The National tribune., 1909-08-12

occasinnS. L feel that ii must always be
by them as American citizens and unit
ed with the one object ami aim of pre-
serving and perpetuating the Govern
ment OF our fathers-under the one
Flag. the Flag OF Washington-th.. Flag
which never has and never will brook
defeat. And that upon such occasions
| no so-called flag. which never had n
legal existence. should cast even n shad-
ow upon its glimmering folds as it
| floats in the blue azure of heaven
| Resolutions of this character will un-
| doubtedly be presented to this Encamp-
ment for your consideration. and 1 in
vite your careful attention to the same.
Flag Day.
I have learned with great pleasure
| that Flag Day was observed this year
more universally than heretofore and
| that the Importance of Flag Day is be-
1 ing more carefully considered than in
years gone by. Flags were displayed
on Flag Day at the Post rooms, on pub
| lie and private buildings. and in many
instances the day was observed with
| appropriate exercises suitable for the
| day and occasion.
It is to be hoped that this observance
| of Flag Day and the honoring of the
Flag will grow in interest and in deep
appreciation of the Flag as the years
go by.
|
| Pursuant to a resolution of the 42d
National Encampment and also pur-
| suant to General orders No. 9 of the
Commander-in-Chie the Stephenson
| Memorial Monument was dedicated to
the public at Washington, ID. c.. on Sat
urday, July 8, 1909, in the presence of
comrades Of the Grand Army of the
Republic assembled, pursuant to Gen.
eral Orders No. 9. members of the Sem
| ota Of to- tixya. ha
| public.
| Order of Exercises.
The assemblage was called to order
| by Charles A. Partridge, Chairman of
| the Stephenson G. A. r. Memorial Com
tmittee who introduced Comrade VIM.
Warner. Past Commander-in-Chief of
the Grand Army of the Republic, as
presiding officer.
Invocation by the Rev. John Fletcher
Spence, D. D.. Chaplain-in-Chief, Grand
! Army OF the Republic.
| Presentation of the memorial to the
Commander-inC Chief of the Grand Army
of the Republic by Comrade Louis
Wagner, Treasurer of the Stephenson
G. A. r. Memorial Committee.
Acceptance of and presentation to
the United States by the Commander
| in-Chief, Grand Army of the Republic.
Unvailing of the memorial by Mrs.
Grace Ross Van Casteel.
Address by the President.
Presentation of the sculptor, ]. Mas
sey Rhind.
Address, "The Enlisted Man." by
Hon. ]. Hampton Moore, NJ. c., of
| Pennsylvania.
Benediction by the Rev. Henry C.
Couden, D. D.
Parade by detachment of the Army,
Navy and Marine Corps and District
Militia. Ma. j.-Gen. w. w. Wotherspoon
F,i 9 n
Sturgis, U. S. Army. Chief of Staff.
Appropriate music by Mrs. Anna
Grant Fugitt, accompanied by the U. s.
Marine Band.
The committee on erection of statue
in honor of Benjamin F. Stephenson,
founder of the Grand Army of the Re-
public, having labored long and earn
estly, untiringly, but most effectually,
and having performed their duty most
satisfactorily, and their Treasurer hav-
ing the funds in hand to pay for said
monument upon its completion, with a
sufficient balance to defray almost all
of the expenses of unyailing and the
proper dedication of the same, are en-
titled to the thanks of this Encamp-
ment. and l recommend that suitable
resolution to that end be passed.
And the thanks of this Encampment
are due to Comrade Thomas S. Hop
ms Past Commander of the Depart
iutUC VI the iT- a H., VINO
was selected, by the committee, Chair
man of a committee to make the neces-
sary arrangements for the unvailing
and dedication of said monument, un-
der the direction of the Commander-in-
Chief. He. by his untiring energy, rare
skill and good judgment, performed his
duties in a most satisfactory manner,
all of the details in regard to the un-
yailing and dedication being perfect.
i recommend that the thanks of this
Encampment be extended to Comrade
Thomas S. Hopkins.
The monument Is of granite, with the
Grand Army badge. showing the OBJ
verse and reverse sides; upon one side
of the panel is the profile of DR.. Benz.
Il. Stephenson. in bold relief in bronze.
The monument is triangular in shape,
and upon each of the three sides are
large, handsome bronze figures, one
representing Fraternity. one Charity,
and the other Loyalty. The monument
itself is 40 feet high above its base,
and is a work of art and beauty-a
credit to the committee. to the sculptor,
TO the Grand Army of the Republic |
and an honor to the memory of the
founder of our organization.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, I desire to say that
this year has been the most memorable
and most pleasant of my whole life |
have been greeted everywhere by the
comrades and others with the greatest
cordiality, and the pleasure which has
Injured to me in meeting with the COM
rades of The many Departments and
the exchanging of fraternal greetings
with old comrades in arms has much
more than compensated me for the
financial cost of travel, and, while
have not drawn upon the fund set apart
for me by the Executive Committee of
the Council of Administration. L do
not wish or desire my successors in Of
ice for one moment to consider that it
was that ] might establish a precedent.
1t is my great pleasure to give, and
do desire that this Encampment re-
ceiVe the money now in the Grand
Army Fund, and so voted to me as
aforesaid. as gift and bequest to the
Grand Army of the Republic, and that
they receive the same now. rattle: than
wait until my decease. when, as a be-
quest, it might not be needed.
l desire to express to my Adjutant- |
General my sincere thanks not only for |
the careful and efficient manner in |
which he has performed his duties, but !,
also for his many acts of kindness and |
attention to me during tae recent |