Iowa in the Civil War

Articles from the Davenport Times
1900 G.A.R. Encampment

Transcribed by Elaine Rathmann

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday, June 13, 1900

All is Now Ready

G.A.R. Encampment Will be Large
Much Enthusiasm Shown
Preparations for the Meeting of Old Soldiers Moving Along Nicely
Program Reviewed.

            “Tell the people that the preparations for the G.A.R. encampment, which will be held here next week beginning Tuesday are being completed with amazing quickness and thoroughness,” said George Metzger this morning. As Mr. Metzger is the chairman of the committee of arrangements for the encampment he is in a position to know. All the preparations as outlined in the general program are about complete.

            Mr. Metzger stated that the committee was making arrangements for rooms for as many people as possible and that he committee would consider it a great favor if the people having suitable rooms would let the committee know their address.

Decorations

            “Davenport entertained the G.A.R. encampment 16 years ago and at that time the city did itself proud in the matter of decorations. Afterward for years there was no city that had equaled Davenport in the matter of decorations. The G.A.R. men often mentioned it to me at the encampments,” continued Mr. Metzger. “For that reason I am especially anxious to have the people of the city decorate in the best way that they know how.” The decorations should be flags and colors with designs and pictures of a military order.

Financial

            The committee in charge of the financial end of the encampment reports that it is making rapid progress in the matter of the collection of the money that has been subscribed for the encampment. The committee has arranged for the entertainment of the visitors in a royal manner. There will be no debts at the close of the encampment.

The Program.

            As officially announced, the first day will include a meeting of the council of administration, a reception by the national commander, Albert d. Shaw, of Watertown, N.Y., a meeting of the credentials committee and the reunion of the Hornet’s Nest Brigade.

            The second day, Wednesday, June 13, will include a meeting at the Turner Grand Opera House at 9 o’clock where the mayor will welcome the guests, the commander will give his annual address, and committees will report. At 2 o’clock in the afternoon will occur the parade.

The Line of March.

            Colonel P.W. McManus is in charge of the parade arrangements. He has asked a number of representatives from each of the organizations that will take part to have an officer on his staff for the day. These names will be made public after the invitations have been issued. The line of march has been given out by colonel McManus as follows.

            The parade will form on Brady street with right resting on neighboring streets and will pass down Brady to Second, west on Second to Warren, north on Warren on Third, east on Third to Scott street, north on Scott to Fourth street, and thence along the city hall, where the reviewing stand will be erected. The governor and his staff, with the national and state commanders will review the parade.

            On the same day, after the parade, officers for the ensuing year will be elected, the place for the next encampment will be named. In the evening there will be a camp fire at Schuetzen park.

            On the last day there will be miscellaneous business transacted, the city fire department will give an exhibition drill and a river excursion has been arranged. There will be a camp fire at the opera house at night.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900

Down To Business
Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment of the Iowa Grand Army in Session.
Opening Ceremonies
City Attorney Thuenen Does Honors for Town.
Summary of Proceedings.
Department Commander Bailey in Annual Address Discusses Matters of Interest.

            The twenty-sixth annual encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, of the department of Iowa, was formally opened this morning at 9 o’clock, at the Turner Grand opera house. At 8:30 in the morning the delegate met at the headquarters at the Kimball house and marched to the Turner hall, headed by Strasser’s band. At the opera house precedence was given to the delegates and they were allowed to file in and take their seats before the others. Then a few visitors were allowed to pass in. The session was called to order by George Metzger, chairman of the social committee, and he introduced City Attorney Henry Thuenen, who made the address of welcome, speaking in part as follows:

Address of Welcome.

            “Mr. Chairman, Members of the G. A. R. of the Department of Iowa: It is true that the mayor is unavoidable prevented from being here on account of business, and those who have seen him know that I could not fill his shoes nor his place. The city welcomes you because of what you have done. ‘By their deeds you shall know them.’ it is written, and certainly we know what the soldiers of the civil war For that reason we welcome you. There were times in the past when father fought against son, brother against brother, and it was for such a purpose that the president of the United States called for 150,000 volunteers. At that time an illustration of patriotism was given which the world cannot equal anywhere else.

            “At that time we were not at war with foreign nations. No foe had assailed our border. There was a war with self. One part of the country opposed another. As there is no duty of a father so difficult to fulfill as that which requires him to punish a child, so there was no task so ardent to perform as that of fighting people of your own country. They were the bravest of foes that man ever fought but you carried the flag on to victory. Those who should have supported you, opposed. The task was difficult, when such deserted you. But to the soldier who stood for the Union let us give all honor. You have given to the world an object lesson, for you have proved that you are kind, gentle and forgiving as a woman, while at the same time having the courage of a lion.

            “But now the North and the South are linked together as one. Only recently we have had an illustration of how the animosities of the ‘60s have passed away forever.

            “You have taken cities by siege while in the service, you have taken them quickly by assault, but we surrender to you without the firing of a gun. I was about to say that we presented the keys of the city to you. But we have no keys. They were lost long ago, and since that time the gates of Davenport have stood ajar to welcome you all who come. Therefore, to you today we extend the heartiest of greeting and bid you thrice welcome.”

Response.

            T. D. McCurdy of Hazelton, was introduced to make the response an did so in a very entertaining address. Among other things, he said:

            “Mr. Attorney, comrades, and friends: Permit me to return thanks to you for the good will that you have shown not only to us, but also to the shadowy presence of those who have gone before. We recall the immensity of the war of the rebellion, the massive army mustered into service and the 2, 685 battles which were fought. That army that has followed the flag that has never known defeat has left thousands upon thousands on the battlefields and large business enterprises and its pleasing memories. We are indeed glad to be here. The pleasure of this gathering can only be marred by the sadness engendered by the view of the aged faces of those who are here as delegates, for they remind us that these gatherings cannot be carried on much longer. We accept the hospitality of this city with pleasure. We rejoice to be here. May the success and the future of Davenport be as bright as a morning sun in a cloudless sky.”

(Continued…)

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

Chaplain’s Invocation.

            Commander Bailey then took charge of the meeting and stated that as in the days of old on the battlefield they were accustomed to follow the leaders. Therefore he would ask Chaplain W. W. Gist, of Osage, to lead in prayer. The delegates arose and Chaplain Gist prayed for the guidance of the meeting.

            “O Lord, our Heavenly Father in Heaven at all times, in all places and under all circumstances we would acknowledge you as our guide. We return unto thee our thanks, our gratitude for the mercy that thou hast bestowed on us. We pray thee to bless the comrades over all the state. Some of them are not here, some are unable to be present on account of ill health and some of them are too poor to be here. Bless those in authority. We pray for the soldier boys in distant islands. Make them strong to resist and overcome temptation. Bless us and guide us through life and may we all join in that great reunion which will take place above.

Executive Session.

            Following the prayer, the encampment went into secret session during which various reports were presented, the annual address of the department given and the working committees appointed.

Department Commander’s Address.

            C. F. Bailey, the department commander thus addressed his assembled comrades:

            To the members of the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic.—Comrades: The Twenty-fifth annual encampment having selected and elected me to the very honorable and responsible position of commander, I feel it fitting and proper that I should at this time sincerely thank the members of the G. A. R. for this expression of their confidence in me. I feel that there is no other organization in this great commonwealth of ours that  that can confer greater honor upon one of it’s members than can be conferred by this encampment by electing one of its’ comrades to the very high position of department commander. It has always given me great pleasure to meet with the comrades and participate in their campfires and I shall ever hold a pleasant remembrance on account of the expressions of good feeling which I have received from the comrades at all times. It has been the greatest desire of my heart to do all that I could to make the lives of the “boys” happier by my presence among them.

Universal Harmony.

            When I took charge of the office to which I was elected, I found universal harmony and good order prevailing among the members of the different posts of the state: thus showing conclusively that those having charge of the work before me had done their work faithfully. I, therefore, felt it my duty to try to maintain if possible, this same harmonious spirit that I might, at the close of my term, transfer the trust to my successor with the assurance that this same good feeling should still permeate the entire department. In the work of keeping up the same good feeling, I feel that I have succeeded very well.

            The differences that have arisen that called for a decision from myself have been so few that they are hardly worthy of mention. You will see by the Judge Advocate’s report that but very little business has been transacted in that line. There have been a few cases in which different comrades have disagreed in their several posts, but being aided by my able assistant adjutant general, we at all times have been able to bring about peace and harmony, so that during the year there has been no post disbanded where there have been enough members to constitute a quorum.

Soldiers in Good Condition.

            In traveling over the state. I have been much pleased to find the old soldier in good condition generally, so far as finance and citizenship. Neither have they been forgotten by the citizens of the state, many of them holding positions of honor in the different counties as well as in the state.

            I find that the teachings of the different organizations, auxiliary to the G. A. R. have a great strengthening power in the way of advancing and building up the character of the young an the development of noble manhood. I have also been pleased to note that in general, there is a good feeling prevalent among our kindred organizations. All have been doing a grand work in looking after, and administering to the wants of the boys of ’61-’65, as also to those of the late Spanish-American soldiers.

(Continued…)

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

Question of Precedence

            But, though there has been general harmony, yet some dissatisfaction has arisen between the Woman’s Relief Corps and the Ladies of the G. A. R. in regard to which should have precedence at their various gatherings. Here should be no preference, but both organizations should go together at such times, if for no other purpose than to carry out the principles of fraternity, charity and loyalty. I hope that such will be the case in the future.

            The W. R. C., through its efficient department president has shown itself to be, in reality, the auxiliary to the G. A. R., so far as carrying forward the charitable and social duties of the organization; also in looking after the wants and furnishing the material needed to make it pleasant for the comrades in the soldiers’ home at Marshalltown.

            We feel under great obligations to the press of the state for the kindness and courtesies which they extended.

            We are very grateful to the various railroads of the state for the generous treatment received at their hands.

Memorial Day

            Memorial Day has been universally observed throughout the department with an increased interest. Through these solemn services the youth of our land are being taught lessons of patriotism and loyalty that they will never forget.

            I would still emphasize the recommendation of past department commanders that all posts and comrades use their influence to interest our schools in the observance of Memorial day, and that the children be urged to take part in the different exercises.

            The death roll of the past year teaches us that our organization is fast diminishing in numbers, and that the few remaining years of our existence should be improved in trying more earnestly to advance the idea of patriotism among the your, so that when our grand organization shall have passed into history, we shall be remembered on account of the lessons taught by us.

Sons of Veterans

            In remembering the Sons of Veterans they having inherited from, the G. A. R. the principles of fraternity, charity and loyalty, let us notice how many of their number took part in the late Spanish-American war. About 47 per cent of the soldiers of the late war were Sons of Veterans.

            Your department commander was greatly pleased with the goodly number in attendance at the 33rd national encampment at Philadelphia, also the large number in line of march in the parade,  and the perfect order that was maintained during the march, these good qualities calling forth great applause from the many thousands of people along the line. The fine appearance of the Iowa Department was especially commented upon by the other departments as well as by the citizens and visitors.

As To Pensions.

            It seems unnecessary to say anything more than has been said in regard to our pension laws. I notice I the report of the commander preceding me that he states that no government on earth  has passed more liberal pension laws than has ours. But I somewhat disagree with him in regard to their liberality. It seems to me that if the boys of ’61-’65 examined as they were by physicians and pronounced able-bodied in every respect before enlistment, that there is something wrong in the present as has been in the past, which causes the claims of some of the most worthy to be rejected because they cannot furnish sufficient affidavit to prove that their disabilities were received during their time of service. Dr. R. Luces, Past Chaplain-in-Chief, G. A. R., has written a poem entitled “Rejected.” He says, “In the report of the commissioner of pensions for the year we find 107,910 claims have been returned with the word “Rejected.” When I think of all the sorrow, disappointment and want that this brings upon 100,000 of my comrades and their families, my very soul was stirred within me.”

            I wish to say that my recommendation would be that this department encampment pass suitable resolutions, requesting, if not demanding that the pension laws be made so, if they are not at the present time, that it will not be necessary for the old soldier to be deprived of his pension because he cannot furnish a sufficient hospital record and an extra proof of his having been an able-bodied man at the time of peril and gave the best of his life for her service: No! Money will not pay for their lives.

            It seems that our state could scarcely do more than it is doing for us, unless the legislature should, as a body, join with us, the G. A. R., in passing resolutions giving our Representatives in congress, and those in the pension department to understand that we demand that the pension laws be so adjusted that the boys of ’61-’65 will get that which actually belongs to them.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

Soldiers’ Home.

            We feel proud of what had been done for us by the State appropriation in various ways; the legislature granting the boys in the Home at Marshalltown their full pension, instead of taking part of it from them. In visiting the Home I was glad to learn that there was not the least grumbling or dissatisfaction on account of the management of the Home; the Board of Control having granted all of our requests as requested by the committee appointed to inspect and report in regard to the management of the same.

            We believe that those in control should be retained as long as they do their duty as well as they have in the past. As the committee appointed will report in regard to the institution, it will not be necessary for me to go into details.

Conclusion.

            At the close of this encampment my official relations will cease. While I feel glad to be relieved from duty, I can only say I assure you that there will be a felling of loneliness when I realize that our general meetings will be, to a certain extent, limited to yearly gatherings.

            In thinking over the past year and summing up what has been done and the success of the administration, I can only say that I shall always feel under lasting obligations to the Comrades and especially those who have been closely connected with me in carrying out the order of the administration.

            Especially do I feel grateful to my able assistant Adjutant General L. M. Black, for the faithful performance of his duties and being always at his post. He never failed to meet the full requirements of his responsible position.

            In conclusion, I heartily thank each and every Comrade in this department and especially my staff to whom is largely due the credit for the present satisfactory condition of the organization.

Assistant Adjutant’s Report.

            There were 518 posts reported by the adjutant to the encampment at the business meeting held today. C. F. Bailey the commander of the Twenty-sixth Annual encampment of the G. A. R. department of Iowa presided. He is from Ireton, as is also L. M. Block, the assistant adjutant general, who submitted a report of which the following is a summary:

            Members in good standing, 15, 171; Total gain since last encampment, 533: total membership, 15, 704.

            During the year 136 succumbed to the inevitable, while by honorable discharge 22, by transfer 87, by suspension 357, and by delinquent reports 150, a total of 751 were lost to the encampment, thus leaving 14, 953 members in the encampment today with 439 posts still remaining in good standing. However, as noticed above 518 posts were represented, or were supposed to be represented at the encampment.

Department Finances.

            The assistant adjutant general reported a balance from the Twenty-fifth encampment of $2, 177.91, which together with other resources swells the budget to $6,122.86. The total disbursements were $5,287.78, leaving a balance of $835.08. This is considered to be quite a flattering report.

            The losses by death, as reported from May 17, 1889 to May 17, 1900 amounted to 273.

            The number of deaths reported by the different posts for the past fourteen years is 3, 299, or an annual average of 235. The smallest number reported was in 1887, when it was 122, and the greatest in 1897, when it was 299.

            During the year ending Dec. 31, 1899, one new post was duly mustered in by Comrade J. E. Winder, chief mustering officer of the department, on July 10, 1899 to be known as the Henry C. Leighton Post NO. 199 of New Sharon, Ia. The same is a re-organization.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

To National Encampment.

            The assistant adjutant general reports that based upon the membership reported Dec. 31, 1899, the department is entitled to twenty-one delegates to the Thirty-fourth National Encampment, which will be held at Chicago on August 27 to Sept. 1, 1900.

            The headquarters for the department during the Thirty-fourth National Encampment will be held on the second floor in the Tremont hotel on Lake and Dearborn streets.

George Metzger’s Report.

            George Metzger of August Wentz Post No. 1, who is a member of the council of administration reported as follows:

            To the Department commander and comrades of the Twenty-sixth Annual Encampment, Department of Iowa, G. A. R.

            We, the undersigned committee, appointed by the department commander to audit the books and accounts of L. M. Black, assistant adjutant general, and John Shanley, assistant quartermaster general, beg to report that we have carefully examined the books, vouchers, receipts, etc. and find on hand, $835. 08, with everything paid to this date, June 5, 1900. That while the expense accounts show that it cost more this year than the preceding year, which is accounted for by the long distance to the national encampment last year, the shortage of supplies at department headquarters at the commencement of the year and other items that could not be dispensed with.

            We find that the office expenses have diminished and that we congratulate Adjutant General Black for his accuracy, honesty, promptness and the neat appearance of his clerical work.

            Also to congratulate John Shanley for the accuracy and business-like manner in which he has conducted the business of his office.

            Dated Des Moines, Iowa, June 5, 1900.

P. H. Lenon,
George Metzger,
M. H. Byers,

            Committee.

Sons of Veterans Convene.
Interesting Reports noting Growth of the Auxiliary.

            At 9 o’clock today the opening of the encampment of the Iowa Division of the sons of Veterans took place at the Grand Army hall. The session was continued after the parade this afternoon and during this afternoon and during that session the election of officers for the ensuing year was scheduled to take place.

Nearly One Hundred Members..

            At the Downs hotel are the headquarters of the organization. The order, according to Will A. Brown of Marshalltown, the commander of the Iowa Division, was found by him upon his election at Waterloo, Ia., June 13, 14 and 15, 1899 on June 15. He made an examination and based his report upon 449 members in good standing, however, and at that time the organization was $20 in debt and had no money. Now all but $5 has been liquidated. He noticed that five camps had been mustered into the S. of V. order at Peoria, Mac Gregor, Keota, Prairie City and a state camp-at-large with 306 members altogether, thus making a membership of 757. Since these five camps had been mustered, another 184 members reported, thus making a total of 941 in good standing.

The commander makes three recommendations as follows:
First—That the per capita tax be raised form 15 to 20 cents per quarter, or 20 cents more per year.
Second—That the muster fee for new camps be $3.
Third—That arrangements be made for thorough keeping of accounts, and a systematic book-keeping in the order.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

Adjutant General’s Report

            H. C. Lounsberry, of Marshalltown, the adjutant and mustering officer reported 15 camps mustered in this past year with 308 members. For the past four years he submits the following table:

1896—27 camps—449 members.
1897—23 camps—421 members.
1898—26 camps—438 members.
1899—42 camps—577 members.
During the past several months the camps numbered 290, 291, 292 and 293 have been mustered.
Cash received during the year, $369.75.
Both the commander’s and the adjutant’s reports were adopted.

Old Officers of Division.

            The present officers of the division are as follows: Commander, Will A. Brown, Marshalltown; Adjutant and mustering officer, H. C. Lounsberry, Marshalltown; Quartermaster, Geo. Brock, Marshalltown, Chaplain, E. E. Niday, Corydon; Surgeon, Dr. J. J. Metzinger, Iowa city; Inspector, S. E. Day, Sabula; Judge Advocate, C. J. Cash, Anamosa; Sergeant Major, W. H. Miller, Straban, Ia.; Senior vice commander, H. J. Green, Decorah; Junior, vice commanders, A. L. Sorter, mason City, H. M. Hanson, Mt. Pleasant, J. H. Pickett, Oskaloosa.

            These latter are members of the Division council.

Notes on Sons of Veterans.

A. L. Sorter, the senior vice commander-in-chief of the national officers, and junior vice commander of the Iowa Division is an old newspaper man of much experience, seven years, in fact. He is young in years, but stated that in his regiment he was captain of company A, 52d Iowa of Mason City during the Spanish-American war. There were 90 out of 100 who were sons of Veterans, although not affiliated with the Iowa Division. Mr. Sorter said also that he was chairman of the national military college committee, and concerning this proposition he had this to say:

What Sorter Says:

            “The most important thing that will come before the S. V. encampment during its present session will be action relative to Iowa’s candidacy for the national military college, which will be located by vote of the national encampment, at Syracuse, N. Y., in September next. This is a memorial university founded by the order and dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of the civil war and ht noble women of war times. Already about two million dollars are in sight as an endowment fund and a big fight on location is looked for at Syracuse. Iowa, however, is going in to win.

            “The western states are all for Mason City, Iowa, and it is highly probable that Iowa will win.”

Gather at the Campfire.
Hornets’ Nest Brigade Recalls Memories of War Times. Stirring Days.

            At least 1,200 people, veterans and others, attended the campfire which was held last night at the Turner Grand opera house. Colonel Godfrey presided in the stead of Colonel W. T. Shaw, who could not attend the reunion. Strasser’s orchestra rendered a patriotic melody, after which Rev. George E. Rollins, congregational pastor, pronounced the following invocation:

            “O, God, we rejoice to acknowledge that in all our ways Thou hast watched over us. Thou hast been with us in our campaign from the lakes to the gulf, and we are one flag and one people.

            “We praise thee, O God, for our citizen soldiery, which is the safeguard of our nation. Bless this gathering. May these brethren and comrades whose hairs are grey, tarry long with us, loyal as they ever were to and for the flag for which they suffered. Amen.”

            The Apollo Quartette, composed of Dr. J. R. Kulp, Wallace E. Moody, Ed Mueller and G. A. Hanssen, sang “America,” and responded in an encore with “Rally ‘Round the Flag, boys,” to the delight of the audience.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Continued)

Resolutions are Adopted.

            Colonel Twombly presented the following resolutions, which were adopted:

            “Resolved, That the thanks of the “Hornets’ Nest” Brigade, here assembled, be extended to the legislature of Iowa for the generous appropriation of $50,000 for the purpose of erecting suitable monuments in the Shiloh National park, to commemorate the valor of the eleven Iowa regiments which took a signal part upon that bloody battlefield, April 6 and 7, 1862.

            “Resolved, That we, the representatives of the Second, Seventh, Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa infantries, who took such prominent part in the battle of Shiloh, recommend to the he commission charged with erection of these monuments that a generous amount be set aside for the erection of a central monument that will be accredit to our grand commonwealth of Iowa.

            “Resolved, That the “Hornets’ Nest” brigade, being regularly assembled at Davenport, Iowa, on the 15th day of June, 1900, do hereby recommend to the general government the construction of a gravel pike from Shiloh park to connect with the railroads, which converge at Corinth, Miss., as well as with the national cemetery which is located there.

            “Resolved, That the chair appoint a standing committee of five members of this organization to co-operate in pushing the enterprise, and recommend our comrade of the Twelfth Iowa, Colonel D. B. Henderson, as the chairman of said committee.

            “Resolved, That this association extends in hearty thanks to the citizens of Davenport and the local committee of arrangements and comrades, and especially to Comrade George Metzger for the hospitable manner in which we have been treated, an the ample arrangements made fort the meetings of our association.

“V. P. Twombly, 2d Ia.,
“J. H. Lewis, 7th Ia.,
“J. N. Currier, 8th Ia.,
“D. W. Reed, 12th Ia.,
“Ross Wheatly, 14th Ia.

Committee on Resolutions.”

Mayor’s Address of Welcome.

            Mayor Heinz was greeted with cheers when he approached the footlights. He made  a splendid address which was warmly applauded. He was not able to be present at the G.A.R. encampment this morning, and therefore couched in the widest and most catholic verbiage his expressions of welcome to the soldiery of the past, who did so much to preserve the union intact. He left immediately after the camp fire for Des Moines where he will attend the banker’s convention.

            The mayor welcomed the veterans and visitors as follows:

            “Mr. Chairman:--When the forefathers of this Republic were fighting the battles in the cause of Liberty, commencing with that of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill, and ending with the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and his army, there were no union soldiers.

            “But this brave lot of men who fought, bled and died for liberty, are to be forever cherished in the hearts of every true American patriot, for by their noble acts they made it possible to have our union and with it the union soldier.

            “It was the union soldier who has repulsed the various Indian tribes in many battles, extending from the Everglades of Florida to the Mississippi river and beyond on the plains and across the mountains to the Pacific ocean.

            “It was the union soldier who fought our cause at Palo Alto, Cerro Gordo and Buena Vista and triumphantly carried the stars and stripes to the City of Mexico.

            “It was the union soldier, who when the very foundation of the structure of our government was reeling and trembling as if stricken by an earthquake, went forth to do battle to maintain the union, engaging in as great a conflict as the world has ever seen; and resulting in the foundation of the union being established more solid than before.

            “It was the union soldier who in 1898 went to Cuba to show the Spaniards how to do it—and they did it.

            “It is the union soldier who is now fighting for his country in the far off Philippines and giving the Filipinos an object lesson in good behavior; no doubt the war will soon end with only good Filipinos under our domain, some of them alive and some of them dead.

            “Many changes have taken place since you went forth to do battle to maintain the Union.

            “The sons of those days are now the fathers and the fathers of those days are the grandfathers. The remains of many of your comrades lie buried in the cemeteries near the southern battlefields where the fierce conflict raged in all its fury, while others of your comrades are buried under the sod of the prairies of our own peaceful state of Iowa.

            “Before many years have passed, the army of the union of 1861 to 1865 had occasion to pass through our city on your march to the front. Since then many changes have taken place in our city.

Continued…

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900
(Mayor’s Address of Welcome Continued)

            “Our city has increased in population more than three-fold. It leads all the cities in the state in many lines of manufacturing and in its banking business, and is a close second in the amount of general business transacted; has the best water-works in the world; a fine street car system, many miles of brick paving, railroads in all directions, two bridges across the Mississippi carrying three railroad tracks, and educational facilities equal, and in some respects superior to that of any other city in the state.

            “Added to all this we are a modest people, who do not blow our horns as much as we ought to. Our society, we consider of the best and we hope you will enjoy yourselves during the time you are with us.

            “We would like to give you the keys of the city, but the fact is that according to our traditions it was early in 1861 given to one of the union soldiers who went east and inadvertently took it with him and lost it in the first battle of Bull Run.

            “We have a court house, city hall and government building, which are worth looking at; also several parks, and not far away is the State Orphans’ Home, the Rock Island Arsenal and Moline and considerable adjacent territory consisting of land and the Mississippi river, so that then our city gets to be too small for you, you have ample opportunity to expand your observations and investigations.

            “I might add in conclusion that we are well supplied with watering stations and our police have special instructions not to enforce too rigidly several ordinances of the city regarding the making of noise during the stay with us. Again I bid you a cordial welcome.

The Program.

            Colonel D. Ryan, of the Eighth Iowa, made a happy response to the mayor’s welcome address and at the end called for three cheers for Davenport and for the mayor.

            The Apollo Quartette then rendered a plantation song.

            The sentiment, “The Men of ’61,” was responded to by Comrade Cramer, of the Fourteenth Iowa, instead of Samuel Chapman, who was not present. He praised the steadfastness of the boys in blue, and said that 400,000 of those who went out to battle came not back again and that less than 2 per cent bought their freedom from prison pens by forswearing allegiance to the Stars and Stripes, and acknowledge fealty to the Stars and Bars.

            “Shiloh” was told about by Major d. B. Reed, of the Twelfth Iowa. His throat was too much clogged to be heard readily, and Mayor Heinz very generously read his paper for him. The paper was a splendid one. He blamed a Cincinnati Gazette reporter for misstatements concerning the battle, and illustrated the field with a huge map, showing the various positions of the regiments and brigades on that frightful field on Easter Sunday.

            Miss Nell G. Beyer, of the W.C.T.U. of St. Louis, Mo., varied the program with a delightful recitation, entitled, “The Whistling Regiment.” She was accorded great applause.

            Colonel W. B. Bell, of the Eighth Iowa, responded to the sentiment “Our Volunteer soldier.” Captain R. G. Reiniger, of the Seventh Iowa, spoke for some minutes upon the “Standing Army.”

            Comrade Ginger, of St. Louis, injected considerable fun into the campfire with two recitations of an excruciatingly funny character. Comrade Cramer sang “Marching Thro’ Georgia” and compelled the audience to join in the chorus.

            Major Samuel Mahon, of Ottumwa, spoke on “The Influence of the Civil War on the Progress of the Nation,” and in an eloquent address traced the thread of memory back to the first days of soldiering and through the hard fighting on Belmont’s fruitless fields: at Donelson, and at Shiloh, where the “Hornets’ Nest” brigade got its name. The results of the war, Major Mahon showed, have been accumulating ever since Appomattox. Briefly and quickly he sketched the rise of the new south with slavery abolished in the 60’s in the states of the north. The Phillippine problem was also touched, the keynote of which was that we waged no war of conquest, but if our system of republican self-government is worth having, it is worth the giving. We sought no quarrel but only answered to the cry of oppressed humanity, and what the result has thrown upon us let us not shrink from, but with courage and patriotism work out its consummation.”

“Four stages mark the progress of the western civilization:

            “First—Magna Charter, in 1215, when the barons wrested from King John the first concessions from the crown prerogative.

            “Second—the American Revolution, which gave liberty and self-government to the people. 

            “Third—The civil war, when the nation elaborated the principle of union with liberty and vindicated its consistency by liberating from slavery four millions of black men within its own borders.

            “Fourth—The Spanish-American war, when again the sword was drawn at the call of the whole people and flashing across the sea east and west smote for liberty and victory.

            “Problems yet to solve: yes, when has it been otherwise? And the American people have always been equal to the occasion. The intelligence and righteousness of the public conscience will always solve the problems yet to come, and will solve them right.

            Captain J. W. Morgan, of the Fourteenth, Iowa, feelingly bespoke eulogium for the comrades passed before. Colonel Moore briefly bade the boys good night, after which the campfire was extinguished and the boys of 1861-1865, who fought at the “Hornets’ Nest,” retired to their homes.

Red, White, and Blue

Wednesday Morning
June 13, 1900

The Ladies of the G. A. R.
More Than One Hundred Delegates are Registered Today.

            There was a meeting of the ladies of the G. A. R. this morning at Columbia hall,, and the reports and addresses were all very interesting. The reports of the officers shows that the organization has made good progress during the year that has closed. The organization will elect officers at the meeting which is to be held at the close of the parade.

The present officers in charge are:
President—Mrs. C. J. Hunting of Clinton.
Secretary—Mrs. May Nickel Adams, Clinton.
Treasurer—Mrs. M. J. Toms, of Clinton.

Secret Session of the G. A. R.
Was Held at the Turner Opera House Following the Opening Exercises.

            The encampment of the G. A. R. of the department of Iowa went into secret session today at the close of the opening exercises, which were concluded at 9:45 o’clock. The meeting was held in the Turner opera house. After Commander Bailey[‘s address, which is given in another column, the committee on credentials reported that the list so far reports was correct. The commander then appointed committees to report on the reports of the several officers. National Commander Albert D. Shaw was introduced and spoke to some length, some of the pungent remarks being as follows:

            “Comrades: It gratifies me greatly to be present at your annual department encampment of Iowa; that great commonwealth so wonderful in all material resources, and so rich in the birth and grains of its manhood and womanhood. The volunteers from this state were stalwart defenders of liberty and they shed their blood upon numerous battlefields of the great war, with a heroism as lofty as ever has been displayed in any former wars of the world. Our noble order stands for reminiscent comradeship and is based upon Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty.

            Commander Shaw then referred to the matter of pensions, stating that the G. A. R. was in favor of just pension laws and nothing else. The members are as anxious as anyone to hunt down frauds. Whenever bad laws are enacted the department hears from the G. A. R. men.

            He called the pension roll of honor. But the commander believes that it is the first duty of the government to take care of those who preserved it in time of danger.

            Commander Shaw opposed the return of the confederate flags, saying:

            “We are too near the great war period to try and quickly remove all the irritations of that stupendous struggle. The captured flags may well rest where they now are—on both sides—until the veterans of the north and of the south have passed away.

            “When the Sons of Veterans of the south and of the north can take any action in this regard they see fit without arousing any bitterness or causing any heart-aches, over an issue settled by the sword, in the closing years of veterans on either side. I cannot understand how it is possible for honorable former “foes,” whose cause was surrendered at Appomattox, and their flag there furled, should tolerate any display of that banner after the judgment had been finally passed against it. I believe the southern sentiment in this regard should be speedily changed by the inspirations of the flag—the stars and stripes, and one immitable (sic) basis of American citizenship. In this view, which I know dominates a great multitude of ex-confederate hearts, I plead for a full reconciliation—so that we shall hear no more of the Stars and Bars as a sentiment to be taught American children henceforth. Why should the surrendered flag be brought into view? It represents nothing but a dead past, and it has no place in present public observances.

            Commander Shaw closed by referring to the necessity of teaching patriotism to the rising generation. He was glad to see the work of the public schools and he hoped that the good work will continue. “God grant his richest blessing to one and all,” said he in closing.

            At the conclusion of the address by the national commander, committees from the Sons of Veterans and W. R. C. came to the hall and presented the greetings of their organizations. Mrs. McClelland, state president of Illinois, made an address, which was well applauded. The session was then adjourned until this afternoon after the parade.

Red, White, and Blue

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