to Attend
National Convention.


On yesterday the long hoped-for union of
Spanish war societies was accomplished
by the formal signing of articles of con-
solidation by Major Harold c. Megrew.
commander-in-chief of the Spanish War
Veterans, Captain William f. English,
commander-in-chief of the Spanish-Ameri-
can War Veterans, and Colonel George NJ.
Moulton, of Chicago. commander-in-chief
of the Service Men of the Spanish War.
After the articles of union had been
agreed upon by the three commanders-in-
chief they were likewise approved by COM
mittees representing their respective or
ganizations, as follows: Lieutenant Cen
eral Nelson A. Miles, U. S. A, Major Cen
eral ]. Warren Kiefer of Ohio, and Colonel
Nj. E. Ureli, of Washington, d. c., past
commanders-in-chief; Captain c. S. An
drews, of New York, and Colonel l.. T.
Burpee. of New Haven, of the Spanish
War Veterans; Brigadier General Willis A.
Hulings. of Oil City. Colonel James b.
Coryell, of Philadelphia, and Colonel ID. j.
Foster, of Chicago. past commanders-in-
chief of the Spansh-American War Vet
Grams, and General John A. Wiley, of
Pennsylvania, past commander-in-chief,
Colonel e. c. Young, of Illinois. Major l..
M. Ennis. of Chicago, Captain w. /. Da-
vinney, of New York, and Comrade Martin
Scherer, of St Louis of the Service Men
of the Spanish War.
The following telegram was sent to Presi-
dent Roosevelt last night by Captain Eng
lish and Major Megrew notifying him OF
the amalgamation: ,
indianapolis. Ind, April 19. 1904
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, President OF
the United States. Washington. ID. c.
1T is with the greatest qualification that
inform articles of union
signed to-day, by which the Spanish War
Veterans, Spanish-American War Veterans
consolidated into one strong, united pa
triotic organization. Realizing that you
will rejoice with in this union of your
heretofore divided comrades of the Spanish
tidings.
MAJOR HAROLD C. MEGREW.
"Commander-in-chief Spanish .ar Vet
Grams.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM E. ENGLISH,
"Commander-in-ch Spanish-American
War Veterans.
COLONEL GEORGE NJ. MOULToN,
"Commander-in-c Service Men of the
.Spanish Mar. .-.4-z.s. . ss-s--ss-t,e
CAPT. ENGLISH SUGGESTS NAME.
Ihe three societies are now merged by the
articles of union into one united organiZa-
ton. Much difficulty was experienced in
agreeing upon name, and after many had
been considered and rejected Captain Eng
lish finally proposed the name United
Spanish War Veterans" which was
adopted.
The new society begins with over 600 or
ganized camps located in all parts of the
United States Hawaii. Porto Rico and the
Philippine islands, and a membership of
some 10000 Spanish war soldiers. New ac-
cessions to the roll are expected to be rapid,
now that the consolidation mas been ac-
complished
The union was consummated after sew
eral months of labor and many conferences,
and is the result of mutual concessions
made by each organization, all realizing
that some sacrifices must be made for the
Under the agreement Major Megrew be-
comes the first commander-in-chief of the
new united society, with Captain English
as senior vice cOmmander-in-chief and Col.
MOulton as. junior vice commander-in-chief.
The first full term of office extends from
April is, 1904, to Jan: l, 1905. and this is
holds office until Sept. / next, when he gives
| way to Captain English, who serves as
| commander-in- chief until Jan. 1 following.
| Colonel MoultOn succeeding him in the Of
| flee of senior vice commander-in-chief,a and
| he in turn being succeeded as junior vice
| chief by Gen William j.
Mckee. This divides the honors equally.
| Major Megrew having the honor of being
| first COMMANDMENTS n-chief and Captain Eng
| lish the honor of being second in that office.
| and as such presiding over the first national
! encampment, with Colonel Moulton as
| senior vice commander-in-chief the next
| office in rank and Importance.
| NOTABLES AT MEETING
| The first national encampment, at which
| officers for the year 1906 will be elected, is
| to be held during the coming September
| at a place yet to be decided upon and it is
| intended to make this first meeting of the
| United Society a most notable occasion.
President Roosevelt, General Miles, Gen
| CONTINUED ON PAGE 9, COL. 3D.