Evening star., 1936-09-20

grow keen again around many a
board here, as the veterans recount
their oft-told tales of trench and
field. The firing on Fort Sumter on
April IL, 1861, signalized the out
break of the Civil War Although
the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee,
at Appomattox, Va. on April 9. 1865.
is generally regarded as terminating
the conflict, some minor engage
ments followed that historic event.
Those days shall live again here,
when the remnants Of the Grand
Army arrive.
WHEN the war was done, the vet.
Grams returned to peaceful pur.
suits, but the thrill Of the fighting
was still in their veins. They de-
cided to cement the memories Of
those days into q lasting organiza-
ton. This they did, when the Grand
Army of the Republic was organized
on April 6, 1866, at Decatur. Ill. A
Springfield, Ill, physician. DR.. Ben
jamin F. Stephenson, q war surgeon
with the l4th Illinois. Infantry, was
the moving spirit. With post Mum.
ber / mustered at Decatur, the organ
ization spread throughout the Nation
in little time and became q potent
factor in subsequent events.
The organizations first national
convention was held In indianapolis,
Ind, November 20, 1866. and the
District Of Columbia was represented.
The objects Of the order are thus
described in those primal regulations
and articles:
ITO preserve and strengthen those
kind and fraternal feelings which
bind together the Soldiers, Sailors
and Marines who united to suppress
the late Rebellion and to perpetuats
the memory and history Of the dead.
ITO assist such former comrades in
arms as need help and protection.
and to extend needful aid to the Wild
ows and orphans of those who have
fallen.
ITO maintain true allegiance to the
United States of America, based upon
. paramount respect for and fidelity
to its Constitution and laws; to dis
countenance whatever tends to
weaken loyalty. incites to insurrec-
ton, treason or rebellion. or in any
manner impairs the efficiency and
permanency Of our free institutions;
and to encourage the spread Of uni.
versal liberty. equal rights and jus.
tice to all men"
Through its long history, the @. A.
r. passed through many vicissitudes.
Early In its career, 1t suffered q set.
back, when 1t was dubbed "a secret
political society" Then, hundreds Of
posts disbanded, because Of the row
over the distinction of recruit, sol.
dier and veteran, and soon this was
dropped and the organization re.
turned to the plan Of simple muster.
But 1t weatheed the storms and be.
came an unmistakable force In Amer.
lean life.
And how royalty was the q. A. r.
treated In its hey-day as 1t held its
encampments In various sections Of
the Nation. Philadelphia entertained
the veterans with a carriage drive
through Fairmont Park and breakfast
at the Belmont Mansion. Providence,
r. l.. put on o steamer excursion, .
clam bake in Rhode Island fashion
and q banquet In Music Hall. Albany.
N. Y, treated them to National
Guard parade, reviewed by the Cover
nor. as well as grand banquet at the
Martin Opera House.
A T BALTIMORE, Md, the sixteenth
- encampment was held on June
16, 1882. President Arthur and Gen.
Sherman, commander in chief Of the
Army, reviewed the procession, giving
a national aspect to the proceedings
The movement for the Woman's Re.
lief Corps was started there.