The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-08-18

Denver, Col, was chosen as the next
place for holding the national G. A. R.
encampment
Boston, Aug. 18.-With three avowed
candidates in the field the question OF
selecting the next chief
of the Grand Army of the Republic was
| the absorbing issue when the delegates
reassembled today in Symphony hall
for the second days session of the ma
tlonal encampment convention. The
Massachusetts delegates went to the
convention confident that their own
department commander, General Will
mon w. Blackmar would easily be cho-
sen. The friends of Colonel John c.
Shotts and Colonel Albert C. Bake
well, both of the department of New
York, also felt certain of the excellent
chances of their candidates.
Every Grand Army man has recogniz-
ed that General Blackmar's canvass
has been the most aggressive of the
three, the Massachusetts man having
besides all the advantage arising from
the fact that the encampment was be-
ing held in his home city. On the other
hand, Col. ShottS and Bakewell have
been supported by active committees
who have been working quietly among
the western delegates. The opinion was
expressed before todayS session was
called to order that Denver would be
selected for the next encampment.
Sessions were scheduled today for all
the branch organizations of the G. A.
r., in continuation of yesterday. The
w. r. c. will elect the majority of the
officers, while a full complement of off,
GERS were to be chosen by the Ladies
of the G. A. R., the Daughters of Vet-
Grams, the Ladies' Aid society, auxiliary
to the Sons of Veterans, and the Sons
of Veterans.
The election of officers was the first
business. Massachusetts presented the
no Of i
nation was seconded by states. Cor
pOral James Tanner, of the New York
department, who had been chosen to
present the name of Colonel Shotts but
instead of making the nomination he
said that as it was apparent that Gen.
Blackmar was the choice of a majority
of the encampment he had urged Col.
Shotts to withdraw and he then an
nounced the withdrawal The name CT
Colonel Bakewell was not presented.
On motion of Past Commander-in-
chief Wagner, of Pennsylvania, the
nomination of General BIacknar was
made unanimous amid a tumultutOuS
demonstration. Colonel Shotts headed
the committee which escorted Colonei
BlackInar to the platform and with the
new commander-in-chief was loudly
cheered. General Blackrnar actSpted
the office in a brief speech.
John R. King, of Washington, d. e,
former commander of the department
of Maryland, was chosen senior vice
Having elected their president yes
terday, the members of the national as
sociation of army nurses of the civil
war began balloting today for other Of
ficers Mrs. Price. of Lancaster, Pa,
was elected senior wee president.
The presentation of a diamond ring
to Mrs. Belinda Bailey of San Fran
cisco, national president of the Ladies
of the G.. A. r., by the department of
California marked the opening of to-
days session of that organization.
The resolution regarding the pro-
posed fraternaI convention of the blue
and gray survivors and confederate ar
mics to be held at Washington, D.
c., was laid on the table.
George w. Patten of Chattanooga,
Tenn, past commander of the depart
ment of Tennessee, was elected junior
vice commander in chief by acclama-
tion, after Mr.. Cook had been nomi-
mated for the office and again with
drawn.
DR.. Warren r. King, of Indiana, was
elected surgeon general.