Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1910-09-23
G. A. r. OFFICERS.
CONTINUED from Page One.)

were ever marshalled for conflict than
the Southern soldiers. He was APP
plauded.
Comprehensvely reviewing the work
of the Grand Army of the Republic
in the nation for the past year during
which he has acted as it's head, Com
mander-in-Chicf Samuel r. Van SAINT
Thursday addressed the delegates to
the 44th National Encampment as well
with an eye to the future good that
the great organization might accom-
plish as upon the notable achieve.
ments of the past.
While tho roll of the Grand Army
Is steadily shortening the commander
in-chef urged that every effort be
made to keep the organization up to
it's fullest possible strength. He quoted
the figures showing tina the G. A. x.
at the beginning of the present year
had still 213.301 members in good
standing as against 100000 at the be-
ginning of 1909. The loss during the
year was 6.7S1, of which 1923 was by
death. The commander urged that re-
cruiting measures be taken among the
large number Of former Union soldiers
members.
The speaker noted a better general
observance of Memorial day than
formerly. LET us insist and do all
in our power" he said, that Memo
rial day shall be devoted solely and
only to the purpose for Which it was
created. Let it be the one day of the
year devoted to honoring our death
less dead for in that way we will
teach the rising generation love Of
country. without which our nation
cannot long survive" He also urged
the general cooperation of G. A. r.
members in inducing a general OBJ
servance of. Flag day.
Comma nder -in-chief Van SAINT has
commentator for the work Of all the
G.. A. r. auxiliaries, praising the eX-
cellent work done by the Woman'S
Relief corps. Ladies of the G.. A. r..
Sons of Veterans and Daughters of
Veterans OF the Sons of Veterans,
he said.
This can be made still grander
organization. 1t is constantly in
creasing in numbers and influence.
The Sons of Veterans with proper en-
enlargement should soon be the larg-
est patriotic body of men in the world.
That it may is my earnest wish. The
Sons of Veterans should have all the
encouragement possible from the
Grand Army of the Republic. 1t Is
matter of great satisfaction that the
Sons meet with us this year ! trust
our National encampments may in the
future be held at the same time and
In the same place."
OF the more liberal pension legisla-
tion recommended by the last annual
encampment and urged at Washington
by Its committee. Commander in Chief
Van SAINT said: ,,B W.
regret that nothing was accom-
plished. but it was no fault of the COM
mtttee. Congress would not pass any
general pension legislation However.
some 5000 private pension bills were
enacted. The committee canvassed
the matter industriously with senators
and representatives. but to no pur-
pose. The government was facing
deficiency in it's revenues and re.
trenchment and the strictest economy
was the watchword. This was the rea
son given by nnn-action In my
Judgment, in view of the changed con-
Gltions in our country's financial af-
fairs, if this encampment should again
'"commend this measure. it would
likely pass.
the Grand Army of the Republic
mas ever stood for the recognition Of
the services of its members. regardless
or length of service,--the 80 days man
as well as the veteran who served
throughout the war. If the former did
not stand in line of battle he stood in
n 6nfX
consideration"
The communicative chief expressed
himself as particularly gratified at the
increasing determination of the blue
and the Gray" He voiced his pleasure
AZ the cordial reception given him dur
ing his recent official visit to the
southern departments. not Only from
the former Union soldiers. but from
eX-Confederates.
IN all cities, when possible" he
saio' i urged joint meetings of the
Due ana the Gray. We had many
gatherings of this character. and no
more loyal and patriotic sentiments
were ever uttered than ~ the men
VINO Fought on the other side =,
Are YOU not pleased to learn that
o'r conlradesNare living in peace and
harmony with our late enemies: This
is as 1t should be. Both armies We're
composed of brave men and they
should and do mutually respect each
o-her. We of the North can TESTIFY
that no Drawer troops were ever mar
shalled for conflict than our late en-
emies-and we now realize that no
men ever made greater sacrifices for
what they believed to be right than
our former foes
Comrades. We are the vietors, and :.