The National tribune., 1909-08-26

THE 4sD NATIONAL ENCAMPMENT.


The 43d National Encampment, Grand
Army of the Republic, has now been
historically added to its AZ predecessors.
In every way it was quite successful,
and all those who attended were de-
lighted that they were there. The at
tendance was much larger than expect
ed, and there were surprisingly large
delegations from the far Eastern De-
ested in the wonderful sights of the
great country which they traversed to
reach Salt Lake City and the continual
surprises which greeted their eyes
there. The hospitality of Salt Lake
City was all that could be desired, and
everywhere the most welcome a.tten-
tions were lavished upon the veterans,
visitors and their wives. The people of
the Pacific Coast are second to none in
their loyalty to the Union and its de-
tenders. They came in great numbers
to see the remnants of the great army
which had saved the Union, and their
appreciation of the veterans was sincere
and hearty.
The railroad management was far
better than at any previous National
Encampment, and marred by but one
serious delay-that of the Pennsylvania
delegation by the wash-out on the Rio
| Grande Railroad While there were
some minor complaints. it was evident
that cur railroad men are rapidly learn
ing how to handle large bodies of pas
sengers and great masses of trains with
skill and with comfort to those whom
they carry.
! The proceedings of the business ses
sion were eminently satisfactory. Com
rade Samuel r. Van SAINT, who was
elected Commander-in-Chief, is typi
cal Grand Army man, who supplement-
ed his service in the ranks by a distin
lguished civil career. He was one OF
the best Governors that Minnesota eveI
had, and he is devoted Grand Army
man, of great executive ability, and will
give all his energy and knowledge to The
lservice Of the Order during The year OF
his administration.
/ Comrade William n. Bostaph. whc
was elected Senior Vice COMMANDMENT.
Chief, was a soldier of fine record
l While recovering from severe wound
Lees army invaded Pennsy' 5ania. and
Comrade Bostaph Immediately reported
to Gen. Reynolds on the Geld of Gettys.
burg for service. Gen. Reynolds ap
pointed him on his staff on the fled
and set him to work in his capacity a
engineer. While engaged in this dut.
his horse was killed and he was agair
wounded. He is very able civil en-
gineer. and during his long residence II
Utah has made himself fine position
in his profession.
Comrade Alfred D. Beer,, who wa
elected Junior Vice Commander-in
Chief, was a Connect:cut soldier. VIII
r rose from an enlisted man to Captain
, by the unaided force of his own merits
, and now stands IN the front of tn
Y connecticut bar.
=. Comrade Ryan. who was electe
E Chaplain-in-chief. carried his muske
+ thru the war. and now is one Of til
t leading divines in Indianapolis
: Comrade Lemon, who was electe
Surgeon-General. is leading physical
of Leavenworth. Kan, and made a goot
0 record as a soldier.
f The legislation by the National En-
i. campment is highly satisfactory. Som
I needed changes were made in the Rules
d Regulations and Ritual; the building Q
!. the Lincoln Way from Washington t
e Gettysburg; the purchase of the Lincol
f relics at Washington: the restoration {
II the California voluate .rs to the pensio
e roll, and important extensions Of tn
+ work OF patriotic education were rec
commended.
On the important question of pei
= lsions the excellent and exhaustive rs
r port of the G. A. r. Committee on Per
e sions was adopted. This means tha
d holding fast to what las been gained b
l. the passage of the act of June 81, 1885,
II and the McCumber bill, there viii be
d continuance of earnest effort on thes
It lines to remove the limitations on wiz
Ie ows' pensions and to increase the rate
e. especially for the higher, wages.
% Everyone left Salt Lake City high
contented with what had been done.