The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-16
GREAT CAMPFIRE
At AUDITORIUM R IN !.
Addresses by g. A. r. Leaders
and Civilians Mingle with Songs
and "reminiscences.

Minneapolis formally and officially
welcomed it's guests of the Grand Army
Of the Republic at the campfire ~
given at the Auditorium last night. 1t
was a welcome at once artistic, sympa-
thetic and whole-souled, and it's was
received with an appreciation and in q
spirit that left nothing to be desired.
A rousing success in every detail.
this "semi- official meeting of the for
tieth annual encampment Of the G.. A..
tory as one Of the most delightful func-
tions at which the members have ever
been entertained, and in Minneapolis
history as an important event in the
progress Of the city and Of the north
west. l-..
The great Auditorium, which had
been artistically decorated for a patri-
otic holiday, made most fitting Sc set.
ting for sn the great so cr 2; Of d
every seat and overran into the lob
bies. From beginning to end in the
long and excellent program there was
no discordant note to mar the harmony
Of the occasion. In the speeches as in
the music; patriotic sentiment was DOM
inant, and there was nothing but glory
for the men who are survivors of the
greatest, army the world has ever known
and praise for the city and the citizens
tainment to the veterans who enter
tanned their country's enemies with far
different tunes on many battlefield.
Governor johnson Speaks.
Ell Torrance, past commander-in-
chief of the Grand Army, acted as tenn
porary chairman, and after a short
opening, the singing Of g. America and
prayer by Rev. Jesse Cole, chaplain
chosen words, John A. johnson, gov
ernor of Minnesota. In his forecful and
most effective style. Governor johnson
complimented the ability and forti-
tude Of the members Of the G. A. R.,
who had made the present United
States possibility, and after express
ing the hope that many more reunions
would be vouchsafed the civil war vet
Grams, he extended, to them a cordial
sofa. -
Mayor David Percy Jones was next
1884 and humorously referred to Min
neapolis as the "then big little city"
whose citizens were willing then, as
they are willing now, to turn the city
The mayors reference to the interest
taken in the G. A. R. by Minnesotans
on account Of their love for the gal
liant First Minnesota, for Governor
Ramsey and the men they sent to de-
fend their country's flag was roundly
applauded. .,
Levi Longfellow, commander of the
| department of Minnesota, made q
forceful speech. of welcome to the Wis
ifiner onY,, ro loo o,,I Mro Maud TIN, nv
Jones sang the "star Spangled Ban
| ner,' which she rendered with finish
| and a sympathy that could not fail to
| arouse latent enthusiasm, especially
among the veterans who have so often
stood "retreat' and listened to the
inspiring strains of the great song UNI
! der trying and dangerous conditions.
Commander Tanner saluted. e.. ,
With eulogy that received the
hearty approval of his audience Judge
Torrance then introduced James Tan
| ner, commander-in-ch chief Of the Grand
| Army Of the Republic. Seldom has a
! more able or eloquent response been
given in Minneapolis than that Of Com
mander Tanner. whose ready wit and
perfect sense Of the eternal ftpess of
things kept his eloquence within the
proper lines and made it stirringly EFF.
fective. When the commander rose to
respond the vast audience with q com.
mon impulse arose and gave the Com
mander a "Chautauqua .salue d.; The
thousands Of silently waving white
handkerchiefs made a most impressive
salute, one that had visible effect
upon the commander. After stating
that it was his duty and his pleasure
to respond to the glorious Minnesota
welcome given the members of the
Grand Army, the speaker turned te
"reminiscences.
He said that he had been at the Min
neapolis encampment in 1884 and that
the memories Of those days are perfect
in his mind. After complimenting the
women, who, he said had made nine
tenths Of the soldiers what they were
and are, the speaker turned to a fervic
defense of Of the characters of thu
members of the G.. A. R. "We buildec
some things from 81 to '65 besides
the stronger foundations Of this re
public,' he said. eve builded char
acter and better knowledge of thu
quarter Of a million men who belong
to the army will prove this.
| " Z Veterans Like Minneapolis.
"But we like the attention Mime
apolsf is paying us: We acknowledg,
it freely. We may not move with gu,
old-time spryness, but otherwise W,
fare the same. We are pleased to b,
entertained. Our dimming eyes moist
en- with pleasure as we look at tn,
superlative decorations Of this beauti
full city and note the other work thai
| hoor roJ -