The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-06-17
6. A. R. VETERANS
ARRIVING OR
ENCkMP MENT
FIRST BUSINESS SESSION TAKES
PLACE WEDNESDAY MORNING.
WoMEN'S AUXILIARY ORGANi.
CATIONS ARE MEETING, TOO.

Gray-bearded veterans, some OF
them with arms, hands or eyes miss
ing, thronged the lobby of the Hotel
Normandie, Tuesday morning, the
number increasing materially as the
forenoon wore away. They came from
all parts OF Michigan 10 attend the
annual state encampment of the G. A.
department of Michigan Every
incoming train brought its quota OF
delegates who at once repaired TO
the Normandie TO register and renew
old acquaintances.
Those in charge of the encampment
expect the attendance TO reach nearly
1900, but the bulk OF the visitors
arrive during the afternoon and even.
ing and Wednesday morning. A
unique arrangement for registering
the delegates and visitors has been
devised, though it is not new TO the
veterans. A large wooden rack has
been set up in the assembly room OF
the Normandie, which serves as the
G.. A. r. headquarters, and this Is
equipped with long rows of wire spin
dies, each properly labeled with the
name OF regiment On table close
at hand are quantities of shipping tags
on which the veterans. on their ar
rival. write their name, address and
regiment These tags are then hung
in their proper place on the rack.
where they are open TO the scrutiny
OF all
Thus the veterans are able to tell
at glance whether old comrades have
arrived, and ii the names of the one
sought appears on the hook, there en-
sues a lively search through the cor
ridors. Presently the old comrades
may be seen In some secluded corner,
swapping "reminiscences and -inquiring
after one another's health.
Many Familiar Faces Missing.
But many once familiar faces are
missing this year. The report of AS
sistant Adjutant General Wyckoff. OF
Lansing, will show that 52S of the
boys" have passed to their reward
since the last encampment. This is
about GA In excess OF the death list
for the year before. So II is that
many Of the grizzled heroes look In
vain among the tags that dangle from
the spindles for the name OF friend
with whom they stood shoulder to
shoulder at Gettysburg. or Vicksburg,
or the Wilderness, and who. on part
Ing at the last encampment, had look
ed forward to this years gathering
and had promised to be present, IL
alive.
William Jibb, of Adrian, department
commander OF the Michigan G.. A. r.
was among the early arrivals, Tues
day. and was conspicuous about the
lobby. MIR. Jibb has received many
letters urging him TO accept second
term, but precedent Is against II and
he has no disposition to disregard the
custom OF passing the Office around.
There are three candidates for the po
sition this year, and there is promise
of rather lively contest. Burton
Parker, OF Monroe, special treasury
agent for the United States govern
ment for this district, is prominent in
the race, and his supporters are al
ready claiming victory. Mr.. Parker
was the first OF the candidates on the
ground, Tuesday morning, and shook
hands all around. The other candi-
dates are c. +. Foote, of Kalamazoo.
and w. G.. Gage. OF Saginaw. The
latter will not be able to attend.
Tent for Each Regiment.
Over on Washington boulevard and
Bagley-ave. tents have been erected
for the accommodation OF the veter
ans. and these are destined 10 be the
scene OF many individual reunions
during the encampment. There Is a
tent for each Michigan regiment,
about 80, but all visitors are welcome.
whether they enlisted from Michigan
or Wisconsin or any other state, as
long as they are affiliated with the
Michigan q. A. r.
G. j. Burton, commanderin-chief OF
the national G.. A. X. Is due 10 arrive
In Detroit Wednesday afternoon, and
the encampment will send detail TO
escort him from the station. Chief OF
Stan Winans, also of the national or
ganization. is also expected from To.
ledo
Wednesday will be the big day with
the grand army men. The first bust.
ness session is scheduled for 80 in
the morning, I'm Light infantry arm
DRY, and the morning will be devoted
chiefly to receiving reports from the
officers. In the afternoon the parade
wifi take place. starting az O'Clock
from Grand Circus park. The line OF
march as arranged by Grand Marshal
Chasy A. Coolidge, will be as follows:
Woodward-ave. TO Jefferson-ave.: up,
Jefferson TO Beaubien; on Beaubien TO
Congress; down Congress to the Light
infantry armory.
Wednesday night the annual camp
! fire will be held In Light Guard arm