The San Juan islander. [volume] (Friday Harbor, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1910-09-30
-, GILMAN, OF BOSTON,
pHN C.
CHIEF OF G. A. r.
Encampment to Be Held at
,.,bester, N. Y.-Pensien Commit
recommends Increase for Aged
commander Van SAINT Praises
,,.Ior of South.

{
.siof and Rochester, N. Y, for the
Mace of meeting was the winning
.hiration in the national encamp-
.,t Of the G. A. R., at the annual
moss session. The other officers
sscred were;
corior vice commander-in-chief-
rssrIps Burrows, Rutherford, N. ].
Ionior vice commander-in-chief-
rTIliam James, Jacksonville, Fla.
surgeon general = John L. Smith,
Spokane, Wash
rbaDlain in chief - Rev. Thomas
usrroWood, Albuquerque, N. M.
The pension committee of the Grand
,-mr of the Republic made a report
!, tbe opening session of the national
sreampment, condemning the PROPOSE
ran that congress grant each union
rsrpran of the civil war pension of
., least 81 a day for life. The COM
rittpe maintained such pension would
10 TOO expensive to the government.
More for the Aged.
The report recommends that the
ridows of veterans receive an increas-
ID ppnsion and also advocates that the
,pnsions of veterans above the age of
3vears be increased. The, report was
r7fprred to the resolutions committee.
This committee will make report
. ater
With a fine tribute to the soldiers
Of the confederacy, Commander in
Chief Samuel R. Van SAINT, of Mime
sofa, formally opened the business ses-
sion of the national encampment of
the Grand Army of the Republic on
the steel pier in this city. The COM
nander spoke earnestly as he express
ed his qualification at the increasing
naturalization of the blue" and the
gray"
When he said that no drawer troops
ever marshalled for conflict than the
Southern soldiers, and that the Union
veterans now realize that no men ever
made greater sacrifice for what they
believed to be right than their former
foes, the commander was applauded.
Van SAINTS Views.
While the roll call of the Grand
Army is steadily shortening, the com
nander-in-chief, in his address, urged
that every effort be made to keep the
Cganization up to its fullest possible
strength He quoted the figures show
ing that the G. A. r. at the beginning
Of the present year had still 213,901
members in good standing, as against
22O,6OO at the beginning of 1909. The
loss during the year was 6,731, OF
which 1928 was by death. The com
nander urged that recruiting meas
ues be taken among the large mum
Der of former union soldiers who are
not enrolled as Grand Army members
Urges Flag Day Exercises.
The speaker noted a better general
observance of memorial day than for
nerly. He urged the general co-opera
uOn of the G. A. r. members in Undue
ing general observance of flag day
Of the veterans, he said: ''This car
be made still grander organization
II is constantly increasing in numbers
and influence. The Sons of Veterans
with proper encouragement, should
soon be the largest patriotic body Of
men in the world. That it may be Is
ny earnest wish"
Of the more liberal pension legisla
uOn recommended by the last annual
encampment and urged at Washington
Oy its committee, Commander-in-chiel
van SAINT said:
Congress Slow.
l regret that nothing was accom-
pushed, but it was no fault of the com
Ilttee. Congress would not pass any
ssneral pension legislation. However
one 5000 private pension bills were
euacted. The committee canvassed the
Ialter iudustriously with senators ane
representatives., but to no purpose
Inc government was facing a deflc
Ieney in its revenues and retrench
lent and the strictest economy was
We watch word. This was the reason
sven for non-action. In my Judgment
IL View of the changed conditions II
Ouf eountry's financial affairs. II thu
.elucampment should again recommene
'u.s measure, it would likely pass.
Inc commander-in-chief expressed
almself as particularly gratified at tn
.ucreasing determination of the "Dlue'
ano the grays." He voiced his pleas
ue at the cordial reception given hin
SUurlng his recent official visit to tn'
:. departments, not only IRON
.le former Union soldiers. but IRON
eA,Confederates.
., IN all cities, when possible, a
SAT- saio' L urged joint meetings OF IN
o o.ue and the gray. We had man!
sealnerlngs of this character and n
lure loyal and patriotic sentiment
Nc mefe ever uttered than by the mel
"no fought on the other side.
49, are you not pleased to learn tina
" bur comrades are living In peace AM
:; harmony with our late enemies9 Thi
. as it should be. Both armies wer
~ sumposed of brave men, and the!
SHOULD and do mutually respect eacl
nv 80