Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-05

Exercises Under the Auspices Of
Wilson Post, q. A. r.

Wilson Post, q. a. Il.
In an atmosphere Of the purest patriot
ism, Stanley Hall. at the United States
Soldiers Hone. was the scene last even
ing of a large gathering Of patriotic men
and women. The occasion was the cele-
bration of the seventeenth anniversary
Of Wilson Post. No. II. Grand Army OF
the Republic The interior Of the beau
tiful auditorium was profusely decorated
with flowers and potted palms. with Old
Glory forming . background. while al
most every one in the gathering OF nearly
one thousand persons, wore some emblem
Of q patriotic character indicative or the
organisation which they represented. On
the stage were seated men prominent In
military organizations of the city. among
ment commander of the GAR. and stan;
Col. Samuel s. Stratton: Senior Vice Com
mander John Holbrook: Junior Vice Com
mander HI. A. Johnson; Brig. Gen. Andrew
s. Burt. U.S.A.. representing the District
of Columbia Army and Navy Union gar,
William A. Hickey. his aid de camp; mrs
Isabel Worrell Ball. Mrs. Elizabeth ROD
bins Berry and other patriotic women
Col. B. F. Chase. Col. William Edgar
Rogers and the officers OF Wilson Post
The exercises were opened with prayer
by Rev. H. Allen Griffith. chaplain OF tne
Soldiers Home. after which the band
under the direction of Prof: Zimmerman;
rendered The Star Spangled Banner. an
present at the command of Col. Walker
standing to attention and singing while
this hymn Of the country was oeihs
played.
In his address Col Stratton reviewed the
history Of Wilson Post and said the Or
in the GAR because all the soldiers COM
posing 1t had served in the regular army.
You should be proud Of old post II; s d
indeed all G. A. r. men in the Chteu
States are" he said; You men .h Hs
war between the states. hut you went
farther-you assisted in the civilizati0n ol
the far west by your valor in your ngh's
with the warning Indians
Col. John S. Walker was next prese"t t;,e
He said he was very glad to be with t,e
men Of the Soldiers Home Post. for, ne
said. in your ranks are men representing
many wars. Your country owes you
debt of gratitude. and the fnstftutlons VI
our country which by your PATRIOTISM
you helped to establish are monuments
to your efforts. which shall last Tor all
time. Col. Walker paid high tribute 70
this country, its army and navy. ana coil
cluded by saying that he was glad 70 see
so many young men taking an interest In
patriotic events.
Mrs Isabel worrell Ball was called for.
and appeared at the head Of the Isabel
WOrrel Ball Flag Association. composer
Of about forty patriotic women in white.
carrying small American flags, and under
the command Of Mrs. Elizabeth Robbins
Berry. drill master The flag drill and
exercises followed. and was literally APP
plauded, the ladies marching to the
strains Of patriotic music.
Col. William Edgar Rogers delivered
an historical address. and the pupils of
Miss Cora Shreve gave polite vaude-
willie" entertainment. Those taking part
were Miss Mabel Cosgrove. Miss Lena
Collen. Irwin Cosgrove, Miss Mamie
Schuyler. little Beatrice Cosgrove, Miss
Smithson. Miss Margaret Poole. Master
Elmery Bonney, little Lila Smithson and
others: A comic recitation. Kelly
Spree" was given by Miss Mary Ford.
daughter OF the founder of Wilson Post.
Gen. Burt gave a soldier talk and at
the conclusion of the exercises was
greeted by, Police serst: Murphy of the
tenth precinct. whose life the general
saved while they were lighting the In
dians in the Sitting Bull campaign. Re-
freshments were served in a lower hall,
where Department Commander Walker
and his staff held reception. Many
members of the Army and Navy Union
were present.