The National tribune., 1906-12-06
UNITED SPANISH WAR VETERANS.
Comprehensive Sketch of the Orgnnixa-
tiOn-WOrk for the Comrades Before
Congress-Notes Of Interest.

comprehensive Sketch OF the OrgnufxN-
tion-wOrt< for the Comrades Before
Congress-Notes Of Interest.
That those soldiers of the war with
Spain who are not members of the pa
triotic association known as the United
Spanish War Veterans, may know of
its objects and scope, Commander-in-
Chief Charles r. Miller has promul-
gated broadcast from National Head
quarters at Cleveland, o.. copies of a
pamphlet, containing much informa-
ton concerning the organization. The
pamphlet states that the organization
known as the United Spanish War Vet
Grams is the outcome of the amalgama-
ton of four societies: the Spanish War
Veterans; the Spanish-American War
Veterans: the Society of the Service
Men of the Spanish War, and the So
ciety of Hispano-Amercan War. This
amalgamation was completed early in
1904 and the first National Encamp-
ment was held in St. Louis in 1904.
One hundred and fifteen Camps scat
tered all over the United States and
Territories, surrendered their old chart
ers and received new ones from the
amalgamated organization.
The purposes and objects of this Or
ganization are to promote the best in
terests and general welfare of those
and the dependents of those who ell
tered the service of the United States
and took part in either the Spanish
American war; the Philippine insurrec-
ton, or the Chinese expedition. To en-
courage the love of, and to strive for
universal liberty, equal rights and JUS
tice to all men; to conserve the great
principles of freedom, patriotism and
humanity, and above all to teach and
practice good citizenship in time of
peace, which exemplifies patriotism as
much as the service of ones country in
time of war
The organization is non-partisan and
nOn-sectarian. No member is allowed
to use the organization for political
purposes, and no discussion of partisan
questions is allowed at any of it's meet
ings, nor are its members permitted to
indorse or nominate any one for any
political office
Ladies' auxiliaries are organized
wherever a Camp is formed, composed
of the mothers, sisters and daughters
of members, or patriotic women, who
have charge of and assist in the care
of the sick, minister to the wants of the
needy, assist at Decoration Day exer-
cises, and otherwise promote the inter,
ests of the members of the organiza-
ton
The total number of veterans eligible
to mem mbership in the United States
should be in the neighborhoOd of 250,-
600, and the actual membership of the
organization ought to be doubled in the
next year. Camps have been organ
lied in 80 States and Territories, and
in 27 State Camps have been organ
ized into Departments and annual Re-
unions are held.
ho y
charter granted on the application of
10 or more persons who have served
in the Army, Navy. or Marine Corps
in the SpanishAmerican war, Chinese
expedition, or Philippine insurrection,
prior to July 4. 1902. Upon the organ
ization of the Camp. officers are elected
consisting of a Commander, Vice-C Com
mander, Junior Vice-Commander, Off
Ger of the Day, Officer Of the Guard,
Chaplain, and three trustees; the Ad-
jutant and Quartermaster being ap>
pointed by the Commander. A beauti-
full ritual or ceremony has been pro-
vided, known as the secret work. with
which all members are mustered and
the work of the Camp conducted. A
grip and passwords are communica ted
by which one member may recognize
another.
Once each year delegates and alter
" NdtJOHdl arc
chosen at the Department Encamp-
ments, four delegates and four alter
mates being allowed each Department.;
and in addition thereto one delegate
and one alternate to every 100 mem
berS or major portion thereof. All
Department Commanders having been
duly elected and having served the
major portion of their term of office,
are entitled to vote in the National En-
campment, as long as they remain in
good standing. The National En-
campments are usually held in some
large city, which provides entertain
ment for the delegates. At the Ma
tional Encampment the most important
work Is done; legislative committees
chosen, and plans laid for the work OF
the coming year. At the last National
Encampment a permanent legislative
committee was appointed, and the fol-
lowing is n list of some of the matters
which were referred to said committee
with power to act:
That Congress appropriate 100000
for the purchase of a suitable building
in the District of Columbia for use as a
temporary Soldiers Home.
That Congress make the necessary
appropriation and erect an Amphi-
theater and Chapel at Arlington Gene
terry, Washington, d. c., in which tho
last rites may be performed over the
soldier dead.
That Congress prohibit the use of
uniforms patterned after those of the
Army and Navy of the United States,
except by the National Guard or Naval
Militia, Sons of the Revolution, G. a.
r., the Veteran Navy, Sons of Veterans,
u. S. w. ", or similar affiliated organi-
cations.
That Congress be urged to establish
Il National Museum, where G. A. r.
Posts and U. S. w. V. Camps may send
their relics, to be accumulated as re-
membranes of the Indian campaigns
and Philippine insurrection.
That the provisions of the Pension
Act of June 81, 1890, be amended and
revised so as to include the soldiers,
sailors and marines who enlisted and
served in our war with Spain and the
Philippine insurrection, between the
22d day of April, 1898, and the 4th
day of July, 1902, inclusive.
That the army canteen be restored,
and that none but soldiers with honor
able records be buried in the National
soldier cemeteries
This latter resolution was aimed att
q proposition that was presented to the
War Department and to Congress, pro-
vided for the burial in military ceme-
teries, like Arlington, of distinguished
citizens other than soldiers
upifnr,, of fba JypitoJ