The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-08-16

dehantly, and perhaps arrOgantly,,
called attention to the fact that while
and outraged by the exposure of moral
terpitude on the part Of many of those
who stood among the so-called most
eminent men of the nation, eminent in
financial and religious circles, trusted
guardians of the interests Of widows
and orphans, yet in all the list, search
it from top to bottom, the name Of not
found.
All Veterans Should Join.
cit is strange that any living man
who ever wore the blue is not a member
of the organization, and urge the cele-
bration Of the fortieth anniversary. by
the bringing in of new members. -
Discussing finances, he said:
"The amount turned over to the
quartermaster by the administration,
after making certain payments, was
1920. The utmost economy, however,
was necessary in it's expenditure until
the Blackmar legacy of $4,000 was re-
Mr.. Tanner then discussed the neces-
nurses, and spoke Of the aid rendered
to members Of the G. A. R: on account
of the earthquake in San Francisco.
The commander reiterated his views
regarding proper observance of Me-
mortal Day, and said that as the result
Of his recommendations concerning the
graves Of confederates buried on north
ern SOIL he had received a number of
touching messages from mothers of the
south These, he said, were too tender
and sacred to be heralded publicly, but
If he had received but one such COM
munication he would have felt amply
justified for the recommendations he
made.
Memorial Observances.
Reference also was made to his rec
ommendation that the Sund ay preced-
ing Memorial Day be duly observed as
Memorial Sunday in order that the
growing custom Of Memorial Day as a
mere holiday for games and amuse
ments may be checked.
"The time is coming, if not already
begin to to think about out the prop prop:
erty Of the Grand Army Of the
Republic not belonging to posts. It is
we'll known that posts have acquired
valuable real estate and other prop
erty, and we should seriously consider
what should ultimately be done with
this valuable property. Of course; the
posts, but it is entirely proper that
the national and departmental organi'
cations should act in an advisory capac,
ity thereto, and it is a question whether
it is not almost time to appoint a com
mittee to carefully consider the whole
subject and the relations to be sus
Army Of the Republic and the Won
Grand 1 Army e0t Of the Repubic, thu
Daughters Of Veterans, the Sons of Vet
Grams and other patriotic organiza
tions.'
All of these societies had done great
good and given substantial help, tx
eff in tho fullness Of time these va
rious patriotic organizations should
merge into one grand body, what al
impetus would be given to the cause W.
have so much at heart, what result
would accrue to our beloved country
and as minor yet very important con
sideration, how much less It would cos
to maintain one organization in tn
highest condition of efficiency than i
now costs to conduct the affairs Of tn
several. organizations. all devoted to tn
same object.'
Condemns Wirz Monument Scheme.
The proposed monument to Captain
Wirz, who was in charge of Anderson
vile prison, was strongly condemned
Mr.. Tanner said on this subject: -,
In the course of the last few months
ID nave received quite a number of com
munications concerning the proposition
to erect at or near Andersonville mon
ument in honor of Captain Wirz, who wa
in charge Of Andesonville prison.
Most of these communications were ap
peals addressed to me as commander in
chief 1mploring me to take steps to pre-
vent the erection Of such a monument
and urging me, If necessary to that enc
to lay the matter before congress, or
bring it to the attention Of the presiden
Needless to say, the comrades thus al
pealing to me had given very little cor
sideration to the question Of the power {
the COMMUNICATIVE chief In this matte
or the courts. or congress, or the pres
dent OF the United States himself. Til
slightest research as to authority woul
have shown them that no such powe
exists In either Of the quarters named.
Andersonille is the property of tt
Woman's Relief corps, and, of course q
that property no monument to Wirz W!
ever be permitted, but on the other ham
there Is no legal power in the nation
prevent anyone so disposed from pul
X chasing a plot of ground contiguous
Andersonyille, and erecting thereon ar
monument they may desire to construc
The veterans of the confederate arm
Il are not. to any appreciable degree, inte1
ested In this movement. 1t has, its in
a = = = a u