The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-06-27
Three Hundred Men From Over
the State Who Once Wore
the Khaki, in Gay Mood, De-
spite the Rain.
TWO CANDIDATES ARE
AFTER HIGH OFFICE
ZiIImer, South Bend, and Lou
den, Bloomington, Would Be
State Commander
on Program Tonight.

Inspired by the prospect Of sue
cessful encampment and gay in spite
of the weather. three hundred men,
bers Or the United Spanish War Vet
Grams came to Richmond today from
all parts OF the state to attend the
seventh annual gathering Of the order.
Old uniforms. laid away since last
year, were donned again and the head
quarters in the Comstock building
presented a wartime appearance. The
convention is to last through this af-
ternoon and evening and all day to-
morrow
Preceding the first session of the
encampment. the Grand Lair OF the
Military Order OF the Serpent. the aux
Hilary secret society of the Spanish
War Veterans, met in the Commercial
club rooms for a business session and
the election of officers. Final prepa.
rations were made also for the parade
and initiation of the order to be held
this evening. The first meeting of
the encampment is scheduled for $50
this afternoon in the circuit court
room at the court house. Mayor Zim.
norman Is on the program to deliver
the address Of welcome. while Edward
j. Gihon, OF Boston. Mass. national
commander In chief. will make reply.
Recall Old Times.
All day the members of the organ
ization have been gathering in little
groups to talk again of the service
In, ho
Philippines ten years ago. Men who
had parted on transport docks or bat
tie field years ago met here today
and the encampment headquarters
echoed with the evidences of renewed
comradship.
Much interest is being taken In the
contest for the office of Department
Commander. Charles F. Zillmer, of
South Bend. arrived in the city last
evening with strong delegation
booming him for the place, and this
afternoon Col. Louden. of BLOOMINGTON
came to put forward his claims It
looks as II Zillmer will get the plum
and that Fort Wayne will win the
next encampment.
Noted Fever Veteran.
Among the many men attending the
convention whose deeds Of services
brought them prominently before the
public the figure of John r. Kissinser,
OF South Bend, stands out prominently.
When the first regiments of the United
States army were landed in Cuba in
Us and 90, yellow fever was far mode
dangerous than Mauser bullets, and
northern physicians were unable to
cope with the disease. The tiny mos
quito was suspected Of carrying thu
injection and in order to prove the
charge. the Medical Corps attached to
the service called for volunteers to
allow themselves to be innoculated by
the insects. Five were in the little
group that came forward, and Kissing
er is the only one alive, the others
having succumbed in few days to the
ravages OF the fever that has left the
one survivor physically helpless The
story of the heroism of the five SOL
diers was told around the world. for
as result the doctors were able to
locate the centers of infection and soon
all danger from yellow fever was elimi-
mated. ..... .....
kissinger is paralyzed and unable to
walk. For some time the national or
ganization Of Spanish War Veterans
has been trying to have Congress
make special dispensation in his case
and allow him the full pension of 1928
a month given TO commissioned off
GERS suffering total disability as a re-
suit OF serving their country. An ear
~ action by the National House is ex-
pected, as powerful influences are be-
Ing brought to bear.
Encampment Program.
Following the business session this
afternoon, Department Commander
Frank Kibbey will give dinner at
his home In honor of the past Depart
ment Commanders. and Capt. Paul
Comstock. now Department Adjutant.
Will entertain the remainder of the
department officers at his home.
The program this evening includes
the banquet of the Ladies' Auxiliary
at the Westcott hotel at 6 o'clock, with
q band concert Immediately following.
At eight O'Clock there will be a public
parade of the Military Order of the
Serpent, IL the weather permits, and
ut nine o'clock degree work of the Or
der Of the Serpent will be conferred
upon 20 candidates in big initiation
at the Pythian temple.
The schedule OF events for tomorrow
10 as follows:
Morning.
& o'clock-Exemplifica of ritual
by South Bend team. assisted by De-
partment Commander kibbey, in the
Circuit Court room. Three candidates.
8 o'clock-Business meeting of the
Encampment in Circuit Court room.
IL o'clock-Adjourn to Glen Miller
park for dinner Four hundred are
expected to attend II the weather is
satisfactory. Tables will be arranged
on Honeysuckle Hin. and viii b. in
the shape Of the cross that the order
has adopted for IN emblem.
N nscloch-O1npnY - vlaitsns vnAv,n.