Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-08-05
Maine Has Made Spleen
did Showing Of Late.
Relief Corps Proving Of the
Greatest Assistance.
Plans for Trip to Boston Encampmen.
This Month-WiII Make Fine Show. .
ine-visitors from California-Grand
Time Expected by the Veterans.

Department Of Maine G. "A. R., is feel
ing well satisfied with the showing
which the department has made in the
| first six months of the present year.
When an organization of the character
of the Grand Army can hold it's MEM
| bership up with practically no loss it
| is doing well, for the age of it's MEM
bcrs and the privations which they
suffered in early life are such that at
| this time a large death rate is to be
expected. consequently it is scarcely
! to be hoped that new members can be
secured to fill these places But the
department of Maine has succeeded in
| doing this very thing during the period
| named.
On June 80 the number of deaths. for
| the six months then closing, in the de-
partment had been no. and in addition
there were losses from failure to pay
dues and other causes, but when the
return was made to the national de-
partrnent it was shown that there had
been but a net loss in membership IN
the department of three. In other
words there had been secured new
members to within three of the number
OF those who had died and left the COM
mands from other causes in that time.
This showing is gratifying to the de-
partment commander and to the post
cOmman ders. as well; also the men,
bers of the order one and all are much
pleased with the showing which has
been made.
Compared with the showing which
the department of Massachusetts has
made in the same time Names record
is remarkable This year, Of all years
there are inducements for new men,
bers to flock to the order in that State.
The holding of the national encamp-
ment in Boston ought to make every
veteran of the war want to become
affiliated with the Grand Army, but
the record shows that that department
has only gained about 100 in member
ship since Jan. first
Indications now are that there will
be very large attendance at the
national encampment i'm Boston this
month from the department of Maine.
Many from this vicinity will go to BOs-
ton on the steamer leaving Saturday
night, but the bulk will go from Port
land on Monday. Aug. Is. They will
leave Portland at A. NJ. either by
special or re gular train, which has not
definitely been decided, reaching Bos-
ton about noon. This will give an OPP
portrnity for all comrades of the west
ern section of the State and as far east
as Waterville, those along the Grand
Trunk and Mountain division Of the
Maine Central to leave home early that
morning, reach Portland so as to leave
with their comrades and arrive in Bos-
ton by noon. BY doing this they will
get settled and rested before the parade
of Tuesday.
With the new flag and banner re-
Gently presented to the department.
mention of which has heretofore been
made in the Journal and the many
handsome silk flags which the posts
throughout the State have been pre-
scntcd with. the department of Maine
ought TO make a splendid showing in
the big parade. And here it may be
said that how anyone who appreciates
what the men of the Grand Army did
70 and more years ago for this country.
can not wish to see that parade. will
not make it a point to see it. is beyond
conception. In all probability it will be
their last march in the East; the last
! chance that the people of this section
of the country will ever have to see
them all assembled together without
making long journey.
The department of Maine will walk
in the big parade. This comes from a
combination Of circumstances which
are unavoidable. The supply of saddle
horses there is limited and the prices
which are being charged are pro-
hibitive, so the department from this
State will walk.