The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1914-06-25

ceremonies of Memorial Day, not only
by comrades but by all classes OF people,
Increases from year to year. 1here Is
no day SO sacred, no observance SO Deau-
tiful. 1t has of late changed somewhat
in form of service. 1t is now the soldier
and the little child who bear the moral
wreath to the grassy mound. Inc vet
GRAMS son, in the strength OF early man
hood, is thrilled by the touching scene.
Ali listen to the music that Is Doth
mournful and martial, to the inspiring
words Of the orator, the lofty thought OF
the poet: and all have taken a step up
ward. If the Grand Army of the Re-
public had never accomplished any other
result than the establishment of Memo
rial Day, the people ought to be eternal
ly grateful to the order.
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS.
From the department. officers and aides
l have received the heartiest cooperation
and courtesy. desire thus publicly to
thank them one and all for their aid and
kindness. Especially am l greatly in
debted to my ever faithful and efficient
Assistant Adjutant- General, William L.
Ross. In my illness he has proven him.
self a true comrade, ever anxious and
solicitous as to my welfare, aiding me in
all ways-though in poor health himself
to make my administration success.
Comrades: In returning to you the
trust placed in my hands year since, !
would not be true to myself if l failed
to express my deep gratitude for the
high honor conferred. l wish l could
have done more for you in return. l
shall appreciate it as the highest honor of
my life to have been the commander of
this department and shall return to the
ranks, feeling the Grand Army of the
Republic worthy of my best endeavors.
Finally, comrades, every one of US,
whether bowed with age or still replete
with activity, oldest and youngest, is
looking towards sunset. Having intend
ed to wrong no one, and having received
no affront from any, say to one and all,
from the deepest recess of my heart, l
thank you and God bless you.
In the evening the Department held
it's campfire at City Hall. Mayor R. J.
Wiseman gave the address of welcome,
and former Mayor VIM. B. Shelton pre-
sided. Receptions were given by Burn
side Circle, Ladies of the G. A. r., to the
department Offices, and by Burnside and
Knox Relief Corps to the State Relief
Corps. City Hall was gaily decorated for
the campfire. Flags, bunting, and other
patriotic emblems were effectively dis
played. During the evening the National
Relief Corps presented flag to the
Wallace School, and Mayor Wiseman
made the hit of the evening when he
said that he himself would climb up and
unfurl it Thursday morning. Mrs. Re-
becca Israelson of Rumford Falls was
presented with flag by her corps. The
drogram was as follows:
Music, Ariel Orchestra
Address of Welcome Mayor Wiseman
Response, Dept Com. Lamb
Song. Miss Annie Curran
Address, Mrs. Warren, Conn. Nat. Sen. Vice
Pres, Nat. w. R. C.
Reading, Mrs. Lena Day, Portland
Presentation of flag to Schools, Mrs. Abbie
Gold Tibbetts, Response by Mayor
Reading. M. bennett
Song. Miss Curran
Presentation of flag, Mrs. Louisa Downs
Music. Ariel Orchestra
Wednesday, morning and afternoon,
was taken up with routine business in
four of the five organizations. This in
cluded the reports of the department
officers, and the appointment of commit
tees. The Grand Army met with Com
mander John F. Lamb presiding. The
report of Assistant Adjutant General
Foss was read, showing that the number
Of posts had been increased by four,
making the present total LAG, while the
membership has decreased, 295 to 1857.
There was very large attendance at
the closing meeting of the Department
Thursday morning, and every officer
elected was elected by reclamation, the
convention being very harmonious and
there being no opposition to any of the
candidates. The meeting was presided
over by Department Commander John F.
Lamb of Rumford Falls, and seated on
the platform were many OF the past de-
partment commanders and other depart
ment commanders and other department
officers, the stage presenting hand
some appearance with it's decorations OF
old army muskets, while in the rear OF
the stage hung an immense American
flag, Sc by Is feet, besides number OF
! other smaller flags and the department
banner.
The convention was called to order at
$50, prayer being offered by Rev. George
R. Palmer of Portland, who is the de-
partment chaplain. Several committees
made their reports, which were accept
ed. and resolutions on the death of Past
f! Department Commander John w. Web
ster and Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain
were adopted. A motion to change the
month of meeting of the department was
lost. A legislative committee composed
of three comrades was appointed to act
before the Legislature on any matter
that may come up pertaining to theGrand
Army. The committee consisted Of Hon.
Lerov T, Carleton of Winthrop, M. G,
Morrill, of Gray and Edwin c. Milliken OF
Portland.
The officers elected were: Ray p.
( Eaton of Brunswick, Department Com
mander; Senior vice commander. Thomas
S. Benson of Sidney; junior vice COM
mander, Charles Smith of Skowhegan;
medical director. DR.. D. F. Sturgis Of
Auburn; department chaplain. Rev.
George r. Palmer of Portland. The
council of administration consists of M.
M, Freeman, Charles Smith, Silas Ad-
ans, Edwin Riley and Oakman r. Gid
den. Frederick A. Motley OF Portland
was appointed by the newly elected com,
mander as assistant adjutant general
and assistant quartermaster general.
The convention received an invitation
from Custer Relief Corps to be present
at reception to be given in the evening.
A reception to the retiring and newly
elected officers of the National Relief
Corps Thursday evening brought the as,
sociations of the veterans and the allied
organizations to close.
DAUGHTERS OF VETERANS.
l MI. nn,,nh%oru If Votorans held their