Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-08-19

BOSTON, Aug. 1S.-Nith three aVOWed
candidates in the field the question of
selecting the next cOmmander-in-ch chief
of the Grand Army of the Republic was
the absorbing issue when the delegates
re-assembled, Thursday. in Symphony
hall for the second days session of the
national cncampment convention. The
Massachusetts delegates went into the
convention confident that their own de-
partmcnt commander, Gen. WilmOn w.
Elackmar. would be easily chosen. The
friends Of Col. John c. Shots and Col.
Albert Blackwell, both of the Depart
mcnt of New York, also felt certain of
the chances Of their candidates. Every
Grand Army man has recognized that
Gen. Blacltnar's canvass has been the
most aggressive of the three, the Mas
sachusctts man having besides all the
advantage arising from the fact that
the encampmcnt was being held in his
home city.
On the other hand, Coils. Shots and
EllkeWoH have been supported by ac-
/ tive committees who have been work
ing quietly among the western dele
gates. Tho opinion was expressed be-
fore Thursdays session was called to
order that Denver, Col. would be Sc
lected for the next encampmcnt.
Sessions were scheduled. Thursday.
for al! the branch organizations of the
G. A. r. in continuation Of Wednesday.
The w. r. G. was to elect the majority
Of the officers while full complement
Of officers were to be chosen by the Ia
dies of the G. A. r., the Daughters of
Veterans, the Ladies' Aid Society. aux
Hilary to the Sons of Veterans, and the
Sons of Veterans.
In accordance with Wednesdays vote
the election of officers was the first
business. Con. Blacknar's name was
the first presented. His nOmina ton
was seconded by MANY states. Corporal
James Tanner of the New York denart-
rcnt arose to present the name Of
Col ShottS but he said that he had
urged iris candidate to withdraw be-
caus" Of il being apparent that Gen.
Rlackmar was tho choice of the en-
campment. Corporal Tanner then TO-
mally withdrew the name of Col. Shots
as candidate.
The name Of Col BLACKWELL was not
presented and on motion of Past Com
mandcr-in-Cnief Wagner of Pennsyi-
vania tho nomination of Gen. Blackmar
was made unanimous amid a tumultu-
ous demonstration.
Gen. Elackmar EXPRESSED his appre-
citation of the honor:
81 vain" this Office at its very highest
hccarse it is an honor peculiar i'll it
self inasmnch as it is bestowed by the.
ncn who made history and changed
the destiny nf this nation. 1t is diff
erent from anv political honor because
every mar who voted for me has Prov
ed his rirht to vote. Tt is an Office
which dies with the Grand Army and
which cannot be perpetuated. For these
reasons it is in my opinion the most
honorable to which any man can aspire,
and the announcement of my election
to it marks the proudest moment of
my life. Estimating the position at
such high value is it any wonder that
nv whole heart and soul go out to the
gallant comrades who have stood so
lovallv by me and carried me on to vic
tory. To those comrades all over the
country tender my sincerest thanks.
The only manner in which I can recon-
pense them for the deep and lasting
debt OF gratitude under which they
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