Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-09-08
WELCOME TO LEGION
Address to Veterans by
Chamber of Commerce.
BUSINESS SESSION BEGUN
Encampment Called to Order by Ma
tional Commander.
ANNUAL ADDRESS TO MEMBERS
Initial Meeting Of the Ladies' Aux
Hilary Also Held This Morning
Reception Tonight.
ANNUAL ADDRESS TO MEMBERS

1T is with peculiar pleasure that Wash
ington offers its hospitality to patriotic
organizations, such as the Union Veteran
Legion It is proud to have those who
forty-fotr years ago fought to keep this
country intact see what wonderful strides
their National Capital has taken in the
march of progress, which had its begin
ming in the desperate struggle that threat
ened to dismember our nation. Instead
Of the disastrous separation that was
feared the Union was strengthened and
rendered indissoluble. which fact is exem-
plifed nowhere sd clearly as in Washing
ton, the gateway between the north and
the south
This is a cosmopolitan city. whose
denizens hail not only from every section
of our own land. but from every land OF
every continent on the globe. Out of this
fervent national spirit has grown an in
tense municipal feeling OF which the
Chamber of Commerce is the leading ex-
ponent. It is due to its energy that
this has become known as the conven-
ton city, and when all plans shall have
been executed we predict that it will be
called the ideal home city. combining
southern beauty and hospitality with
northern progress and industry.
1--WE bid you welcome to our city, which
is, indeed. partly yours, and hope that
you will remain our guests long enough to
enjoy all the attractions the place at
fords No American should consider his
education complete until he has visited
the historic places teeming with memories
of the great men OF our nation. A trip
to Washington constitutes privilege and
a pleasure Of which no one ever regrets
ha wing awaited himself.
This address Of welcome to the fighting
men of the Union Veteran Legion from
the Washington Chamber Of Commerce
was presented to each of the delegates to
the twenty-fourth annual encampment al
the first business session. held at the Ar
lington Hotel this forenoon. Its senti-
ments and cordiality were lauded by the
veterans.
Commander Shannon's Address.
The encampment was called to order al
1890 am. today by National Commander
Thomas J. Shannon. The roll call by Adjt
Gen. o. P. Hallam showed that POI dele.
gates were present. 1t was stated that
other representatives from the states are
coming in by every train. The staff Off.
GERS and past national officers were in
vited to the platform and prayer was Of
fered by Chaplain William H. Wormers-
ley of Encampment So of this city.
National Commander Shannon then de-
livered his annual address. He said he
has endeavored to keep his pledge given
at the Philadelphia encampment last year
to serve the organization to the best OF
his ability. and has since labored hard for
the upbuilding of the order. Ito secure If
possible greater interest in perpetuating
the principles which bring us in such
close touch as true veterans.
Commander Shannon said an engrossed
resolution of thanks had been sent to
Vespasian Warner. commissioner of PEN
sions, from the twenty-third annual en-
campment. He announced the death of
Gen. George w. Spahr. past national COM
mander, and Gen. j. NJ. keyser, past
quartermaster general. since the last en-
campment.
The report states that Commander Hal
lam and his staff called upon President
Taft and rendered him the greetings and
well wishes of the Union Veteran Legion
as desired by the 1908 encampment.
Adjt. Gen. Hallam is praised for his
good work for the organization. and
especially for saving the legion expense
at national headquarters.
Urging the membership to better attend
ance at meetings and renewed efforts In