The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-06-10

Parade, Camp Fire Rally
Wednesday Feature
Four-Day Session.
MAY BE LAST MEETING
SanatariumS and Homes
Crowded, s AuxiIiaries
Also Hold Meetings.

MARTINSVILLE, Ind, June TO-
With ranks heavily depleted,
grizzled, lettering veterans of the
state G. A. R. gathered here today
for the tiftieth annual encanpment,
to continue through four days.
We are singing our swan song
w. F.. MolyneauX of Gary, COM
mander, said today. Each year. our
number grows smaller, and probab-
ility Of abandoning the annual ses-
sions increases. During the past
year, 431 comrades" have passed"
According to figures compiled Jan.
l, 1929, 1906 members of a once
great army survive, as compared
with TIT at the start Of 1928.
1t is estimated that approximately
$50 G. A. RS will attend the en-
campment this year, with delegates
to auxiliary sessions swelling the
number to 1900.
Anderson and Wabash entered
bids for the 1880 meeting early to-
day, with the former ruling favorite.
While many of the veterans ar
rived today, a larger number is
anticipated Tuesday. Indianapolis,
with approximately seVenty-five. is
expected to have the largest rep
resentation.
Several hundred registered during
the morning, and sanatoriums,
hotels and private homes were
crowded A varied program, feat
ured by q gala parade Wednesday,
has been arranged.
Routine matters we're to occupy
most Of the first day, and many of
the veterans sought out comrades"
to talk over "old times"
Wednesdays parade will be one of
much pOmp and beauty, according
to plans Of the committee. More
than fifty floats have been entered
by merchants, fraternal and civic
groups and eight bands and drum
corps have been secured.
McNutt to Speak
A battalian of infantry and the
regimental band from Fort Harri-
son, also will take part. Tt has
been estimated that the parade will
cover six miles.
Paul V. McNutt, national COM
mander of the American Legion,
will address the annual camp fire
Wednesday night, which is to be
broadcast over WFBM, Indianapo-
lis, for the benefit of veterans I'M
able to attend. Other speakers
slated for the encampment are Gov
ernor Harry G. Leslie, Judge Robert
G, BaltzeH Of federal court, and
National Commander Reese.
While the encampment did not
open until today special services
were held in Martinsville churches
Sunday. Banquets and Official re-
ceptions for state and national of
flcers are on Tuesdays program, and
Thursday will be devoted to business
sessions.
Among the oldest veterans to at
tend the meeting is Stephen F.
Thomas, 81, Of Richmond. He en-
listed at the age of "a, and served
one year before his health failed
and he was sent home.
Hale Is Candidate
Charles E. Hale, LoganSport at
torney, is another Of the outstand-
ing figures attending. He has been
active for many years, and is the
only surviving charter member Of
the Logansport post. He has han
died the legal business of the Civil
war veterans for many years, and
upon the urging of friends, has an
nounced his candidacy for depart
ment commander.
Other candidates for the post Of
commander we're Phillip Brown Of
Franklin and F. M. McNair of
MartinsVille.
Colonel J. J. Balm, formerly Of
Martinsville, recently appointed by
President Herbert Hoover to the
Mississippi river commission, is also
attending, meeting with the Thirty
third Indiana Volunteers, in which
his father served. Colonel Balm is
now in charge of United States
troops Of the Pittsburgh district.
Auxiliaries Meet
An interesting display of war
relics by w. M. Davis, local mer-
chant, attracted much attention
from early arriVers. The exhibit
includes a large picture of Ander-
sonville prison, photographs of state
veterans taken during the war,
medals, and firearms.
Affiliated organizations holding
fbai,- r T7Trar1fiOr7c in coy7oacffOy xr,it1,
the G.. A. r. encampment, and OBJ
serving individual programs are the
Women's Relief Corps, Ladies of the
G. A. r., Sons Of Union Veterans,
Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary,
and Daughters of Union Veterans.