1897 NEBRASKA G.A.R. REUNION AT LINCOLN, NE; ARTICLES 1 - 4 From articles appearing in "The Nebraska State Journal" as transcribed by the submitters. Submitted to the USGenWeb Nebraska Archives, January, 1998, by Ted and Carole Miller (susieque@pacbell.net). USGenWeb Project NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the internet, data may be used by non-commercial researchers, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format for profit, nor for presentation in any form by any other organization or individual. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than as stated above, must obtain express written permission from the author, or the submitter and from the listed USGenWeb Project archivist. *************** ----------------------------------------------------------------- ARTICLE 1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nebraska State Journal Monday morning, 13 September 1897 - READY FOR VETERANS' USE Camp Lincoln Visited by Many From the City Yesterday OPENED BY RELIGIOUS SERVICES Rev. W. R. Halstead and Rev. H. O. Rowlands Make Brief Addresses - What Is in Store The orderly city of tents at the fair ground, arranged to shelter the veterans of Nebraska for a week of reminiscent reunion, was visited for the first time yesterday by any (sic) large number of people from the city. They found everything in military order and excellently arranged. The main body of tents was between the road running north of the main hall, to be used as an auditorium, and the race track. The headquarters tents are on this street just east of the art hall. Back of them is another body of tents. Two or three of the buildings are fitted up as barracks, where the single men or those here without their families will sleep in bunks. Quite a few amusements are on hand, from a merry-go-round run by a steam engine, to a Texas snake charmer, who fondles big rattlers. Refreshment stands are plentiful. A very large number of people drove out or rode out on bicycles during the afternoon, but the heat was so great that they did not look with favor on entering a building and listening to sermons. Two o'clock was the hour set for the religious services that should open the reunion, but it was almost 3 before the crowd indoors was sufficient to begin. There were plenty outside and the noise of the merry-go-round engine or the strident voice of the snake show caller mingled with the sounds of worship when they got started. At an impressive point in one sermon an ice man driving past the door let out one of his resonant calls, "Ice!" Passing trains moved one minister to say, "Can't talk against a railroad train," and another, "That's the Nineteenth century going by." A raised platform has been built in the east wing of the art hall facing the other three wings which have been seated with plank seats at the sides and chairs directly in front of the stage. John Currie's model of Lincoln, "figger," he calls it, stands rigid at one corner, looking toward the audience. The boughten head gleams quite differently from the chiseled plaster of the fence rail legs. The "figger" is backed by strips of bunting. At each side of the platform a handsome flag hung in natural folds. Two ornamental plants relieved the plainness of the surroundings. The crowd gathered till it numbered two or three hundred. At 2:45 a quintet of grizzled veterans sang "America" accompanied by J. B. Ferguson on the piano. After a little wait, during which the crowd gradually swelled, Colonel Pace asked the audience to rise and sing "Nearer My God to Thee." After the hymn Dr. Hull offered prayer. Mrs. Mark Woods rendered "Consider the Lilies" in a marvelously clear voice that rose and swelled in its unlovely surroundings of whitewashed and plain planks as sweetly as if in Gothic cathedral aisles. DR. HALSTEAD'S SERMON Colonel Pace introduced Dr. W. R. Halstead of St. Paul's M. E. church, who spoke on "The World's Religions." Dr. Halstead called attention to the universality of religion, man being called a religious animal, and to the multiplicity of forms of faith. He would take up only Islam, Buddhism and Christianity. He would say that the base of all religions was true, yet some would lead to death rather than life. Taking up the Mohammedan faith the speaker said that its extension by the sword unfitted it for universal acceptance. The religion that brings soul peace is strange to sanguinary teachings. Then Islam's chief tenet is fatalism, a doctrine that teaches submission and not progress. It is the Semetic religion as opposed to western spirit of push and enterprise. There is no relation between the faith and morality, it requires no inherent life. Buddhism's chief characteristic is asceticism. Repose is its key. If oppressed or afflicted one is taught to cease desire even for existence. The climate is favorable to such faith. Warm sun, a fertile soil and a few physical needs easily supplied allow a life of contemplation without hardship. A few Dakota blizzards over India would ruin Buddhism. Christianity is a simple religion. It enables men to be active in all pursuits. It teaches to resist temptation, not to avoid it. Activity, not quietism, is its watchword. It never compromises the truth, so it has not always shown toleration. It manifests an unchangeable individuality. Christianity has an ideal. Islamism has not. Buddhism has not, unless it is to sink back into nothingness. Christianity never gets discouraged and is appalled by no problems. It is the momentum of the procession today. There may be criticism of its methods, but there need be no fear of the end. Christianity has a conception of God's kingdom. It breaks down all barriers, reduces all ranks. It looks forward with assurance to the salvation of all the world. A. Haydn Myer sang "For All Eternity", with excellent effect. DR. ROWLANDS' SERMON Dr. H. O. Rowlands of the First Baptist church was introduced to speak on "Christianity and Human Reason." He said it was most appropriate that religion should have its part in the great annual gatherings of defenders of the country. Save the army of Cromwell no army was so religious as that which fought for four or five years in our civil war. The chaplains were evangelists and many men now deacons and church workers were converted during the war. Speaking of the authority for religions one large body says: "My church teaches so." Another large body says "The Bible teaches so." But Christ taught not so. He taught truth that was recognizable as such. Hence the present movement, "Back to Christ." Even the doubter cannot take from or add to Christ's teaching to improve it. We have many euphemisms for sin nowadays. A writer read recently called it the "incidentals of evolutionism," "errors of judgment," and so on. It is like the flowers with which we now mark the grave and the casket in which we make the corpse beautiful. But after all it is a dead thing we bury. We must look at sin as Christ did. Dr. Rowlands illustrated the love of God and the divinity of Christ by several illustrations. Why do we love the union soldier more than even the revolutionary soldier? Because it is out of their blood and lives that our country flourishes. The mother whose child is lost does not send a maid to hunt for it. With frenzied eye she plunges into the thicket and finding it clasps it all torn and soiled in her arms. When man left God, was besmirched, mutilated, is God less than the mother? "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth on Him may have eternal life." Colonel Pace spoke for a brief time on the living flag to be shown next Friday at the Capitol grounds and about the significance of our flag. Then he drew a vivid and touching picture of the burial in trenches of the unknown dead, without a coffin or a plank, or a board, to mark the grave. Such pictures he had been unable to drive from his mind after witnessing them. He went on to say: "The flag of this country shines for all. Under its folds every man is a king and every woman a queen if they walk uprightly and all may worship God as they please." The soldiers' choir sang "Sleeping for the Flag" as appropriate to the words of Colonel Pace. "Marching Through Georgia," by the choir, joined in at the chorus by all the crowd, gave stirring Grand Army close to the exercises. TODAY'S PROGRAM Governor Holcomb will deliver the address of welcome today at 2 p.m. and the camp will be formerly turned over to Department Commander Ehrhardt, who will respond to the address. The choir of the East Lincoln Christian church will furnish music. Mr. Bryan, after sending word that he could not speak on Thursday as desired, notified Colonel Pace yesterday that he could and would be here on Tuesday and would attend the reunion, so that the old soldiers who wish to meet and greet him will be afforded a chance. Congressman Strode, Greene and Stark are expected to speak on Tuesday. LINCOLN DAY The G.A.R. committee have designated Friday, September 17, as Lincoln day, and a vast amount of work has been done to make a "red letter day" of the encampment. Chairman W. A. Woodward, and the different citizens' committees appointed by him, have been earnestly at work for the past ten days, and the details have been worked out in every particular. It is the aim of the committee to do honor to their guests on that day on a magnificent scale. One of the great attractions will be the "living flag," a representation of 2,000 school children of the flag of our nation, costumed in the national colors and singing the national airs. This representation has never been given but twice before in the United States, and the ladies and gentlemen in charge of this feature have spared no time, or expense to make it a great success. Those who have witnessed its production claim that it is one of the most soul inspiring scenes ever witnessed. The seven wards of the city will each represent two of the original states and the District of Columbia, which will be an historic display of great splendor and magnificence, as there is a spirited rivalry to see which ward will produce the most beautiful representation. Each ward is engaged in a lively voting contest to decide which of its beautiful ladies shall represent it on that day. It is proposed to make a parade consisting of every educational and civic society and business industry of the city. Every interest is to consider itself invited without further notice, and prepare and put in line such representation as they may determine to present to the visitors, an idea of what there is in Lincoln. The parade will be reviewed by the governor of the state and staff, and veterans at Fifteenth and K streets, at the north side of the state house grounds, at which point the "living flag" will be waving. Speakers of national reputation will address the people, fourteen brass bands will furnish music to enliven the proceedings, and during the evening there will be a grand band concert on the postoffice square in which all bands will participate. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon an exhibition fire run will be made by all the departments in the city. Special excursions will be run on all railroads entering the city, and special rates given. Now let every citizen prepare for the greatest day seen in Lincoln for many a year. Circumstances and all propitious, and all that is necessary to be done is that every citizen, having the interest of Lincoln at heart, constitute himself at once into a committee of one to do his share to make "Lincoln day" a grand success. Colonel Ed R. Sizer, marshal of Lincoln day parade, can be found at all hours at room 129, Lindell hotel; telephone No. 5. Everyone expecting to take part in the parade should notify him at their earliest convenience of the extent and nature of their display, that they may be assigned a place in line. All suburbs and adjoining precincts are especially invited to take part in the reception to the veterans. Every school in the county is asked to be present and take a part in the demonstrations. The cyclists, both ladies and gentlemen, will take a prominent part in the parade, and everyone who rides a wheel is invited to decorate and be in evidence. The largest and the smallest wheel in the world will be in line. REUNION NOTES Several prairie schooners stand in the streets and show how a considerable number of veterans' families will reach the reunion. There will be a meeting of the Third ward Lincoln day committee at the Windsor hotel tonight at 8 o'clock. A full attendance is requested. Nebraska veterans attending the state reunion are requested to meet at Nebraska headquarters on Tuesday, September 14, at 3 p.m. to consider matters connected with the Nebraska soldiers' association. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ARTICLE 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nebraska State Journal Tuesday morning, September 14, 1897 REUNION GETS UNDER WAY Commander Ehrhardt Takes Charge of Camp Lincoln GOVERNOR OF NEBRASKA SPEAKS Welcomes the Veterans to the City after Which the Committee Hands Over the Camp - Prospects for a Good Time. Camp Lincoln was a lively place yesterday. The nineteenth reunion of the veterans of Nebraska commenced most auspiciously on the pleasant grounds north of the city. Nothing occurred during the day to mar the pleasure of those who were streaming in to find places to spend the week or those more fortunate ones who had come early and had gotten settled. The latter were swinging in hammocks at their ease or lounging around on the grassy plots swapping tales of that old camp life which was quite unlike that of the present. The sun shone brightly and made the perspiration flow noticeably among the workers, but they were all cheerful. they had been there before, and the veterans, some of them with halting step, got out and took pulls at ropes and hammered down refractory stakes with a good deal of energy. All were in the best of humor, if the sun was hot, and if the tents did not all go up of their own accord, and if the campers had to stand in a line before the quartermasters tent; and wait for a chance to get assigned. Early in the morning the people poured in. The railroad rates of one fare round trip, did not go in effect till yesterday, so the people who entered the grounds came mostly in wagons. But they came in such numbers that for the first day the lack of visitors brought by the railroads was not noticed. By night, the long row of stalls, which half encircles the fair grounds, was a continuous row of vehicles which had been backed up to serve as shelter for the owners in many instances. The wagons came in streams. In the morning a gatekeeper counted fifty with scarcely perceptible space between them. They were stored away in the roomy grounds and the horses were stalled, and in a short time there were places for more and there were more to fill them. The tents went up as fast as Quartermaster Parker could give them out. Early the 500 tents that had been pitched were spoken for, and then men were seen standing around wondering where they would stow themselves away. The barracks in the agricultural hall were filling up rapidly during the day, though many preferred tents and waited for them. By evening J. H. McClay, chairman of the committee on privileges, estimated that 900 tents were up. These had all been spoken for, but were not all occupied last evening. The booth privileges are snapped up quite greedily this year. It is estimated that fully 25 per cent more privileges are taken this year than last. A dance hall was running last evening and the various merry-go-rounds and other devices to amuse and catch the crowd did a fairly good business during the day. Few city people were out except in the evening. It was a day of preparation and of only slight anticipation. Arrangements are under way to have some horse racing one day. Nothing will be left undone to amuse the crowds that attend. The attendance by night was estimated at between 4,000 and 5,000 people, with the best of prospects for the remainder of the week. The grounds were not dusty; the arrangement for keeping them damp and cool being used effectively yesterday. TODAY'S PROGRAM The program today will be one of general interest. It is Nebraska day. J. Sterling Morton will not be present today as advertised, but he will speak sometime during the week. His place on the program will be taken by W. J. Bryan. The program for the day in detail is as follows: 5:45 - Reveille 6:30 - Breakfast 7:30 - Police call 8:45 - Assembly of bands 9:30 - Assemblies at state headquarters 12 - Dinner call 1:30 - Assembly of bands 2:00 - Addresses by Congressmen Strode, Stark and Greene, and by W. J. Bryan 5:00 - Supper call 7:30 - Campfire addresses by T. J. Majors, P. C. Johnson, Gen. C. J. Dilworth 10:00 - Taps CAMP IS DEDICATED Governor Holcomb Makes an Address of Welcome to the Veterans On account of the heat and the very general preparations under way all through the camp the dedicatory exercises were not begun till nearly 3 o'clock. Mercantile hall was comfortably filled at that time by those veterans and their families who were not willing to miss a single part of the program. The East Lincoln Christian church choir furnished some very acceptable music of a stirring kind, peculiarly fitting for the occasion. Before the exercises, there was music by the Pembleton baby drummers. The number was very attractive. Two snare drums were placed upon a small platform and were played by two little tots, son and daughter of M. L. Pembleton of York. Mr. Pembleton and his wife played the larger drums. The little people were dressed in the national colors and their performance was very taking. After another number by the choir, Colonel Pace of the reunion committee announced Governor Holcomb for an address of welcome to the veterans. Governor Holcomb said that a gathering of the nature of the reunion was particularly appropriate to occur in the state of Nebraska. The state, although in its infancy, furnished a large number of persons to preserve the union. Since the war, the state has been settled up largely by veterans and there is in it a strong loyal sentiment. For this reason, the reunion was particularly appropriate. The governor related an anecdote of foraging for supplies in the war and applied it to the veterans, telling them to "advance and take everything in sight" as they used to do. He thought the old soldiers needed no welcome. There is always general interest in the welfare of the veterans. The fact that there was such a strong desire to secure the reunion shows that the people like to have the soldiers with them. The people of Lincoln would not object if the veterans and their families should remain a month. Governor Holcomb compared the present with the past. He referred to the bountiful crops of the past season and said that it was pleasant that all could come, happy that their grain was garnered and their corn crops assured. The safety of the nation has always depended on patriotic citizenship, not on the valor of men trained to war. This was true in the war of the revolution and more so in the struggle of 1862. The closer the scrutiny of the civil war, the more it is apparent that the sacrifices of the union soldiers were monumental in proportion. Men who were not regarded as patriotic left wives and sweethearts to go to the front. Their sacrifices were great and people of the present generation should wish to do all in their power to show appreciation of these deeds and to prove themselves worthy sons of noble sires. To repay the men who fought, the pension system was inaugurated. No more laudable undertaking can be fostered by the government than to take up these pension claims as speedily as possible and repay the men who are weaker in body for their defense of the union. Governor Holcomb said, referring to his share in the war, that when fighting commenced he was "in arms," but in his mother's arms, though he said perhaps now it might not be believed possible. Speaking about the use and abuse of the national flag, the governor thought the flag should be preserved as an emblem of liberty and not be allowed to be used as a tag for merchandise or a trade mark for some special brand of beer. The flag is too sacred for this misuse. No name is great enough to appear upon the stars and stripes. The flag should be revered and should stand for the glories of a hundred years of freedom. After again bidding all comrades a hearty welcome, the governor closed. Colonel L. C. Pace made a few announcements. He stated that J. Sterling Morton would be unable to be present today, but that speeches would be made by W. J. Bryan and Congressmen Strode, Stark and Greene this afternoon. Miss Alice Gingery sang "Columbia, The Gem of the Ocean," with pleasing effect. Colonel Pace spoke briefly on the meaning of the annual reunion, enlarging on its patriotic significance. He announced that John Currie presented his statue of Lincoln to the old soldiers of Nebraska. The statue of considerable fame, gilded since Sunday, stood at the right of the platform. The announcement was received with applause. Colonel Pace spoke then in turning over the camp to Department Commander John A Ehrhardt of Stanton. Colonel Pace presented him with a silver tube containing a chart of the camp, and a flag, decorated with streamers of red, white and blue ribbon, and also a large portrait of Abraham Lincoln. These were given in token of respect to the commanders of 8,000 veterans. Colonel Pace, in behalf of the reunion committee again bade all comrades a most hearty welcome and presented Commander Ehrhardt to the audience. Commander Ehrhardt thanked Colonel Pace and the reunion committee for the tokens. Referring to a casual remark of Governor Holcomb's about the safety of Lincoln's chickens during the reunion, Mr. Ehrhardt said that locks on the chicken houses would do no good, as the boys had learned to take a board off the back of the coop in preference to breaking a lock. The reunion, Commander Ehrhardt said, is a school of patriotism, built on the principles of fraternity, charity and loyalty. These principles mean a great deal to comrades. The G. A. R. has no sympathy with the bearers of the red ring of anarchy. Absolute loyalty is demanded of all comrades. The commander expressed himself in sympathy with the governor as to the use of the American flag. he did not believe that Americans had gone flag crazy, however, in the profuse use of bunting. He had seen more flags on the reunion grounds than in the country for ten years before the war. Colonel Pace announced that H. C. Russell had received word from J. Sterling Morton that he would be present one day during the week. The audience rose, sang "America," and dispersed to meet again at the camp fire at night. THE FIRST CAMPFIRE Captain Henry Manages One With a Truly Military Spirit Captain Henry of Fairmont, had charge of the first campfire of the reunion, held in mercantile hall at 7:20 o'clock. The captain is a fiery speaker his style of speaking partaking of the nature of the way he must have gone after the enemy. The audience did not run but they enjoyed the way he told how others had. He emphasized (sic) that the war was a fight to perpetuate a government of law. Captain Henry had a wealth of anecdote at his command to the great enjoyment of the audience. He said he was glad to see in the faces of the comrades that they were not as disconsolate as they were last year. This shot was received with cheers. "Hit him again" was shouted out, but Captain Henry asked if one couldn't be glad without there being politics in it. Comrade Ginger of St. Louis, was introduced as "Jamaica Ginger." He recited a poem which showed what part the privates took in the war. The poem was a "take off" on the duties of the commissioned officers whom the privates supposed always had a soft snap in a battle. It was in German dialect. When he closed he was encored and he sang a parody on "Marching Through Georgia." H. C. Russell was called on next. He commented on the thinning out of the ranks of the G. A. R. men in humorous fashion. He said the men were not thinning out but they were going to stay. He had heard some one say during the day that every worthy soldier should have a pension. He wondered how anyone but a worthy soldier could have a pension. It is time, he said, that such rot should be done away with. Pensioned soldiers are worthy. "There was a man in the White house who thought as this person did, but he is not there now." Three verses of "Rally Round the Flag" were sung, led by Judge J. H. Foxworthy of Lincoln. H.S. Staffer of Plainview was called upon in the absence of a regular speaker. He thought that no tongs (sic) could tell of the suffering in the army. He wanted to speak however for another class of people, who suffered quite as much, the wives and mothers at home, who wrote letters of encouragement and who sent their husbands and children to battle fields. These suffered much more than they have been credited with. The women were as much martyrs to liberty as the men. Judge Foxworthy sang a much appreciated song of the "soldiers who fought in their minds." Congressman J. B. Strode being present was called for. He got the audience in good humor by a funny shot at Captain Henry and Mr. Russell whose distant talk he said, had nearly turned over the street car in which he came to the ground. Mr. Strode referred to the interest which he took in the claims for pensions for old soldiers. He said that since the Journal in a report of a talk of his on last Memorial day had said that he took an interest in the old soldiers with claims, he had received letters from fifty soldiers outside the First district. Mr. Strode said that congressmen are powerless unless soldiers making application for aid, have their claims on file. He said that it is a congressmans' duty to look up claims that are slow in their progress though the pension department. He was the only representative from Nebraska who was a member of the G. A. R. and he would look after claims for other districts if the congressmen from the other districts would not do so. He said that the present administration was unlike the former administration, favorable to pensions. He desired to emphasize that pensions could be obtained now if the rules were complied with. Mrs. J. Aughe of Omaha delivered a recitation that was very well received. J. H. Foxworthy sang "We Were Soldiers Together." Adjutant General Gage then announced the program for today and the meeting adjourned with a cheer. There was a genuine soldierly spirit at the campfire. Excited veterans shouted out like happy people in a religious meeting. Their faces showed eagerness to listen again to the old stories in which there may always be found something new. The zeal with which the old songs were sung for the first time this year was interesting to see. AT STATE HEADQUARTERS Places Where Comrades Meet and Review Their Army Acquaintances Headquarters for the various states are situated in a row along a street east of the main entrance of Mercantile hall. As one walks down the broad path he notices one of the most stirring scenes on the grounds. The veterans who enlisted from various states make it a solemn duty to register each year at their state headquarters. They go there to find their old friends and the long row of tents is the scene of many happy meetings and the renewal of old acquaintances. The Illinois headquarters are first. Yesterday Henry Hoaglund was very busy registering the comrades from the "sucker" state. Adjutant Tom Laird was on deck welcoming his old friends. John W. Brown of Lincoln and J. B. Beal of Crete, president and secretary of the Iowa old soldiers division were kept busy in the next tent where at 1 o'clock thirty-seven had registered. Indiana has two tents, one of which is used as a reception tent. A flag pole sixty feet high graces the entrance. The decorations are particularly well arranged. Wisconsin's tent is in the charge of Major Miller, president; Adjutant H. Bowerman of Kennard, and Quartermaster G. D. Eastman of Lincoln. The tent contains a fine picture of McKinley. The election of officers will occur tonight at 7 o'clock at the headquarters. The ladies of the Wisconsin division have reserved a portion of the tent for their use. Pennsylvania's tent yesterday was in the charge of past president John S. Wood of Omaha and J. W. Minick, vice president. Forty comrades from the Keystone state were on the ground at noon. The particular features of the decorations in the tent was a large silk banner with gold trimmings made of sweepings from the Philadelphia mint. The silk in the banner was woven by soldiers' orphans in a Pennsylvania institution. It is hand painted and carries the emblems of the different corps besides a large G. A. R. emblem. The election of officers is set for Wednesday noon from 12 till 2 o'clock. Jacob Wooster, of Hastings, president of the Ohio division and W. F. McLaughlin of Grand Island, secretary looked after the Ohio soldiers. It was given out confidentially that the camp was full of good fat Ohio people. Michigan's tent was in the charge of A. V. Cole, of Juniata. President W. T. McKnight of Lincoln had charge of the Missouri tent. Captain W. C. Henry of Fairmont, a genuine representative of the Empire state and past department commander was the presiding genius of the New York tent. The decorations were tastily arranged. Outside was a picture of Abraham Lincoln and his family loaned by Mrs. Emma Manchester of Lincoln. Nebraska's tent was in the charge of John Q. Goss. R. E. Doran of Lincoln looked after the Kansas veterans. C. J. Sergeant of Garrison was in charge of the New England tent which is next. The states of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee have one tent in the charge of Comrade Golden. E. S. Post of Lincoln conducted the register in the Minnesota tent. Over the tent floats a banner, "Minnesota, The First in the Field." Relief Corps Orders Headquarters Department of Nebraska, Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army of the Republic, Hastings, Neb., Sept 7, 1897 - General Orders No. 6: I. The nineteenth annual reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic will be held in Lincoln September 13 to 18, 1897. Wednesday, the 15th, has been designated as W. R. C. day and an interesting program will be participated in by the members of our order upon that day in the auditorium. II. The following named ladies are hereby appointed as committee on program and reception and will have entire charge of headquarters of the Woman's Relief Corps and make such arrangements for the comfort of the visiting members as they deem necessary. Appomattox W. R. C. No. 128 - Helen E. Cook, past president, chairman; Louise Alexander, president; Henrietta Goodell, past president; Frances Price, past president; Annis Carter, past president; Susan Byers, Anna Odell. Farragut W. R. C. No. 10 - Retta Harrop, president; Rebecca Frankforter, past president; Mary E. Ward, past president; Nellie M. Richardson, past president; Mary B. Cook, past president, Sarah Chappell, Mary Wiseman. Belknap W. R. C. No. 192 (?) - Theresa Woodard, past department treasurer; Harriet Pitman, Frances Weeks, Etta Brooks. III. Let every member of the Woman's Relief Corps who attends this reunion show her appreciation of the work of this committee by presenting herself at headquarters upon arrival, where she will find some member of the committee ready to welcome her and give any needed information. IV. The following corps are on roll of honor, for second quarter: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 28, 29, 34, 36, 41, 42, 43, 44, 47, 49, 50, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 74, 78, 79, 83, 95, 86, 87, 88, 92, 93, 94, 96, 105, 106, 109, 110, 112, 119, 120, 122, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 130, 132, 133, 134, 136, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 148, 149, 157, 158, 159, 161, 163, 165, 167, 168, 169, 170, 174, 176, 177, 183, 184, 186, 187, 190, 191, 192, 193, 198. V. Two new corps have been chartered during the present quarter, No. 30 at Trumbull and No. 31 at Bloomfield. VI. The representation from this department in attendance upon national convention numbered ten. All have now returned and resumed their duties. Let each one who has taken the W. R. C. obligation use every effort to advance the order and increase its numerical strength. By command of JULIA S. BOWEN, Dept. President KATE O. BOYD, Dept. secretary. Reunion Notes Fifty teams came from Kearney county alone. Department Commander Ehrhardt arrived on the grounds yesterday morning. The prisoners of war will meet this morning at the Pennsylvania headquarters at 9:30 o'clock. A few comrades are displaying badges from the national encampment, which receive much attention. No national guards are in attendance and it will be impossible to have the military maneuvers that were contemplated. The tents of the department commanders, adjutant-general, quartermaster and surgeon are on the street at the west of the main entrance to Mercantile hall. J. G. P. Hildebrand lives near the boulevard leading to Normal. He said that he was kept awake Sunday night by the noise from the continual string of teams going to the reunion. The heat of yesterday was very enervating but there were many old ladies on the grounds who during the middle of the day reclined in the tents and worked fans vigorously. The special one-fare rates did not go into effect until yesterday morning and there were many remarks that the crowd was composed largely of people who had driven in. The reunion committee met in the morning and received the reports of the chairmen of the various subcommittees. The committee on tents and barracks reported that one-half more people were here than were on the ground the same time last year. The committee was authorized to secure 200 tents more. Concessions of the value of $1,500 were reported sold. Among the prominent G. A. R. men present yesterday, were: Adjutant-General Gage, Quartermaster Figard, Seward; P. C. Johnson of Table Rock; H. C. Russell, W. E. Henry of Fairmont; Congressman Strode; A. V. Cole of Juniata. Post No 5, from Wilber, arrived yesterday with the little cannon, "Black Tom," which is familiar to all attendants at reunions. When the cannon is fired, the veterans about "lie down" just as they used to do when there was danger of grape and cannister (sic). Deputy Sheriff Routzahn ordered three crooks off the grounds yesterday, who have frequently been in trouble in the city before. Louis Otto has charge of the police on the grounds. T. C. Heller is sergeant. Gate keepers are set at each entrance to prevent the smuggling in of supplies against the interests of concessionaires. The Falls City military band arrived yesterday. The band is composed of twenty-five pieces and is under the direction of F. Storm. Six bands have been contracted for by the management in addition to the one on the grounds. They are the bands of Alma, Fairmont, Weston, Fullerton and the military band of Omaha. The Womans' Relief corps has the prettiest headquarters on the grounds in Floral hall. The three local organizations unite in (-----?) it and reception committees from (--?) are in charge each day. Hunter post of Ohiowa sent a beautiful floral design, "G. A. R.," in nasturtiums on a pansy bed. The walls are draped with bunting and large pictures of McKinley and Belknap adorn the room. Easy chairs and rugs make the place a cozy place for ladies. There is a private room for ladies also. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ARTICLE 3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nebraska State Journal Wednesday morning, September 15, 1897 VETERANS ENJOY CAMP LIFE Nebraska Day Draws a Large Crowd to Camp Lincoln SPEECHES AND TALKS GALORE Congressman Strode and W. J. Bryan Address a Large Audience in the Afternoon - Prepare for Woman's Day Nebraska day at the reunion opened well yesterday. The day was not too warm and a few clouds that later cooled the air with a refreshing rain, hid the rays of the sun so that at no time was it uncomfortable on the grounds. Many more people were on the grounds than on Monday and it was easy to see that things were running smoothly and that everybody was happy. Among so many people there is always more or less inconvenience for some but old soldiers had such an inconvenient time for four years that camp life of whatever nature is luxury now. The fastidious had little to displease them. The prospects for a successful reunion were never better than on yesterday. Early in the day a number of tents that had been engaged but not taken were thrown open and many who had been waiting for accommodations hastily moved in. Newcomers kept coming continually all day and the quartermaster was a busy man from morning till night. The booths were running in full blast and were well patronized. There were new side shows and curiosities galore so that everybody was satisfied. A reunion is particularly for the old soldiers. They meet and talk over old times, discussing things which to the uninitiated, are not of surpassing interest. Their beaming faces and joyful countenances left their state of mind in doubt. They were in the seventh heaven and all others stepped aside for them. One man remarked as he saw them coming into the gates Monday that they smiled as if they were passing through St. Peter's portals. They certainly were as happy as they could be. There were reunions that were sad but the sadness only served as a background that set off the general happiness showing more clearly just what the boys in blue passed through. At the campfire two men met who were on a large battle ship which blew up killing 800 men. They were called up to the platform where they stood with tears in their eyes. To show the humorous side of the reunion, how it mingles with pathetic, it is only necessary to relate that the two men had scarcely wiped their eyes when Captain Henry announced that someone wished to see a gentleman in the audience. "There will now occur," said the captain, "one of those reunions that you read about, for the gentleman is wanted by his wife." And then the audience roared and someone started up a song. A jolly veteran yelled "Hallelujah" and two or three seconded him while the walls shook with the noise. The campfire is the noisiest but jolliest part of the day's program. City people who wish to see the soldier as nearly like he really is as may be should attend. They will carry away very pleasant remembrances. The exercises of the afternoon consisted of speeches by Congressman Strode and W. J. Bryan. The attendance was large. During the day the camp was livened up with band music and at night by the shooting of a cannon which one of the posts boasts as its property. The rain of the afternoon and evening caused a little inconvenience. A little water was needed to lay the dust and put the grounds in good condition for the remainder of the week. The reunion is passing off pleasantly and the local G. A. R. committee is receiving the congratulations of the G. A. R. men for their efforts. It might be too much to say that every single person on the grounds was satisfied, but the kickers are so few and far between that they do not count. The attendance yesterday was estimated all the way from 10,000 to 15,000 people. The program for today has been turned over to the ladies. In the morning the Ladies of the G. A. R. will have charge of the exercises at 10 o'clock in Mercantile hall, and in the afternoon at 2 o'clock the Woman's Relief Corps will take charge. The regular campfire will be held in the evening. The program in detail for the day is as follows: 5:45 - Reveille 6:30 - Breakfast 7:30 - Policing camp 8:45 - Assembly of bands. 9:30 - Assembly of states at headquarters 10:00 - Exercises in charge of the Ladies of the G. A. R. 12:00 - Dinner 1:30 - Assembly of bands 2:00 - Exercises by the Woman's Relief Corps 5:00 - Supper 7:30 - Assembly of bands 8:30 - Campfire, with speaking by Gen. C. E. Adams of Superior; Gen. A. V. Cole of Juniata, and H. C. Russell 11:30 - Taps The following programs will be given in the afternoon by the Woman's Relief Corps: Instrumental - "Recollections of Home," Mrs. Lorena Fleming Prayer - Chaplain Farragut corps, Mrs. Krumme Address of welcome - President Appomattox corps, Mrs. Louise Alexander Response - Department president W. R. C., Mrs. Julia S. Bowen Solo - "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Mrs. John Doane. Address - "Our Flag," Mrs. Nellie Richardson Solo - "Our Flag and the Union Forever," Mrs. Dr. Cotter Address - W. R. C. past department president, Mrs. Mary R. Morgan Solo - "Soldier's Dream," Mrs. Mellie Greer Address - "Teaching of Patriotism in Public Schools," Mrs. Henrietta Goodell Solo - "May God Protect the Right," Mrs. Dr. Cotter Recitation - Miss Bessie Gerhart Solo - "Brave Sentinel," Mrs. John Brooks Address - "Where Should Politics Leave Off and Patriotism Begin?," Mrs. Wealthy Kemp Solo - Mrs. O'Neil Medley - Hand A reception will be tendered the department officers and members of the G. A. R. and W. R. C. this evening at the headquarters of the Woman's Relief Corps. LADIES OF THE G. A. R. Department headquarters, Ladies of the G. A. R., have been assigned at the north wing of floral hall. Tasteful decorations, comfortable chairs and music make this a pleasant place for the comrades and their families to meet, rest and chat. Thanks are due the comrades and ladies of Circle No 24 (?) of Lincoln, for furnishing this agreeable rendezvous. The following reception and program committee has been appointed by Department President Mrs. Mary M Hull (?), vis: Comrade and Sister Higley, Comrade and Sister Mowbray, Comrade and Sister Brystone, Comrade and Sister Wrightman, and Comrade and Sister Doran. Today at 10 a. m., the Ladies of the G. A. R. will hold public exercises in the auditorium. Excellent music, speeches and impersonations by (?) of Lincoln's leading elocutionists will make the program one to be enjoyed by all. An invitation is extended to everyone to come and hear something of the work and aims of this branch of the G. A. R. The program of the exercises of the Ladies of the G. A. R. in the morning is as follows: Song - By the circle Prayer - Chaplain Masterman Address of welcome - Mrs. Mowbray Address - Department President Mrs. M. M. Stull Song - "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground," C(?) quartet Speech - Dr. Britt Piano solo - Mrs. Sutton Music - Farragut post quartet Remarks on the flag - Mrs. M. E. Cramphin Piano solo - Miss Bertha Stull Five-minute speeches by comrades Song - Ladies' quartet Recitation - Miss Mabel Crawford Song - Miss Jennie Slade Recitation - Miss Lethe Watson Song - Mrs. Dr. Cotter Song - "America" AFTERNOON SPEECHES Congressman Strode and W. J. Bryan Each Deliver an Address At 2:10 o'clock, Commander Ehrhardt called a large crowd to order in Mercantile hall. The people stood in the aisles and blocked the doorways. It was a good natured crowd that had gathered an hour before the time of speaking in order to be able to secure seats. An impromptu glee club of old soldiers led by Judge Foxworthy, sang "Rally 'Round the Flag," the audience joining in the chorus. Congressman Jesse B. Strode was the first speaker. He spoke on the general theme of Nebraska's early history with applications along the lines of patriotism. The territories of Kansas and Nebraska were organized in 1854 and by their organization the question of slavery was again reopened. Because of the agitation the lines were strongly drawn between political parties. A new political party was organized, which in 1860 succeeded in electing a president. Immediately the southern states took steps to organize a government of their own, which culminated in the civil war. As the war progressed, in July, 1863, the capture of Vicksburg and then the success at Gettysburg, made victory sure for the union arms. The emancipation proclamation had also been issued. Following this the state of Nebraska was allowed a constitution. When the war closed, the territorial legislature adopted a constitution in January 1866. The legislature provided for the election of state officers and finally the election was held and two United States senators were elected. Then followed a long struggle for the passage of a bill for the admission of the state over President Johnson's veto. This was accomplished, and Nebraska was the first state to be admitted after the civil war. From the time of the admission of Nebraska no patriotic citizen has had reason to ashamed of her. (sic) At the time of the admission, there were probably not more than 50,000 inhabitants. In 1880 the population of the state had quadrupled itself and the gain after that was almost as wonderful. The state was admitted with the homestead law in operation. Old soldiers and multitudes of people have settled within the borders till now there are over a million and a half of people. The productiveness of the fields has increased in proportion and there are 7,000 school houses in the state which shows development in another way. With all this glorious history, why should Nebraskans not be proud? The veterans meeting at annual reunions have reason to rejoice over these things. The reunions are schools of patriotism. Many people profess patriotism but the real patriots practice it when it is necessary. True patriotism means the absolute surrender of oneself to the country. To the veterans it meant all of this, and they should be revered. Commander Ehrhardt read a telegram from Congressman W. L. Greene stating that he could not be present. Congressman Stark wired that he would be here Wednesday. A LETTER FROM ALLEN ??? the following letter, which was read from the platform by Commander Ehrhardt: MADISON, Nebr., Sept. 13, 1897 - Hon. John A. Ehrhardt, Commander Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Nebraska, Lincoln, Neb. - My Dear Sir and Comrade: It has become apparent to me that, owing to the existence of circumstances over which I can exercise no control, I will not be able to attend the annual reunion of the soldiers and sailors of Nebraska, to be held at Lincoln during the current week. It has been my intention to attend and fraternize with those with whom, as a private soldier for over three years, I served in the late war for the union. I entered the army when a lad, and served from the time I was fifteen until after I was eighteen years of age, and among the memories of my early life the days and incidents of the war are recalled most clearly. Having, up to the time of my enlistment, been confined to the life of a farm boy, it will not be counted strange by those for whom this letter is designed, that when I stepped from the harvest field into the presence of a mustering officer and took an oath to support and uphold the constitution of the United States and serve my country as a soldier to the best of my ability "for three years, or during the war," the drills, camp experiences, marches, picket duty, skirmishes, trenches and battle fields that followed for over three years, should make a deep and lasting impression on my mind. For those who honestly served in the same great, just and holy cause, whatever their station in life may be, or may have been, I have strong feeling of affection akin to those existing between brothers, notwithstanding on political questions we may widely disagree. Men capable of sacrificing personal convenience and risking health and life in the accomplishment of a great cause in the interest of the race are too broad-minded, sensible and patriotic to cavil with others who performed a like services, respecting their political opinions. The war for the union was fought on the theory that ours is a national government and that this is an inseparable union of indestructible states and that a state, having entered the union becomes an integral portion thereof, and cannot throw off or abandon its allegiance at any time a majority of its citizens may so declare. This is the settled doctrine of our country. We are not only a federal union, but a nation and our government possesses and can exercise, for the common good, all the power that any other national government can rightfully exercise. Thirty-two years have passed into eternity since the close of the war in which we served together and the mustering out of the volunteer army and navy. Those who were then mere striplings have become grayheaded men and in the west have encountered the hardships, privations and experiences of a long useful and active pioneer life. It must have impressed itself on all, that with our retirement from the army we did not cease to be charged with duties and responsibilities of a very high order and an important character. The same cause that impelled our enlistment and induced us to encounter the hardships and experiences of a soldier's life, namely, the preservation and protection of the union, has doubtless induced us to perform our duty as citizens to the best of our ability, in making more secure the foundations of civilization and in strengthening the government wherever in our judgment it may have needed strengthening. It would not be possible for us to cease battling for good government after the close of the war, thus abandoning our duty on the very eve of victory. Such a course could only be regarded as sheer madness. A keen and perfect sense of the duties of citizenship would lead us to the conclusion that as long as life lasts we should give of our strength and influence to the cause of a government founded on popular liberty. Only by its citizens pursuing such a course can the government be preserved and transmitted to posterity unimpaired. If we should fail to perform our duties as citizens and the cause of popular liberty be thereby imperiled, or made less secure, the evil consequences to ensue would rest with us. Doubtless at the present time and in the past, we are and have been pursuing a course that has met with approval of our consciences and our judgments. Among the many rights guaranteed the American people by the constitution is that of free speech, and the right to honestly act, think and speak on political and other questions affecting the welfare of mankind as we may see proper, so long as we do not intrench (sic) on or interfere with the like rights of others. If we keep with this line, we are enjoying a part of the liberty of which we and our fathers contended, and we must accord to all the right to act, think and speak for themselves. I may be permitted to say that I shall in the future, as I have in the past, use every reasonable and honest effort to advance the interests of the soldiers and sailors of this state and nation. I have, during the incumbency of my present office, had under consideration nine hundred and sixty-five pension causes at the bureau of pensions, many of which have been granted, besides having introduced and secured the passage of many private bills. I have strenuously contended on the floor of the United States senate, and shall continue to do so, that all who honorably performed like service in the cause of the union, should be equally rewarded in the granting of pensions, and that the artificial distinction between husbands, made necessary by the existence of a state of war, shall not continue and each took his station in the ranks of citizens. I shall earnestly continue this line of advocacy until such an odious distinction shall have ceased to exist in the United States. the wife and children of a private soldier who performed meritorious and honest services for his country and risked life and limb at a time when the government needed him, should be rewarded equally with the wife and children of those who received higher pay, greater honor and emoluments during the short period such distinction existed. To all I extend a greeting and God-speed in life's journey. Very Truly yours in F. C. and L. WILLIAM V. ALLEN The announcement was made that old soldiers would have free admittance to the penitentiary and the asylum. The glee club then sang "We Were Soldiers Together." MR. BRYAN'S SPEECH W. J. Bryan was introduced, being received with a cheer. He explained that he could not be present on Thursday, when he had been invited to speak, and therefore he would speak while he could be in the city. He thought that it is far more appropriate for these to speak at a reunion who have passed through the war. However, one by experiencing small contests, may appreciate to some extent the sufferings of the survivors of the greatest war in history. Others have been engaged in wars of conquest but the civil war was the greatest war because temporary foes by it were converted into permanent friends. History affords no parallel of such a war. Before the war, every possible expedient was tried to settle the difficulty of slavery without resort to arms. Peaceable settlement was, however, impossible. The settlement which came, was permanent and the difficulty will never rise again. If the difference between the north and the south had been settled, leaving slavery in existence, the matter would not still be settled. The civil war settled this question and removed the only thing that could threaten the existence of the nation. The interest in the war is not confined to the soldier or his immediate descendants. American will not forget what has been won in the terrible conflict of arms. The glories of war grow brighter as time goes on. One looking back at the war, the great character of Abraham Lincoln stands out and is revered by all. Down in the southland people now say that in his death southern people lost a friend. Abraham Lincoln stands as the representative of what American citizenship can secure. No name is more worthy history's annals. There was nothing in his early life to mark him for the place he filled. He had the courage to stand by his convictions and by the side of justice, moderation and determination he was equal to the terrible responsibilities that fell to his lot. He was a patriot. The word patriot does not include defenders of the country alone. It takes patriots to preserve liberty as well as to secure it. It is important for those who have risen up since the war to preserve the nation which the veteran saved. Battles fought with arguments are as noble as battles fought with guns. If a man hasn't the chance to die for his country, is it not glorious to be able to live for it? Nebraskans stand today at the center of the United States. Nebraska has a population that is not surpassed in its general intelligence. I am glad that if I could not be here on flag day I could be here on Nebraska day and meet the veterans of the state. The nation should be grateful for the claims of the soldiers upon it. The nation depended upon volunteer soldiery, and now it should be willing to show its gratitude. When we bring contentment to those who form the nation's strength in peace and war, we have done our duty. By doing so we in another way show ourselves as patriotic as the soldiers were during the war. During Mr. Bryan's speech, the first shower of the day came up and the roof of Mercantile hall being leaky, the water in places poured down in streams. Umbrellas were raised and the general effect of certain of the audience dodging good sized floods was curious. The shower was of short duration and did not draw the speaker's attention noticeably. HAVE A JOLLY GOOD TIME Veterans Sing Songs and Listen to Stories of the War Time The campfire in the evening opened in cyclonic fashion. J. T. Walker of Ohiowa started the ball rolling before the presiding officers reached the platform. He spoke for the sons of veterans who, he said, would take the place of the veterans, but the sons of veterans would not take this place till the veterans were all gone. He said he received his patriotism honestly from a father who was at Shiloh. He spoke in a very humorous fashion, the burden of his talk being that the glories of the veterans would be kept alive by their sons and their daughters also. Captain Henry presided over the campfire. J. H. Foxworthy again led the singing. For a few minutes the hall fairly echoed with the strains of the familiar patriotic songs. Mr. Walker proved a trump again and in a second, he led the singing bringing out "Marching Through Georgia" from the audience with a volume that almost pulled the nails from the roofing. The comrades went fairly wild cheering with all their heart as the sweet old song brought up old memories. Captain Henry called them crazy but he said they had a right to be so over the flag. Comrade Ginger of St. Louis was present and gave a recitation in German dialect which is his favorite. Every one of his recitations is interspersed and an exclamation was heard that the Dutchman (--?) heard use it must have been expert with it or Comrade Ginger could not have said it so naturally. The exclamation was "By Gollies." It was brought with such a natural fashion that the audience fairly howled in glee. Past Department Commander A. V. Cole of Juniata was introduced. He succeeded in rousing the sympathies of the crowd by narrating some of his experiences. He touched a sympathetic chord by relating how on a visit to his Michigan home, he had found so many of his former comrades missing. He did not consider this such a sad state of affairs. He would not admit that he was growing old. He closed with a word of blessing for the mothers, wives and sweethearts who sent their loved ones to the war. Commander Ehrhardt took up the topic touched upon so often, that the comrades were growing old. He said it was impossible to grow old attending reunions. He mentioned the Veteran, the official paper. Two comrades were brought forward who were blown up in the Sultana, nine miles above Memphis. Captain Henry brought them out on the platform and remarked that they did not look very much blown up. Their names were Hugh Kinzer of Albion and John Poland of DuBois. They met for the first time on the platform and were visibly affected. The explosion occurred April 27, 1863, and about 800 men were killed. Comrade Wetz was called forward. He sang a parody on "Sweet Bye and Bye" about the "army bean. nice and clean." Going on he told the comrades dramatically that they had the pleasure of looking upon the "mug of one of nature's noblemen." He said he had a record that beats that of Nancy Hanks or any other horse. Continuing in a characteristic fashion, he told of a foraging expedition in Virginia when he and his comrades got a load of honey without the bees and were consigned to the doctors care next day. Captain Henry next cited a few authorities to show that the union army was the largest history knows about. The war lasted 960 days with 1,500 battles, more than one for each day. All other wars sink into insignificance beside it. Captain Henry then related a number of stories of the war which the veterans could not get enough. He dwelt particularly on the effect of the war on the women of the land. He was very earnest in his talk and the audience was sorry when he stopped. REUNION NOTES About 125 had registered at Wisconsin headquarters yesterday. The election of officers for the Ohio division will occur this morning at 10 o'clock. The prisoners of war will meet Thursday at 10 o'clock a. m., for a business meeting. In the barracks, bales of straw serve as tables and the straw strewn floor for chairs when there are not more bales to serve the purpose. After the speaking of the afternoon, Mr. Bryan gave the reunion committee an order for $25 to go towards the expenses of the reunion. Sheriff Trompen was a visitor at Camp Lincoln yesterday. He looked old enough to have been a veteran but when the war broke out he was only seven years old. The election of officers will occur at the Pennsylvania headquarters at 2 o'clock today. The registration there was the heaviest of any reunion for this period of the week. At the headquarters of the reunion committee, two fine silk flags, hand embroidered, were displayed yesterday. An old battle flag belonging to the Eleventh Missouri, the property of Col. L. C. Pace, was also hanging at the same place. A group of old soldiers were talking yesterday and evidently discussing the merits of some departed comrade. "He never showed the white feather to the enemy," said one. "No," added another, "and what's more, he never got away with anybody's money, except his own." Pickpockets were at work in the crowd yesterday. Cyrus Carter of Lincoln, lost $14. A sister of Varney Robinson lost a pocketbook containing $1.50. Two other ladies were robbed, one of $3 and the other of fifty cents. One lady caught a small boy in the act of snatching her pocketbook. He was recognized as an old reform school inmate. The state headquarters were the centers of attraction yesterday. The street before the tents was blocked all day by knots of veterans, every one of whom was telling some fight in which he had participated. The tents were full all day and many were the diagrams of battle fields to be seen, on all sides surrounded by very much interested veterans. The oldest veteran on the grounds is Levi Dodson of Panama, of the First Nebraska; who is 91 years of age. He is the man whom the pickpockets were robbing when captured by the aid of Deputy Sheriffs Routzahan and Worthington and Detective Pound. Chaplain Henry Masterman of Farragut post, has held the ribbon for some time, he being 85 years old He has buried as chaplain, 114 comrades, none as old as he. He has been chaplain of the post for eighteen years. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ARTICLE 4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nebraska State Journal Thursday morning, September 16, 1897 CAMP LINCOLN IS PACKED Woman's Day Draws the Largest Crowd of the Week COMMANDER CLARKSON IS HERE He Addresses the Campfire in the Evening together With Thomas J. Majors - State Divisions Elect Officers The reunion grounds were crowded yesterday with veterans and their friends. The day was given over to the ladies' organizations in connection with the G. A. R., and these and their friends filled the spacious halls to overflowing. New faces were seen on every side. Yesterday was the first day when visitors from the city were seen to any noticeable extent. The morning opened auspiciously. The Ladies of the G. A. R. held exercises in the morning and in the afternoon. The Woman's Relief Corps gave a very entertaining program. The campfire at night was again in charge of Captain Henry who is a model conductor of such events. The principal speakers were T. J. Majors and Past Commander-in-Chief T. S. Clarkson. The veterans crowded the large hall as usual and Captain Henry "pulled" his coat and shed his collar and got down to work as if he was about to skin some unfortunate Johnny reb. There is no doubt but that Captain Henry can please more veterans in a shorter space of time than the majority of reunion speakers. He knows what the men went through and he possesses the faculty of telling them how they went through it in the 60s, adding just enough of original material to make his talk the better appreciated. Comrade Ginger of St. Louis, present at each campfire, who recites dialect poems about a certain Dutchman who could say "By Gollies" to perfection, is a great addition to the program. The day was fully occupied with exercises, meetings and campfires, but large crowds of old soldiers filled the tents of the state headquarters and continued telling the tales that they had left unfinished the day previous. Throughout the tents, the people enjoyed the best of times. The grounds are roomy and there is no cause for complaint. The attendance during the day is variously estimated, there being no way to count the crowds at the gates. None put the attendance over 20,000, while some said it could not have been more than 15,000. The people are so scattered that an estimate of their numbers is difficult to make with accuracy. The trains brought in large crowds while the city people did not attend until evening. The threatening weather of the afternoon kept many away. The expectation is that the afternoon speaking and the campfire tonight will be held in the amphitheatre, the hall being too warm and being provided with too few seats. At 11 o'clock last night, a heavy rain came up and gave the veterans a sample of real camp life. Not all had their tents ditched and some came in closer contact with the dampness than was comfortable. The wind was not strong enough to do any damage with the tents, however, and the worst that anybody received was a good wetting. INSPECT THE CAMP Yesterday morning Commander Ehrhardt ordered an inspection of the camp by the medical directors. Director Pierce and Inspector Diener submitted the following report: CAMP LINCOLN, Sept 15, 1897 - Gen John A. Ehrhardt, Commander Department Nebraska G. A. R.: We have the honor to report that we have this day inspected the sanitary condition of Camp Lincoln and while we find the camp in fair condition would respectfully recommend a more thorough renovation of cess pools and camp to insure good health. Respectfully submitted, ALBERT S. (?) PIERCE, Medical Director JOHN F. DIENER, Inspector Medical Director Pierce stated that there was more than the usual amount of sickness on the grounds. For this reason a sick call was added to the program today. There is no case of serious illness in camp, but the veterans and their families especially seem to be suffering more that usual from the unusual conditions of living which tent life entails. Dr. J. R. Haggard of Lincoln and Dr. W. H. Barnwell of Orleans are acting as assistant surgeons. HOLD A RECEPTION Last evening a pleasant part of the program was a reception tendered in W. R. C. headquarters to the department officers, and all their friends. The department officers are as follows: Commander, John A. Ehrhardt, Stanton; senior vice commander, T. W. Majors, Peru; junior vice commander, J. E. Evans, North Platte; James D. Gage, Lincoln, acting adjutant-general; acting quartermaster-general, D. H. Figard, Seward; medical director, Albert S. Pierce, Hastings; inspector, John F. Diener, Syracuse; judge advocate, John Reese, Broken Bow; mustering officer, R. La Fountain, Kearney; chaplain, Charles A. Hale, Orleans; chief of staff, John L. Davidson, Long Pine. The council of administration is composed of the following: L. D. Richards, Fremont; W. L. Askwith, Omaha; Alex Graham, Beatrice; L. B. Cunningham, Kearney; Ezra Brown, Harvard. TODAY'S PROGRAM The program for today is as follows: 5:45 - Reveille 6:30 - Breakfast 7:30 - Police call 8 - Sick call 8:45 - Assembly of bands 9 - Assembly of states 10 - Meeting of prisoners of war in mercantile hall 11 - John Currie presents the statue of Lincoln to the department of the G. A. R. 12 - Dinner 1 - Assembly of bands 2 - Addresses by Hon. J. Sterling Morton, ex-secretary of agriculture; T. S. Clarkson, past commander-in-chief; H. C. Russell, private. 6 - Supper 7 - Assembly of bands 8 - Campfire by all hands 11:30 - Taps ON STATE ROW Several States Name Officers for the Ensuing Year The headquarters of the various states were busy places yesterday. The majority of the states elected officers during the day and this brought the veterans out in force. The old soldiers are getting acquainted and they linger talking till it appears as if there could not be another word spoken. There is always plenty more to say, however. Michigan soldiers met and elected the following officers: President, A. V. Cole, Juniata; vice president, A. H. Bowen, Hastings; secretary, Bara Brown, Harvard; treasurer, A. Traynor, Omaha; color bearer, Walter Trumbull, Lincoln. The Michigan people are very much in evidence and they tell some very big stories. The Ohio veterans met and named the following: President, Joseph Brooks, University Place; vice president, Myron Richards; secretary. W. F. McLaughlin, Grand Island; treasurer, A. I. Warne, St. Paul; marshal, G. W. Efbier, Leigh; color bearer, V. W. Graves, Leigh; chaplain, B. F. Moore, Omaha; orator, H. N. Spencer, Negunda. Missouri veterans have selected W. T. McKnight as president again. All the Missouri soldiers will parade the camp this morning. The election of officers for the Nebraska division occurs in November, so there will be nothing but a general good time this week at the Nebraska tent. The officers are: President, J. L. Shaw, Adams; vice president, W. B. Swan, Tecumseh; secretary, J. Q. Goss, Bellevue. At Kansas headquarters about twenty have registered. It is not likely that they will take any formal action as to officers. The Iowa contingent elected the following officers: President, J. H. Dorrance, Fairmont; vice president, W. H. Smith, Sutton; treasurer, Jacob Hager, Clay Center; chaplain, W. Miller, Tobias; secretary, J. P. Beal, Crete; color bearer, William Newell, Lincoln. The Iowa people held a campfire at their headquarters last night. Pennsylvania's new officers are as follows: President, J. F. Diener, Syracuse; adjutant, B. H. Shoemaker, Lincoln; quartermaster, J. W. Minick, Lincoln. The Illinois veterans, some 400 strong met in a hollow square near the amphitheatre in the morning at 11 o'clock. Election of officers resulted as follows: President, Joe Teeter, Lincoln; first vice president, H. W. Chase; second vice president, Ira Wambaugh, Kearney; color bearer, E. J. Hardy, Engle; banner bearer; H. H. Sanders, Seward. The executive committee was named as follows: J. A. Ehrhardt, G. W. Greg, W. H. Wilson, P. J. Hall and J. T. Roberts. It was decided to hold the annual election of officers on the Wednesday of each reunion week. Resolutions were adopted on the death of W. B. Taylor of Lincoln, pledging the association to assist his family if assistance be needed. LINCOLN DAY CONCERT The Military Bands in Parade and on Postoffice Square In the great parade on Friday afternoon each ward will be lead by a separate band. The same organizations will take part in the band concert in postoffice square, beginning at 8 o'clock in the evening. The full program of this musical treat will be published tomorrow. The following musical organizations will take part in both: Falls City military band, twenty-five pieces, F. Storm, director. Messrs J. P. Gliness, R. Kanady, F. Storm, A. D. May, C. A. Thacker, E. J. Satterwhite, G. Schoenhelt, J. R. Simanton, I. M. Branum, D. Noah, R. Gantt, F. Gantt, C. Sare, C. L. Marts, J. H. Davison, T. Richart, J. B. Downs, F. A. Keller, J. G. Harris, F. H. Werner, W. D. Shepardson, J. R. Pickett, G. T. Pickett, W. Goolsby. Fairmont cornet band, George M. Heaton, director. Messrs. B. V. Farron, W. S. Jones, Otis Camp, F. Cubbison, Burt Camp, Will Dingman, Guy Clark, Floyd Corl, Lefford Haughowvert, Edward Johnson, L. F. Bullock, Emanuel Kahn, C. Bumgardner, W. Odell, J. M. Camp, Sam Church. Finemen's military band, Fullerton, O. T. Harman, director. Messrs. W. H. Totten, L.S. Gleason, W. G. Parker, J. H. Fisher, C. H. Krumer, C. H. Adams, Clyde Gleason, C. W. Smith, W. A. Baidridge, Clare Macklem, E. W. Harwood, F. W. Thornburg, F. A. Kennedy, W. C. Adams, Roy Talbot, W. S. Morgan, Roy Agnew, C. E. Edgington, F. D. Fuller, W. C. Vangilder, Fred Agnew, R. G. Adams, Loren Taylor. Omaha continental fife, drum and bugle corps, George Rhoades, director. Messrs. Al Barker, George Barker, Fred Barnum, Frank Cuby, Carl Carlson, Art Chism, M. C. Danforth, Fred Eastman, William Falconer, S. Dwyenne, William Johnson, Ernest King, Guy Richards, Carl Rowley, Charles Rhoades, G. M. Rathburn, P. S. Stokes, Frank Lowbach, Fred Sieserling, Grand Tignor, Richard Tizard, Ed Thresher, Dean Thompson, W. H. Wagensella jr. (sic) Weston second band, Roy Carpenter, director. Messrs. Ferdinand Paca, Orri Edwards, Henry Blumk, Jay Stevens, Frank Matonsek, James Froliner, Will Lillibridge, Harry Lillibridge, Joe Staska, Herman Nelson. Alma citizens' band, U. L. Gibbons, director. LADIES OF THE G. A. R. They Conduct Interesting Exercises During the Morning The Ladies of the G. A. R. conducted the exercises in mercantile hall in the morning. The program was conducted by circle No. 36. The members of the circle rendered patriotic songs and there were other songs by individual members. Addresses were made by Mrs. Mowbray, president of Hetty K Painter circle; Mrs. M. M. Stuff, department president, and Mrs. Cramidih, department secretary. Music was furnished by the Cotner ladies' quartet and the Farragut quartet and by Miss Jennie Simde and Mrs. Cotter. There were recitations by Miss Mabel Crawford and Miss Lethe Watson. Dr. Britt, editor of the Veteran, spoke in his characteristic fashion. The ladies extended a vote of thanks to him for his remarks. A general reception and installation of comrades was held in the afternoon. WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS Afternoon Exercises Listened to by a Large Audience The exercises of the afternoon were very well attended. The friends of the Woman's Relief Corps are many and they filled the hall early, anxious to listen to the good things prepared for them. Printed programs had been distributed quite generally and the attendance was largely increased as a result. On the platform were seated many ladies who are prominent in relief work. Mrs. General Bowen, department president of the Woman's Relief Corps, resigned the duties of chairman to Mrs. Helen Cook of Lincoln, chairman of the committee on arrangements. The first number was a piano solo by Mrs. Lorena Flemming, "Recollections of Home." The piece was played with excellent execution and received hearty applause. Mrs. Krumme, chaplain of Farragut corps, made an earnest prayer. Mrs. Louise Alexander, president of Appomattox Relief corps, delivered a short address of welcome. She bade the veterans a hearty welcome to the nineteenth reunion in a speech that was full of the cordial feeling which pervades everything that ladies in G. A. R. circles do for their friends. Mrs. Julia S. Bowen of Hastings, department president, responded to the kind words of welcome. She paid a tribute to Mrs. Helen Cook, who had been given charge of the program only five days ago. Mrs. Bowen said that the Woman's Relief Corps had 143,000 members and had expended$36,152 for relief since 1890. She said that she would advise every post which has not a corps of women organized to take steps at once towards the organization of one. Mrs. Bowen's speech was brief, but much appreciated. Mrs. John Doane of Lincoln sang the "Battle Hymn of the Republic," the audience joining in the chorus. Mrs. Doane's rich voice filled the hall and her solo was excellently rendered. Mrs. Dr. Cotter sang a solo, "Our Flag and the Union Forever." As she sang, two fine silk flags were waved from the platform, one by Mrs. Harrop and one by Mrs. Cook, making a very pretty effect. Mrs. Mary R. Morgan, past department commanders, spoke on the Woman's Relief Corps. She said in part: The men of the old continent came to America and could not make their new home a success until they brought the women. The women were organized into relief corps as early in the war of the revolution. The hardest position in battle is the relief corps. The womanhood of America during the war was in this position. The men in battle had easier positions than the mothers and wives who were waiting for them and whose hearts were pierced by the same bullets that killed their loved ones. The woman's aid societies of the war have changed into the relief corps of the present. The old soldiers were afraid at first to have an auxiliary society but they do not regret it now. In 1886 (?), the national organization was completed at Denver thirteen state organizations entering. Sometimes it is said that the old soldiers are barred out. The G. A. R. made the laws of the relief corps and when that body changes the laws the veterans will be admitted. There should therefore be no criticism from veterans. Women who were loyal are admitted as members. Southern women who married northern men are excluded if they are not loyal. Mrs. Morgan spoke in a very pleasing manner, with enough of humor to hold the close attention of the entire audience. Mrs. Juliet Howe was introduced. She excused herself from making a speech by saying that in her day girls were never taught the art of public speaking. Her grey hair and motherly face captured all hearts, however, in the short time she spoke. Mrs. Nellie Greer sang "Soldiers Dream" very sweetly. Mrs. Henrietta Goodell read a paper on the "Teaching of Patriotism in the Public Schools." Mrs. Goodell gave a brief history of patriotic study. She detailed the movement to that end and spoke of the astonishing progress made in the last five years. As a result, 1,000,000 school children salute the flag each day. The flag salute is the first step in patriotic instruction, then comes the study of the patriotic primer. Following this come exercises of various natures for more advanced pupils. In this way the lessons taught by the Declaration of Independence will be perpetuated from generation to generation. Mrs. Dr. Cotter sang "May God Protect the Right." Miss Bessie Gerhart recited "The Whistling Regiment" with spirit. Miss Gerhart has a very pleasing delivery. She dealt very well with the pathetic parts. Mrs. Nellie Richardson spoke briefly on the subject "Our Flag." Mrs. Richardson was in good voice for speaking in the large hall. During the course of her talk she remarked that since the acquisition of Alaska, Americans may boast like the Englishmen that the sun never sets upon their territory. Mrs. John Brooks gave a vocal solo, "Brave Sentinel." Mrs. Brooks possesses a rich contralto voice which held the audience in silence, a very difficult thing to do. Mrs. Wealthy Kemp read a paper "Where Should Politics Leave Off and Patriotism Begin." She believed that America should be considered as a unit and its interests as a whole. Speaking of political speakers whose arguments consisted of ridicule, she said that they were not patriots by any means. Politics should stop with the discussion of governmental affairs. The Woman's Relief Corps teaches loyalty and stands only second to the Grand Army of the Republic in the teaching of patriotism. It is not a political organization. Patriotism is welcome in the school house, the church and the home. Mrs. O'Neil sang a vocal solo "We Were Comrades Together." Her song was one of the most touching on the program. Mrs. Congdon was called for. She made a very brief speech thanking the audience for calling upon her. She wanted all to know that she was still working in relief work and had the interests of the heart. The program closed with "America" sung to the audience, led by Mrs. Dr. Cotter, and a selection by the Falls City Band. The band remained and gave a concert in the hall. CAMPFIRE ADDRESSES T. J. Majors and Past Commander Clarkson Talk to the Veterans The campfire in the evening was begun impromptu fashion by J. T. Walker , who got warmed up on the subject of pensions. He is a son of a veteran who believes that nothing was too good for veterans. Eighteen of Mr. Walker's relatives died on southern battlefields. Captain Henry had charge of the fire when Mr. Walker finished. Music was furnished by drummers and a fifer, who had gone through the war. The aged fifer made his fingers fly over the holes in the instrument. Comrade Ginger sang "Marching Through Georgia" after the new version. Capt. W. H. Woodward of Lincoln was called up from the audience. He spoke of Sherman's march to the sea and of army matters in general, decrying any slighting remarks of the veterans. Comrade Ginger gave a recitation entitled "Number 4." Captain Henry proceeded to fill in the chinks, as he called it. He told of the experience of a union woman who lived in Missouri, whose husband and brother enlisted in the union army. The unloyal Missourians shot her aged father and her brother as they were trying to prevent a search of their house where the two were hidden. The husband went to the war and before he lived with his wife again every one of the sixteen men who did the shooting were dead. "He did a good job," said Captain Henry, and the audience approved. T. J. Majors was present and spoke for a short time. He said that the nineteenth reunion would be one of the grandest Lincoln had ever witnessed. He congratulated the veterans on the success of the meeting. The veterans have peace and prosperity now around them and there is nothing to mar the pleasure of the occasion. Mr. Majors commented on the people who speak slightingly of the soldiers. He said they probably had scoffed at the "soldier racket" when it was time to enlist. The reunions do not open up old sores. The are schools of patriotism and they show to posterity the sacrifices of the war were not made in vain. It is the aim of the veterans to place the flags for safekeeping in hands as patriotic as the hands of those who preserved it. Veterans believe that their sons have the good of the country at heart. Mr. Majors told of the lot of the soldier after his return from the war. He criticised (sic) those who oppose the giving of pensions. He told how the state had been thrown open to veterans. At last providence has smiled and there is no reason why all should not be glad. As long as the rising generation is inspired with patriotism there is no danger as to the outcome of the nation. There is not a better class of men mentally and intellectually than the veterans. Past National Commander-in-Chief T. H. Clarkson entered the hall at the time. He spoke as follows: "I am gratified to have this opportunity of expressing my thanks for the manner in which you through your delegates commended me for the position of commander-in-chief. If I have fulfilled your expectations while holding that office, I am satisfied. "It has been a great year in my experience. At Buffalo I met the veterans in in (sic) very many departments and the wonderful resources of the state were pictured before me by the comrades from different parts of the country. "If the Nebraska people could only realize their resources as I did they would see that they have no reason to complain. If we only knew our own country better we would not care a cent whether silver was worth forty cents or $50. "In my travels it was a great pleasure to say that I was from Nebraska. More actual wealth has been raised from the ground in proportion to the population in Nebraska than in any other state. People in the east are looking for places to make investments. I told them that the people of Nebraska did not need their money. We raising money right out of the ground here in Nebraska. "The encampment of Buffalo was the most successful in the history of the G. A. R. The old boys were back again to the old times and the old time feeling of '61 was apparent in every face, more than any time I have witnessed of late." In closing Gen Clarkson told how the news of Nebraska's prosperity was received in the east. Adjutant General Gage read the orders for today, announcing the exercises of Friday and the campfire closed. Reunion Notes Harry Culver of Milford has been appointed bugler. A team that disappeared Tuesday was found yesterday. Comrade C. J. Dilworth was on the grounds yesterday. A bicycle belonging to Miss Clara Scott, lost on the grounds Tuesday night, was recovered yesterday. The registration at the Pennsylvania headquarters was the heaviest of any year. At noon 132 had registered. The secretary of Congressman Stocks of Minnesota was at Minnesota headquarters yesterday to see after needy pensioners. One man on the grounds drove in from Norton county, Kansas, being on the road three days and one night. He drove one horse hitched to a cart. Norton county is in the northwestern corner of Kansas. J. F. Early of Wilber is the owner of some fragments of the battle flags of Minnesota regiments of which he is very proud. One shows the blood stain of some veteran who is not now alive to attend reunions. The union prisoners of war met and re-elected the same officers for the ensuing year that they have had the past year. They meet at 10 o'clock today. The officers are: J. D. Gage, president; J. D. Garner, secretary; I. F. Diener, treasurer. The Nebraska association of veterans held their business meeting yesterday morning and the same officers are continued over. They determined that some time between November 15 and December 15 of this year the Nebraska association will hold an annual reunion at Ashland, Neb. General Clarkson is the possessor of a beautiful diamond badge presented to him at Buffalo by his staff through Comrade William McKinley. The badge is of eighteen carat gold and on it are ninety-seven diamonds, large and small. It is a beauty and one that the general prizes very highly. The general was much pleased to be able to attend the reunion. One of the fakirs got taken in at his own game yesterday. He sold chances on a gold watch and offered to give $15 for the watch to whoever should draw it. A man living at Cortland was successful and the $15 had to be handed over, as he preferred the money to the watch. The fakir then endeavored to have him arrested to recover his money. The scheme did not work and the farmer left $15 richer. The Indiana division meets today at 2 o'clock for a business meeting. Yesterday the Indiana people in charge were serving coffee and cherry phosphate to all visitors. The apparatus used in making these refreshments will be presented to the association today by the comrades living in Lincoln. The Indiana tent is tastily decorated with flags and portraits of O. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------