The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1910-09-22

tion that the sons meet with US this
year. I trust our national encamp-
ments may In the future be held at
the same time and in the same place."
OF the more liberal pension legis-
lation recommended by the last an
nual encampment and urged at Wash
ington by its committee, Commander
in-Chief Van SAINT said:
Pension Legislation.
II regret that nothing was accomp-
lished, but 1t was no fault of the
committee. Congress would not pass
any general pension legislation. How
ever, some six thousand private PEN
sion bills were enacted. The conf
mtttee canvassed the matter indus
triously with senators and represent
atives. but to no purpose. The gov
ernment was facing deficiency in
its revenues and retrenchment and
the strictest economy was the watch
word. This was the reason given for
non-action. In my judgment. in view
Of the changed conditions in our
country's affairs. II this encampment
should again recommend this meas
ure, 1t would likely pass.
"The Grand Army of the Republic
has ever stood for the recognition Of
the services of its members. regard
less Of length Of services-the ninety
days man as we'll as the veteran who
served throughout the war. II the
former did not stand in line Of bat
tie, he stood in the line of duty, and
should have just consideration"
The commaner-in-chief expressed
himself as particularly gratified at
the increasing determination of the
"blue and the gray" He voiced his
pleasure at the cordial reception CIV
en- him during his recent official visit
~ the southern departments. not only
ss.0 the former union soldiers, but
hS ex-confederates.
"a y ,cities. when possible" he
said, urged joint meetings Of the
blue and the gray. We had many
gatherings of this character, and no
more loyal and patriotic sentiments
were ever uttered than by the men
who fought on the other side.
Peace Prevails.
Are you not pleased to learn that
our comrades are living In peace and
harmony without late enemies? This
is as 1t should be. Both armies were
composed of brave men and they
should and do mutually respect each
other. We of the north can testify
that no braver troops were ever mar
shalled for conflict than our late ene-
mies-and we now realize that no
men ever made greater sacrifices for
what they believed to be right than
our former foes.
and we can afford to be magnanimous
to our old foes. 1t is easy for the
victor to forgive, but when the van
quished absolves himself from all
bitterness he has truly gained the
most cherished trait of noble char
acte We won-they lost. We re-
turned to our homes with the shouts
Of victory ringing in our ears-our
cause triumphant. M They were de-
feated,r their cause lost and they re-
turned to homes destroyed, barns.
empty, money worthless, slaves free,
and ruin all about them. Any but a
brave people would have yielded to
these adverse conditions-not so with
them. Bravely as they fought during
the war, they now fought the battles
of life. and the splendid growth and
developments of the south since the
close Of the war is the south's grand
est and most enduring monument.
United as we are now our: country is
destined to make a new era OF prog
ress. We have by our efforts advanc-
ed to the highest pinnacle of fame,
and became mighty world power
with our influence everywhere poten-
tial. Who does not rejoice that our
union is one and indivisible, and will
remain SO forever"