The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-09-23
GILMAN IS Chief OF
c. A. R. VETERANS
New Commander Wins His
Honors Very Easily
ROCHESTER rs WINNER
Encampment VIII Go to the Chosen
City Provided the Railroads MIKE
Satisfactory Rates for
the Delegates
ROCHESTER IS WINNER

Atlantic City, n. j., September o.
John E. Gilman of Boston, for comman-
der-in-chief, and Rochester, n. Y, for
the next place of meeting, was the win
ming combination in the national encamp-
ment of the Grand Army of the Repub-
lie, which opened its business session to-
day on the steel pier Other officers
elected were.
Senior vice commander-in-chef, Charles
Burrows, Rutherford. N. j.; junior vice
commander-in-chief, William James
Jacksonville, Fla; surgeon general, John
L. Smith, Spokane, Wash; chaplain-in-
chief, Rev. Thomas Harwood Albu-
querque, N. NJ
The new commander won the election
easily, but Rochester's selection as the
next encampment site has little string
to 1t. The veterans decided that the
encampment can go to Rochester on
condition that satisfactory rates are Sc
cured and If, in the Judgment of the ex
ecutive committee of the national council
of administration of the Grand Army
of the Republic the rates are not to its
liking the committee can select another
secured. Los Angeles, Denver and
Springfield, ILL.,, were also after the en-
campment, and San Francisco invited the
veterans to that city in 1915. When New
Orleans heard of the latter invitation. a
veteran from the southern city said the
encampment would also hear from New
Orleans before 1915. the year for the
opening of the Panama canal.
The election of the commander-n-chief
brought up a subject that many of the
veterans hoped would not come before
them. 1t related to the conduct of John
McElroy of Washington, d. c.. who was
Gilmans opponent for commander-in-
chief. When McElroys name was pre-
sented he promptly withdrew it In an
earnest speech. He declared he had be-
come candidate on the solicitation of
thousands of Grand Army men and that
he tried to win the honor fairly. But,
ne continued. he had become the target
of most persistent. rancorous calumnies.
falsehoods and inuendos.'
The charges made, he said, had affected
his integrity in every way, and was
sprung on him on such short notice that
he could not make a proper defense in
the brief time left before the election.
as a candidate and asked the encamp-
ment to Investigate the charges. He said
he completely exeulpated Gilman and his
friends from any hand in the reports
circulated.
Despite his announced withdrawal Nc
Elroy's friends rallied around him and
insisted upon voting for him. The bal
lot resulted: Gilman, 667; McElroy, PIG.
After the vote was announced McElroy
formally asked that the new commander
in-chief be directed to appoint COM
Mite of inquiry investigate his (Mc-
Elroy's administration at st. Cloud,
Fla
Objection was made but his request was
granted. The new commander-in-chief
will name the committee later. The
charge referred to by McElroy did not
GENE before the encampment.
The proposition of 81 a day pension for
life will doubtless be shelved by the en-
which reported today. decided against the
proposition because 1t would be too ex-
pensive to the national government. 1t
was figured out that 81 would increase
the pension roll, which is now $4,000, 900
more than s10o.ooo.ooo a year, and that 1t
would take s5OO, 900, 900 in the next two
years for pensions.
If the most influential members of the
G. A. R. can prevent it, the present en-
campmont will take no action on the
matter Of placing the statue of Robert
E. Lee in the National capitol. Leading
members of the G.. A. r. declare they do
not want to offend the soldiers of the
Confederacy. Time is healing the
wounds inflicted on both sides" said an
old soldier today.