Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-12-08
An Object Lesson in Patriotism.

powers.
An Object Lesson in Patriotism.
"As part of the homely nucleus from
which grew our present superb navy" said
Mai. Hodgson, "if for no other reason, Old
Ironsides' should be preserved for all time
as an object lesson of patriotism and sacri-
flee for the youth of the United States. The
glorious memories Of old Ironsides' has
forever enshrined the dear old battleship
they will never see her brought to the tgno-
minious end that has been recommended by
the Secretary of the Navy"
Col. William H. Mellach,. who served as
an officer in the 4th United States Folun-
teer Infantry Qmmunes) in the war with
Spain spoke earnestly of what Old Iron
sides represents to the American people
He said President Roesevelt's history Of
the war of 1912 gives the best story Of Old
Ironsides and her noble deeds"
Mai Hodgson moved that the District
Spanish War Veterans take the Initiative,
not only in bringing about the preservation
of the sacred old Ship" but also to have
the venerable craft brought to Washington
and kept here on exhibition for all time.
Commander John Lewis Smith appointed
as a committee to take action In this mat
cations In the District, Maj Frederick S.
Hodgson, chairman; Capt. Sheridan Fer
rec and Capt J. Walter Mitchell.
1t is the intention OF the committee, 1t
mittees from other soldier bodies and pat
riotic societies, to carry the matter before
Congress, II such step becomes necessary.
To Hold Congressional Reception.
Another matter Of Importance given con-
sideration last night was a proposition to
hold a reception under the auspices Of all
the camps Of Spanish War Veterans in the
District at which the guests of honor Will
be Gen. J. Warren keefer. member Of Con-
gress from Ohio and first commander in
chief Of the national body OF Spanish War
Veterans: Representative Gilbert Of In
diana, former department commander Of
the U. s. W. V. of that state: Senator
Dick. Representative Wiley and other men,
bers of Congress who are actively identi-
fed with the organizat ton.
The entertainment committee was In
structed to make arrangements for this re-
ception and entertainment in the near fu-
ture.
Reports from the several officers showed
that unusual activity has developed in the
department during the first half Of Com
mander John Lewis Smiths term, and the
outlook for the future was said to be
bright.
Much regret was expressed at the action
OF Mckinley Camp in deciding to surrender
its charter to the department. Commander
Smith was requested to designate an officer
to receive the charter and effects of the
camp. This action was decided upon at the
quest was presented last night by Capt R.
B. Leach, its commander. who was at the
department meeting with Capt Fred W.
Wildman and Mr.. Jirokowic a leading
member of that body 1t was stated that
the membership of the body will affiliate
with the other six camps in this jurisdic-
ton.
History Of Mckinley Camp.
The disbanded camp came into existence
when Major Fred S. Hodgson was depart
ment commander. AT first it was known as
Willard Camp, having been named in honor
of Lieut.. Gov. Willard of Virginia. Later
the name was changed to William McKin-
ley Camp, in honor of the martyred Presi-
dent. The personnel Of the camp has al
ways been of a high order. Its members
were mainly employees OF the government
departments, representing many states and
nearly every branch of the military service
Attention was called to the movement in
behalf of the establishment of new and
improved Soldiers and Sailors Temporary
Home in Washington. with modern san
partment placed itself squarely on record
az champions Of a new home, and the men,
bers viii work like beavers to accom-
plish the desired result.
To Form Club.
Steps were also taken to form Spanish
War Veterans Club, with club rooms at
headquarters. 719 9Th street northwest.
where tho members can spend the long
winter evenings playing games. reading
and relating army "reminiscences A COM
nittee TO arrange for the establishment Of
the club was appointed. as follows: Capt.
". II. Mellach. Maj Fred 8. Hodgson.
Capt. Sheridan Ferree. Department Guar.
teruiaster Daniel P. Conway and Junior
Vice Department Commander Wise. At q
meeting OF the committee held last night
Capt Sheridan Ferree was unanimously
elected chairman. On motion of Capt Fer
rec vote Of thanks was rendered to each
Of the volunteer performers at the recent
benefit performance at the National The
alter, and letters of thanks will be sent to
each by the department adjutant q, "a
Rausch. Reports received last night indi-
Gated that the affair was success In every
particular.