Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-02-27
BEACH CHOSEN
As COMMANDER
sacrifice be taught than by this solemn
(Continued from page H.

the utmost dsfavor upon the tendency,
which is becoming too prevalent. to turn
Memorial day so called. which ought
10 he hold as a day of religious service,
into a holiday. in which sports of all
kinds arc being introduced, instead Of
devoting tho day 10 an observance Of
our reverential feeling towards the de-
ceased comrades of the civil War. Unless
this growing tendency can in some man
ner he checked, il would he better that
tho Memorial day should tc observed
upon memorial Sunday. instead of
Memorial day being upon some week day.
when the restraints of the Sabbath are
too easily laid aside
AUX1LIARIES--OLD AND NEW
First in age. n,cmbcrs and influence
and in closer relationship with the
Grand Army than any other organiza-
ton, is the Woman's Relief Corps.
The work accomplished by this noble
body of women is so well known and
So fully appreciated, that IL needs no
eulogy of mine. Under the efficient
and energetic management OF the de-
part president during the past year.
Mrs. Kate u. Ice. and her efficient
stan. everything has been done that
best interests Of tho Department OF the
Grand Army OF the Republic in the
state OF Vermont
Since the meeting ~ the last en-
campment at Rutland there has been
organized in this department an en-
oampment Of the ladies ~ the 6. a X.
whose loyalty. patriotism and devo-
tinn ~ tho best interests Of tho vetcr-
ans Of tho civil War can in No rlanncr
Re brought in question; and most
heartily commend tho EFFORTS Of this
now organization to all members of
the Grand Army of tho Republic. and
that We at all times extend to thon
cordial hand.
Tho Sons Of Veterans and their aux
ilarv have been. and are, doing a
work strictly in line with one or the
principles Of the Grand ArmY,--loyaltN,
and We old veterans may look for
ward, confident that when the newt
bio shall come. and VIC shall have
passed or tho scene OF action. tn"
duties so dear to each soldier heart
will be lovingly and tendcrly perform
ID by them.
! fear that too many of tho old vet
Grams do not fully appreciate the adj
vantage to them that this organization
OF the Sons OF Veterans will prove to
he. and that they TOO often withhold
from them ard their camps the aid and
encouragement to which they are fully
entitled. and that to this one cause
more than another is due the fact that
too many Of tho camps OF Sons of Vet
Grams in this department have become
discouraged. and surrendered their
charters To the end that more en-
Coura cement may be given to them |
respectfully recommend that tho vet
Grams Of tn" g. a. r. make it moro OF
duty to attend upon the meetings of
Sons Of Veterans and thereby not only
become interested themselves, but in
terest the members OF the camp.
COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS.
The growing poruls ritz and influence
~ tho county associations Of tho Grand
Army arc patent to tho most casual OBJ
server, and they will eventually providr
A natural retreat for tho comrades whose
numbers arc 50 fcw that they cannot
continue as posts That this tine wi!
come is certain; that it may be far in
tho future. let us hope
IT has been my policy the past year f.
attend these associations in person or to
ment stan present at each county gath
erinC." The senior and Junior vice de
partment coU7nan and the chief OF
staff have rendered valuable aid on these
occa sions
As the Woman Relief Corps have a
similar organization. which usually meets
At the same time and place. and joins
with the veterans in social intercourse
readily seen that these county gatherings
are Of great interest and Importance tc
both posts and corps. The attendance Is
large and enthusiastic furnishing in
spiration 10 both orga nizations.
desire to call the attention OF mem.
hers Of this enca mpment to the necessity
Of an amendment to tho State law IL
rega I'd to the wearing of the G. A. r
badge The object OF this law is to pre-
vent unworthy men from aPpca ring il
the guise OF members OF the c. A. r
when they are not in good standing witt
any post In the department, and thorcb,
imposing themselves upon the genercsit,
to which they are not entitled
The same reason applies with co,ia
force to the wearing OF the G. A. r. but
ton. commonly called the bronze but
ION Inc DuttOn dOeS not tecnnlCaI H.
como under the law of the State as /
now stands upon the statute book, an,
too often those who have become non
afiliated with any post in the c. A. r
continue to wear the bronze button
thereby holding ont TO the world a.
large that they arc members OF goo
standing in the organization To proven
any such msrepresen ia tion, either ex
pressed or implied the statute law ough
to be amended so as to prohibit anyon
not in good standing with some pos
wearing an insignia which will hold on
to the world that they are in realit
members of the 6. A. r.
RECOMMENDATION
In accordance with suggestion issue
by the department commander in ger
eral order, No, ., wish at this tim
to renew the recommends ton therei
made. viz That the permanent heac
quarters Of Vermont department G.
r. be established at the State Hous
in the capital Of the State as it woul
save 10 the deps rtmcnt expense for rem
tucl and lights. heretofore nccessar.
Upon the invitation OF Gen. W II. Gil
moro, adjutant- general of the State Il
tho present year. headquarters We
established in his office at tho Sta
House, where the business OF the d
partmcnt has been conducted not on
efficiently but at saving financial
Through this arrangement the busine
Of the State ri Vermont. and the r