Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-09-14
PLEA FOR A. r.
AID is SENT TO
WAR SECRETARY
Use of Army Blankets and
Cots, Turned Down Once,
Asked Again.

The critical housing situation existing
in indianapolis, and the inability Of the
G. A. r. housing committee to obtain
sufficient rooms for the old soldiers Of
the Civil War, who viii be coming to In
dianapolis Sept. - to 20 to attend the
Gfty~ffth national encampment of the
Grand Army Of the Republic, led John
b. Reynolds, executive secretary Of the
executive encampment committee to ad-
dfeSs a letter TO John W Weeks. Secre-
tary of War, today in regard to the Gov
eunments refusal to permit the veterans
10 have the use of army tents, blankets
and cots, which are badly needed.
Efforts. which have been made by SEN
ator Harry 8. New at the request Of Mr..
Reynolds to obtain the necessary cots
and tents have not been successful, Sen
ator New told Mr. Reynolds due to the
existing Army regulations. In his letter
to Secretary Weeks Mr.. Reynolds said;
"A situation has arisen in connection
with the G. A. K. encampment to be held
in This city, during, the week OF Sept
%, which | am bringing to your at
tention in the belief that you will be
glad TO assist In meeting It,
Recently, the committee in charge OF
arrangements for the entertainment or
the Grand Army requested the head
quarters of the 9TH Corps Area, at TT.
Benz amin Harrison, TO lend them such
army tents as might be required for the
use Of the old veterans during the en-
campment. The commanding general has
just advised that much 10 his regret
this cannot be done. as it is contrary
to the present regulations governing such
matters.
1T appears likely that thousands Of
the c. A. e. men who win attend the
reunion will be compelled to sleep on
benches In the parks because OF the
housing situation and that the only way
this can be prevented is for the War
Department to recognize this as an emer-
gency and authorize the use or army
tents as we'll as OF cots and blankets.
which will enable US to convert vacant
store rooms into dormitories. The old
fellows who fought for the Union de-
serve special consideration and | earnest
ly hope that the matter viii be handed IN
a manner not perfunctory nor in strict
adherence to regulations. A very I'M
happy impression would be created
throughout the country IL the veterans
were told that the Government, with
vast supply of tents, cots and blankets,
could not see Its way clear 70 come 70
the aid OF the men Of 81. and / feel
sure the War Department will make every
effort 10 meet the situation,
Indianapolis is entertaining the Grand
Army TWO years IN SUCCESSION que 10 the
fact that no other city expressed a de-
sire to receive them We consider IL an
honor and privilege to have them with
MS and feel that the Administration is
likewise so deeply interested in the wei
fare Of the rapidly decreasing hosts OF
the G. A r. that this request for help
will not go unheeded. II necessary. Con
gress could be called on TO pass concur
rent resolutions authorizing the lending
~ cots aud blankets for this occasion
This could be rushed through immediate
ly after reconvaning and the authorities
at Fit. Ben jamin Harrison would be able
to supply all the articles needed on very
short notice. We have been advised by
the quartermaster that there is an ample
supply Of tents, cots aud blankets at the
post"
plans also were completed TO have
thousands OF rooms coupons sent through
the public schools in an effort to bring
the atten ION of the public to the neca
Of securing rooms for the veterans.