Newspaper Page Text
THE ISTATIOAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, D. C, JULY 1, 18S2.
j
tion at Alexandria. Young Paul concluded
to risk the chances of court-martial and try
tho chances of desertion to join the aimy in
the front. His efforts wcro rewarded by par
ticipation in the second battle of Bull Bun, but
truth compels his biographer to add thsit the
adjutant of the Sixty-eighth had so little appre
ciation of the aspirations of the youthful private
afetr military distinction that -he henceforth
bore his name upon the roles as absent without
leave. While lying at Alexandria Paul was on
duty in the provost marshal's office in charge
of passes. The Sixty-eighth remained in ser
vice five months and on its return to Illinois
Paul, although a mere lad, prevailed upon a
number of his comrades to join him, and to
gether they applied for admission to the Six
teenth Illinois-cavalry stationed at Camp But
ler. Their offer to enlist in the three years' ser
vice was thankfully accepted, as the number
completed the organization of the regiment.
In this regiment Paul and his companions
were assigned to Company M. On taking the,
field in September, 1SG3, the Sixteenth Illinoisi
cavalry was ordered to guard Maj. McDowell's
pay train from Covington, Kentucky, to Knox
ville, East Tenuesseo.
On its arrival at Cumberland Gap the Six
teenth was retained under command of Colonel
Lemert, who placed it on courier duty towards
Knoxville, by way of Tazewell. Later on it was
used in guarding forage trains in Powell's Val
ley, breaking up guerrilla bauds and on scouting
duty.
On one of these perilous enterprises Paul was
captured and a council of war held by the
guerrillas as to the mode of disposing of him.
Death was hovering closely about the young
soldier's head when the voice of a woman
saved his life. lie was sent to Bristol, Ya.,
where ho remained one month; thence to Rich
mond, upon which occasion he came near being
recaptured by Gen. Averill. lie remained at
Belle Island three mouths, whence he was re
moved to Andersouville; six mouths after ho
"was transferred to Savannah, and a month
later to Millcn, where on June 20, 1S6-1, he was
raroled and came North on United States ves
sels to Annapolis. Gen. Vandervoort's prison
experience, which he has embodied in a lecture,
is of thrilling interest. Out of 312 of his regi
ment captured 154 died of exposure and starva
tion at Andersouville. During the entire period
of his captivity at that place of torment when
hundreds of strong men died daily, and the
prospect of a lingering death of scurvy and
all the train of diseases that follow lack of
food, there was never a time when the starving
and dying men could not have purchased free
dom by taking the oath of allegiance to the
southern confederacy. They were not re
quired to bear arms against the United States.
It was expressly stipulated that they should
only be used as bridge and depot guards at
points remote from active military operations.
They were asked also to unite in a petition to
President Lincoln to consent to the exchange
of prisoners proposed by the confederates, upon
n basis that did not include the colored troops,
but they turned a deaf car to all allurements
to purchase liberty at the price of soldierly
dishonor. Martyrs to the holy cause of National
Unity, -when shall their glory fade; when
shall Americans cease to venerate the record of
fidelity to principle that these bravo men sealed
with their blood? When release came finally
to Paul Yandervoort, he was took weak to
know much about it. A few days, however, of
careful nursing under the invigorating sea
breezes at Annapolis restored him to par
tial health, when ho nroso from his cot
and commenced nursing his sick and dying
comrades. The stench of the sick wards w:is
eo intolerable that the men were actually suf
fering for lack of attention. On .his return to
Illinois, he made a brief visit to his home, and
at the end of thirty days set out to join his
regiment in Tennessee. The final battle of
Nashville had been fought, and Hood's army,
scattered through the South, .was being picked
up in squads by the Union cavalry. He found
tho remnant of his regiment at Pulaski, and
reported at once for duty, but being too weak
for active duty, was assigned to tho provost
marshal's office. Hero he had the misfortune
to break his arm through a misstep upon the
stairs, but had it bound up, mountcdliis horse,
and marched with his regiment in its attempt
to capture Jeff. Davis. He remained in service
until August 1st, 16G5, when he was discharged
for disability, and returned to his home. Taul
Yandervoort was only nineteen years of age
when mustered out of the service. He had
seen a good deal of war from its hardest stand
point, and had come out of it unscathedin
mind and heart, although with health seri
ously impaired. As soon as he was of age ho
was appointed deputy treasurer of McLean
county, HI., at Bloomingtou, and used his
leisure time in studying law. He was admit
ted to tho bar, and appointed chief clerk of the
railway mail service at Omaha .in. 1S73, which
position he still holds.
GRAND ARMY RECORD.
August 23d, 16GG, Paul Yandervoort organ
ized Post 72, G. A. B., Department of Illinois.
In 1863 he visited Ohio, and organized Posts
at Owensville, Harveysburg, and Clinton. In
1SG8 A. D. C. on General Logan's staff. In
1S70-71, A. D. C. on General Buraside's staff.
The organization now sank to a low ebb
through the introduction of political questions,
and three comrades in Illinois, Gould, Hili
iard, and Vaudervoort, determined to rouse
the old spirit. To this end they held a rous
ing meeting at Eockford in 1873. Hilliard was
Dept. Com., and Yandervoort his adjutant. In
1874 he accepted the position of chief clerk of
railway mail service, and removed to Nebraska
when he was appointed by General Deveus
Provisional Department Commander of Ne
braska. The organization of Posts was up hill
work. The West was rapidly filling up. Few
soldiers could be found in the same towns who
had "belonged to the same regiments; but men
of the indomitable pluck of Yandervoort in
Nebraska, Walkinshaw in Kansas, and Bon
nell and Griswold in Iowa, wer.e not to be de
terred by obstacles. Tile three States were
organized with three Departments, and the
work was prosecuted with vigor. Four vcars
of constant work with varying success followed,
there was neither sympathy nor help extended
from the East, where it was believed that the
mildew of politics had fallen upon tjie organiza
tion, and that nothing could resurrect it.
The best evidence of the work performed is
the roster of the three Departments.
In Nebraska there are 97 Posts, with 3,500
members; in Kansas 81 Posts, 3,000 members
in Iowa 60 Posts, 2,500 members.
In 167S Paul Vaudervoort was elected Senior
Yicc Commander-in-Chief at the Annual En
campment at Springfield, and visited Depart
ments of Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Cali
fornia. In the winter of 1879 he made forty
four Grand Army speeches, stirring up the
soldiers everywhere throughout Indiana, Iowa,
Illinois, and Nebraska to join the Grand Army.
He has never made a charge against tlie'Grand
Army of one dollar for expenses. His election
was expected and warmly welcomed, he having
received the next highest vote to General Mer
rill at the Encampment in J831.
General Vaudervoort was married on the
7th of May, 1803, to Miss Amanda N. Ware,
niece of Justice Samuel F.Miller, of the United
States Supreme Court, a most estimable, and
accomplished lady. The union has been
blessed with five bright and promising chil
dren. THE SENIOR VICE COMMANDER.
General W. E. W. Ross, the newly-olected
Senior Vice Commander-in Chief, is the as
sistant postmaster of Baltimore. Ho was
born at tho corner of Fayette and Front
streets, Baltimore. Md., on February 26,
1S33. When the war broke out ho entered as
the lieutenant-colonel of tho Tenth regiment
of Maryland volunteers. In tho battle before
Petersburg his regiment led the charge at tho
Crater, and he was shot through the left leg,
which was amputated, after which he was dis
charged. He has served as deputy collector of
internal revenue, assistant assessor and assessor
of internal revenue under President Johnson.
From 1S73 to 1SS1 he was a clerk in tho custom-house.
Ho has been Department Com
mander of tho Grand Army in this State, and
was brevettcd a brigader-gcneral for bravery
at Petersburg.
THE JUNIOR VICE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
The Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief is Gen.
Isaac S. Bangs, of Watcrville,Me. Ho entered
the army as captain of Company A, of tho'
Twentieth Maine regiment, in August, 18G2,
and was discharged in 1S61. Ho received suc
cessive promotions, and was brevettcd a briga
dier general for services. Hois fifty-one years
of age, is married and has ono son. He carries
on business as a merchant in Watervillc, Mo.
GENERAL VANDERVOORT'S STAFF,
.General Paul Vaudervoort, Commander-in-Chief
of tho G. A. B., has made the following
appointments on his staff: John Taylor, Quartermaster-General,
Philadelphia; John M.
Burst, Inspector-General, Sycamore, Illinois;
J. B. Carnahan, Judge-Advocate General, Indi
anapolis, Indiana.
To-day General Yandervoort and Senior
Vice-Commander Boss will mako their first
official visitation to tho Department of Virginia.
While visiting Norfolk and Portsmouth they
will bo tho guests of the Soldiers' Homo.
EXCURSIONS ON THE BAY.
Visit of Grand Army Posts to TItoII A Fleet of
Steamers.
Thursday was devoted to tho municipal
entertainment of delegates to tho G. A. B.
visiting Posts and military as the guests of tho
city of Baltimore. Six steamers had been
chartered to convey the guests, fivo of which
sailed about 3 p.m. with an aggregate of about
5,000 persons on board. Going down tho har
bor the fleet of steamers presented a remark-'
ably handsome and picturesque appearance.
The tugs in tho harbor made tho air resound
with their whistles, and hundreds of people
from the wharves on either side cheered and
shouted. Tho steamers, after getting down to
tljjo Baltimore aud Ohio elevators, acted inde
pendently of each other, and tho Pcutz and
Chester soon took tho lead. The old sergeant
!in Fort Carroll dipped his flag, rang his fog
bell, and waved a greeting to each steamer
with hat and hand as they passed. Tho boys
appreciated tho compliment and gave threo
cheers for the bronzed veteran, who was plainly
visible standing at the base of tho light-house.
On the way down, at frequent intervals, in
coming tugs and vessels saluted tho little licet
and an interchange of whistling aud flag-dipping
became quite common.
Tho boats landed their loads, after which all
scattered about tho grounds, which wero
covered with small tables placed under tlic
large, overhanging trees. Alter an hour or so
of pleasant wandering through the groves, tho
vast crowd proceeded to tho refreshment room,
where a collation was spread, and all helped
themselves. After the lunch had been served
the company again repaired to tho groves, aud
passed an hour very pleasantly. An abundance
of fresh beer was served to everybody, and
when tho hour for departure arrived numerous
expressions of regret at the termination of tho
excursion wero heard.
THE TRIP UP THE RAY
was a very pleasant one, and tho steamers
looked very handsome as they glided smoothly
along in tho twilight. Tho various drum corps
that wcro in attendance mado matters very
lively, and contributed much to tho general
amusement. The fifers frequently played
"Dixie' and other Southern airs', and tho timo
passed pleasantly in every particular. Tho
councilmen present woro badges of silver,
which will bo appropriate souvenirs of tho
Encampment. Each consisted of a cross-bar,
having tho name of the wearer, a ribbon, and
a star inscribed "Council Bcception Committee,
G. A. II., National Encampment."
As tho Pcntz, which led tho way, camo
abreast of Federal Hill, at 8-0G o'clock, a blast
of her whistle was answerod by the ascent of
a roman candle from the crest of tho hill. Tho
fleet of steamers moved slowly into tho harbor,
and made fast to their respective piers, after
which there was a half hour of suspense. Tho
tops of the steamers were covered with people,
all gazing hillwards, and when the first balloon
was seen ascending there was a loud clatter of
haud-clapping.
THE DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS.
The festivities wero fittingly ended by ono
of the grandest pyrotechnic displays that has
ever been witnessed in this section of tho
country. No moro suitable placo could have
been selected lor the purpose than Fort Federal
Hill, nor has there ever a more satisfactory
and successful exhibition taken place. Every
portion of the grounds and vicinity was
densely packed. Shortly after 9 o'clock, a red
light announced that the time had come for tho
display to begin, and by a preconcerted signal
the grounds wero illuminated with Greek fire.
The sight as now wi tnessed from tho top of Fed
eral Hill Observatory was a most beautiful'
one: Viewed from the northern end of the
tower the harbor presented a grand sight.
Vessels of every kind were anchored in the
stream, covered with diflerent colored lights,
which sharply defined against the dark sky
tho various crafts which lay at anchor
in the quiet water. A number, in honor
of tho occasion, had provided themselves
with smaller fireworks and Greek fires, and
at times their displays commanded as much
attention as those on shore. Tho display on
shoro began with tho sending up of a large; forty-foot
balloon with fireworks attached, follow
ed by bursting shells. As they exploded jn mid
air resolving into beautiful figures of all descrip
tions, cheer after cheer went up from tlio
crowd. Mines Avith different colored lights,
and throwing out golden showers, wcro also
greeted with shouts of applause. Tho bombs
followed in quick succession, interspersed now
and then with flights of rockets one hundred
at a time. Ono of tho features of tho exhibi
tion was tho throwing from mortars of tho
double shells, which, after being propelled to
a tremendous height, would explode for tho
first time into a weeping willow, and almost
immediately after dissolve into golden show
ers, snakes and stars.
COMRADES AT THE CAPITAL.
Visitor ltoslon and Philadelphia Posts to Washing
tonA Hospitable Ilecoption.
Dahlgren Post, No. 2, of Boston, and Phila
delphia Post, No. 2, Grand Army of the Bepublic,-visited
Washington, coming from Balti
more by special train via the Baltimore and
Ohio Bailroad, on Thursday. Tho visitors
wcro received at tho depot by Kit Carson Post,
No. 2, G. A. B. of this city, and accorded a
most hearty welcome. In a very short timo
after tho old veterans disembarked the lino
was formed and tho procession moved up Penn
sylvania avenue in tho following order: Kit
Carson Post, No. 2, headed by its own drum
corps, Winfield S. Chase, Commander; Gilbert
M. Heusted, Senior Vice Commander; St.
George B. Eoby, Junior Vice Commander;
John C.S. Burger, Adjutant; James W. Wisner,
Quartermaster; Eobert H. Morton, Officer of
the Day, "and Edward Bcnaud, Assistant In
spector Department of tho Potomac. Phila
delphia Post, No. 2. Guard of Honor, 3S men ;
Philadelphia Post, No. 2, G. A. B., 130 men,
headed by flute and drum corps of 33 pieces ;
Dahlgrcn Post, No 2, of Boston, 125 men, uni
formed and wearing side-arms, headed by
Dahlgren Post band.
AS THE GUARD OF HONOR
of tho Philadelphia Post passed along tho
Avenuo their neat uniform attracted general
attention, while their accurate marching and
soldierly bearing was universally commended.
Proceeding up Fifteenth street tho column
filed into tho cntrauco to tho White House
grounds. Halting, tho arms wore stacked, and
the ranks wcro broken and tho visitors and
their escort passed into tho Mansion and wero
soon massed in tho East room. After a brief
delay tho President appeared, and tho visiting
veterans were each presented to him by Com
mander Chase. Tho Chief Magistrate had a
smile and a kind word for each old soldier as
he shook his hand, and tho assomblago was
fairly boiling over with enthusiasm at tho
cordial reception extended them. At the con
clusion of the reception the parade disbanded
and the visitors wero shown over the White
House, after which they scattered themselves
over the city to seo tho sights and
ADMIRE THE BEAUTIES OF THE CAPITAL.
Many of them proceeded at onco to tho Capitol,
whero they spent some hours in inspecting tho
building and listening to tho deliberations of
the House and Senate. Others visited tho
various Departments, tho Smithsonian, tho
Soldiers' Home, and Arlington.
MANY MEMRERS OF THE PHILADELPHIA POST
aro attached to Chasseur Commandery, Knights
Templar, of that city, aud somo time ago they
mado it exceedingly pleasant for Do Molay
Coramandory upon tho occasion of its visit to
tho Quaker City. Tho Sir Knights of Do Molay
had not forgotten their treatment, and they
captured every member of tho Order in the
ranks of tho invaders, and proceeded to re
taliate. During tho parado two of tho mem
bers of tho Philadelphia Post wcro stricken
down by tho heat, but their cases yielded
readily to medical treatment, and by nightfall
wero nearly fully recovered. By special invi
tation both of tho visiting organizations
SPENT SEVERAL HOURS AT ABNER'S GARDEN.
Shortly before S o'clock they marched from
their hotel to the " Garden," whero they filled
tho parquette seats and spent a most enjoyable
evening. Tho comrades of Kit Carson Post
had evidently mado up their minds to have no
"funny business" from their guests, and, arm
ing themselves with packages of chcckswhich
had been purchased at tho bar, they opened
up a brisk firo upon their guests. With beer
to the front of them, and a full coqis of waiters
to pass it, the invited guests wero soon read'
to surrender at discretion. Not a cent could
the visitors squander, and they yielded the
palm to their hospitable entertainers.
A STRONG INDORSEMENT.
Among tho candidates beforo the National
Encampment at Baltimore for tho office of
Commander-in-Chief nono camo with a stronger
indorsement from his constituency than Com
mander John S. Kountz, of tho Department of
Ohio. He was unanimously tho choice of tho
representatives from that State to tho Encamp
ment, and in a circular prepared by the Ohio
delegation they incorporated tho following res
olutions of instruction passed unanimously at
the sixth annual Encampment of tho Depart
ment of Ohio :
"Resolve1, That the heartfelt thanks and tho
lasting gratiude of the G. A. B. of. Ohio, col
lectively and individually, arc due and hereby
tendered to Department Commander John S.
Kountz, for his energy, fidelity, and efficiency
during his administration, and that we cheer
fully accord him tho full mcasuro of credit for
the unprecedented growth in our organization
for tho year just closed.
"Besolred, That a proper acknowledgment is
due to the heroism of the rank and file, aud
therefore, in consideration of his record sis a
soldier, his high character as a man, and his
invaluable labor in building up the Grand
Army of tho Bepublic, tho delegates of this
Department to tho National Encampment of
the Grand Army of the Bepublic are requested,
and hereby directed, to ollir tho name of our
esteemed Commander, John S. Kountz, as a
Candida to for the office of Commander-in-Chief
of tho Grand Army of tho Bepublic, and to use
their best efforts for his election to that office."
Tho Delegates added the followi ug graceful
tribute:
Commander Kountz has been an active and
zealous member of tho G. A. B. since the
founding of the organization, as comrade, as
Post Coriimandor, as staff officer and finally as
Commander of tho Dopartmcnt. As Post
Commander he reorganized Forsyth Post, No.
15, Toledo, when with but sixty members its
affairs wero at low ebb, and raised it, at tho
close of three years, to a membership of over
four hundred, with $1,000 in the treasury,
making it the largest and strongest Post in
Ohio. In 18G3 he served as quartermaster
general on the staff of the Department Com
mander, J. Warren Keifer. With the record
made as Commander of tho Department of
Ohio during 3HS1 you are nrtfc unfamiliar. It
is to his indomitable energy and his ability as
as organizer that we aro indebted for tho
proud claim of being the Banner Department.
The work accomplished during tho year footed
up 1G5 new Posts organized, with a total mem
bership increased from 2,000 to 8,500.
Comrade Kountz is a citizen of lofty charac
ter, acknowledged ability, and tho strictest
integrity. He has held high elective offices in
his county, including those of recoider and
county treasurer. He possesses tho wisdom,
executive ability, resource,, enorgy, and zeal
which insure a prosperous administration
should you sec fit to choose him as your Commander-in-Chief
for the ensuing year.
His soldier record is equally worthy. Enter
ing the army in I SGI, as a drummer-boy of tho
Thirty-seventh Ohio infantry, ho served in all
tho campaigns and actions in which his regi
ment participated until disabled by wounds.
At tho battle of Mission Bidge, in a desperate
chargo of his regiment upon tho enemy, ho
threw down his drum and seized the gun and
accoutrements of a fallen comrade aud joined
in the fight until stricken down with a shot
which deprived him of a leg.
THE COMPLIMENT TO GEN. ROSS.
The confidence manifested in Gen. W. E. W.
Boss by tho National Encampment of the Grand
Army of the Bepublic was very complimentary
to that gallant soldier Ho had been quite
prominently mentioned for tho position of
Commander-in-Chief, and consequently there
was considerable disappointment manifested
among tho delegates when tho nominations
were closed without tho mention of his name.
After tho first ballot it was discovered lluit
General Boss had sent for General Burnum, of
New York, who waste havo nominated him,
and General Corse, of New Jersey, who was to
havo seconded his nomination, and in tho
presence of tho Maryland delegation declined
to permit his name to he used. Ho had done
this because ho had feared that tho delegates
would think that ho expected the office
as a return for the hospitality shown to them
in Baltimore. Pending tho second ballot for
Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Baruum, of New
York, arose and by unanimous consent pre
sented tho name of General Boss for Vice
Commander-in-Chief, and immediately near
ly every Department was on- its feet, in
an "endeavor to bo tho first to second tho
nomination. General Dudley, of Indiana,
first got the floor, and ho was followed by
every Department, and tho ballot was sus
pended, and by a rising vote ho was then
unanimously elected Vice Commander-in-Chief.
Such a scene was never enacted before, and
probably never will occur again. It was a
prompt and graceful recognition of his efforts
to promote the interests of tho Order, of his
indefatigablo exertions to provide for tho
comfort and pleasure of the city's guests, and
was a compliment to all who were associated
with him on tho several committees of t lie
entertainment, as well as an acknowledgment
of his worthiness to fill the higher position.
Baltimore American.
THANKS FROM THE COLORED FOLKS.
At a meeting of the colored citizens hospi
tality committee, Dr. H. J. Brown in tho chair,
a resolution was unanimously adopted express
ing their sincere thanks to the various com
mittees of the Encampment ; also to those who
woro tho gray; also to those who woro tho
blue, to Domocrats and Bepublicans alike, and
to tho citizens generally, for the equal courtesies
and kindness extended to the visiting colored
militia, Grand Army Posts, and distinquished
guests.
QUEEN CITY OF THE PLAINS.
What it Was anil What it Is Srrnlc Snrronndings
and Substantial Attractions.
In view of the fact that Denver, Colorado, has
hcen selected as tho place for holding the next
National Encampment of the Grand Army tho
following sketch of the beautiful '' Queen City
of the Plains" and its attractive surroundings
will bo found of special interest at this time.
It is from tho graceful pen of a special cor
respondent of tho Baltimore Sun, who, writing
under dato of June 19, says :
Tho first view of this "Tho Queen City of
the Plains," as its inhabitants proudly term it,
is delightful to the eye of tho traveler wearied
with gazing at the long level stretches of plain
which ho has just traversed aud longing for
something to break the monotony of the scene,
and when tho beautful city bursts upon his
astonished vision, with its elegant buildings,
its broad streets, it handsome shade trees, just
at this season clad intheir freshest green, he
is ready to deem it tho work of enchantment
and to fear that it may disappear before his
eyes. On arriving, however, at tho commo
dious and elegant depot ho will bo convinced
that it is solid reality, not likely to vanish on
nearer inspection.
When the pioneer gold-hunter3 first began
tojmt in an appearance, a barren plain alone
w:is visible where now aro handsome avenues,
beautiful dwellings, and thronged aud busy
marts of trado. Street cars go to and fro, and
the electric light throws its radiance far and
near. The city is situated at the junction of
Cherry Creek with Platte Bivcr, and is built
on ground sloping slightly towards the moun
tains, which rise in all their grandeur along
tho entire western horizon, tho "Snowy
liango" and tho foothills lor a distance of 150
miles forming a landscape of which tho eye
can never grow weary. Tho pioneers of 1359,
who came hither in pursuit of gold, founded
tho city of Denver, then a collection of log
huts and now the best built city between St.
Louis and. San Francisco.
The population, which in 1S70 amounted to
only -1,759, had in nine. years increased to
2j,000, and now numbers between 50,000 and
00,000. Of course the floating population is
large, as eight railroads centre here, aud in tho
summer months Eastern tourists, en route to
the mountains, pass through in great numbers.
This season, it is expected, the number will bo
largely increased, as a grand mining exposition
is to bo held here. in August in buildings which
aro being erected for the purpose.
Tho hotels aro handsome and well kept,
especially the Windsor, which would do honor
to any Eastern city. There arc also fine
churches of all denominations, notably the
Central Presbyterian, tho Congregational, (who
form a strong body in tho West,) and St. John's
Espiscopal Cathedral, whero Dean Hart, an
eloquent English divine, officiates, and where
a full choral service is given in a very credit
able manner by a band of white-robed choris
ters. There are a number of daily newspapers
and two weeklies, tho prominent daily papers
being tho Rochy Mountain Xcws and tho Denver
Tribune. The former printed its first issue April
23, 1S59. ' '
The schools of Denver aro celebrated, and
would requiro a separate article to describe
them fully. The public schools aro held in as
handsome or perhaps handsomer buildings
than any in tho country, and it is greatly to
tho credit of tho people that monoymaking
and education keep pace with each other;
hence, with increasing wealth increasing cul
ture will be tho result, and a love for the lino
arts will bo tho rule and not tho exception.
Indeed, even now tho people as a wholo may
bo considered moro generally cultivated than
in many eastern cities of -the same size.
Artists abound, as the magnificent scenery of
the surrounding country attracts them hither,
and the study of music is receiving great atten
tion. Tho Grand Opera House, built by Gov
ernor Tabor, and finished during tho past year,
is a boon to tho people in this direction, as it
will bo tho means of bringing within their
reach the best musicians in the country.
Ono of the unique features of tho city aro the
irrigating ditches, wljich run on each side of
tho streets, and along which aro planted the
cottonwood trees, whose grateful shado is
necessary during. tho blazing heats of July and
August. The ditches aro used to water tho
pretty lawns which . surround nearly every
house, as also for agricultural purposes on tho
adjacent farms and market gardens, as the
rainfall in this locality is insufficient, and
although there has been an unusual quantity
of rain this season evaporation during tho
warm weather is great. Water for drinking is
supplied by the Holly Waterworks from Lako
Archer, outside tho city, and is of course con
veyed into tho dwellings by pipes. In tho
suburbs tho old-fashioned well is in uso. Living
is perhaps from ton to fifteen per cent, higher
than in the East, and servants' wages nearly
twice as high. Tho latter is a serious dis
comfort to newcomers, but in timo ono
becomes accustomed to self-help, and Chineso
" washmen " aro easy to bo found. The climate
is too well-known to need description, as the
number of reconstructed invalids residing
here can testily, but there aro some disagree
ables to encounter, ono of them being tho
sand storms, which como up suddenly, driving
everything beforo them and giving house
keepers much trouble in getting rid of tho
dust which sifts through windows and doors.
Taking it altogether, however, Denver is a
pleasant placo to live in, and thoso who come
hero need fear no want of tho comforts and
luxuries of eastern life. There is also a youth
ful dash and spirit as well as a refined solidity
in its aspect aud surroundings which speaks
well for tho future of this tho brilliant capital
of the Now West.
A FAMILY OF SOLDIERS.
Threo brothers of a family of six sons, all
Union soldiers during tho lutd Avar, partici
pated in tho Grand Army parado at Baltimore.
They wcro all horn in Germany and came as
children to America with their parents when
th'o eldest of tljo sons was but sixteen years of
ago. A history of these sons is interesting.
Tho eldest, who is yet a young man, is Jacob
Wenk, a member of Wilson Post, Baltimore.
He was a private in tho Eleventh Haw York
regiment. No. 2, Aaron Wenk, a resident of
Philadelphia, is a member of Barney Post in
that city. During the war ho served in tho
Sixty-sixth New York. No. 3, August Wenk,
served four years in tho Sixty-sixth New
York regiment aud died of consumption after
tho war. No. -1, Joseph Wenk, is a resident of
New York city and a member of Post 32, of
that Dopartmcnt. Ho was a member of tho
Sixty-sixth Now York ; was wounded in tho left
arm at Fair Oaks, Juno 1, 18G2. Ho lost his
right arm at Fredeickhurg, December 12,
1SG2, which happened to be his 13th birthday.
No. 5, Leopold Wenk, served through tho war
in tho Fifty-first Now York, and is still in the
service as a member of the Fifth United States
cavalry, iu Arizona Territory. No. 0, Julius
Wenk, is now a resident of Albany, New York,
and was in tho Forty-second New York, known
as the Tammany Eegiruent. The three brothers
who participated in Wednesday's parado wero
Jacob, Aaron, and Joseph.
THE COMING CAMP AT GETTYSRURG.
Specinl Correspondence National Tribune.
Philadelphia, June 23. Arrangements are
progressing very satisfactorily for tho coming
Grand Army Encampment at Gettysburg.
Delegates from nearly every Post in the Do
partmcnt of Pennsylvania will, it is thought,
participate, and there will bo a number of dis
tinguish members of tho Order present from
other States. Department Commander Van
dcrslico, in his official order referring to the
Gettysburg Encampment, says :
I. This Department will go into camp under
canvas upon the battle-field of Gettysburg, from
Saturday, .July 22d, to Saturday, July 29th.
II. Tho camp will bo located as heretofore,
upon East Cemetery Hill, from which can bo
had a view of nearly the entire battle-field,
and of tho surrounding country for miles in
every direction.
III. Tho famous Weccacoo Band, .of Philadel
phia, will bo in attendance during the entire
week.
Col. JJachclder, tho historian of tho battle,
who has given years of faithful study to tho
subject, will be present, and will daily explain
the positions and movements of tho troops
during tho engagement.
IV. Tents will be provided and in readiness
for comrades upon their arrival. Each Tost is
requested to bring their Post flags and guidons,
to mark their location in camp.
V. Subsistence, without lodging, at private
houses, will be 75 cents per day, and should bo
engaged through Comrado N. G. Wilson, of
GcttysburgjWith whom comrades should at once
communicate, in order to avoid confusion. Ac
commodations in the town can also be secured
for ladies.
VI. Tho following extremely low rates of
transportation have been secured, but to obtain
them orders for tickets must be procured from
Headquarters not later than July ISth.
VII. From Philadelphia, tickets can bo se
cured at Headquarters before the evening of
July 21, at the exceedingly low rate of $3.75,
good on any train during the Encampment.
A train will leave Philadelphia at noon of
Saturday, July 22d, running directly through
to Gettysburg. The Weccacoo Baud will ac
company this train, and all comrades going
from Philadelphia aro requested to go at that
time. Comrades from other sections of tho
Department are requested to arrange to arrive
in Gettysburg on the afternoon of July 22d, in
order to participate in the reception aud parade.
VIII. As accommodations will only be pro
vided for thoso for whoni they havo been
engaged, commanders of Posts will readily see
tho necessity of reporting to these Headquar
ters, without delay, tho probable number of
comrades who will attend the Encampment,
thus saving confusion and disappointment. As
the coming' Encampment promises to be the
largest yet held, prompt complianco with this
request is essential to tho comfort of all com
rades participating.
IX. A number of tablets will be erected by
Posts and regimental associations to designate
the location of regiments, or the spot where
some officer fell, aud in each case the ceremo
nies will bo very impressive and interesting,
adding very materially to tho week's pleasure
and enjoyment.
The Battle-field Association havo opened a
wide avenue on the field, following the lino of
battle from the Baltimore Pike to Bound Top,
and will have the position of every Pennsyl
vania regiment engaged in the battle properly
designated!)' the time of the Encampment.
A NEW POST IN KANSAS.
Special Corrtipondenco National Tribune,
i Osborne City, Kan.. June 21. Post No. 69,
Dejiartmcnt of Kansas, was organized at this
placo Juno 13, by P. C. Wm. Whitney, of Post
No. -13, of Cawker, with seventeen charter
members. .Officers elected : Post Commander,
C. M. Cunningham; S. V. P. C, S. B. Farwcll;
J. V. P. C, O. F. Smith ; Adg't, J. W. Mutteis
baugh; Chap., J. B. Handy; Q. M., W. L.
Burke; O. D., A. Saxcy;0. G., A. Anderson;
S. M.,.J. L. Barnes; Q. M.'s., J. J. Hays. We
havo ten propositions for membership, and
prospoets look favorable for a flourishing Post.
O. F. S.
THE ORDER IN NEBRASKA.
Anew Grand Army Post was mustered in
at Alma, Neb., on May 10, eallefi Van Meter
Post, No. 91, and now has an activo mem
hemhip of eighty. A grand Bcunion will
be held at Grand Island the last week in Au
gust. ConimanderThaycrwill visit Now York
and Washington in a few days, and personally
invite President .Arthur and other distin
guished personages.
REUNION IN WISCONSIN.
Special Correspondence National Tribune. -
Whitewater, Wis., June 19, 1SS2. The
11th instant tlio Thirteenth Begiment had a
Bcunion. Thero were present between S00
and 1,000 veterans, about 150 of tho Thir
teenth. His Excellency Gov. Busk delivered
a short address, as also did Gcueral Lyon, the
commander of tho Thirteenth. They all
greatly enjoyed their visit. Tho regiment will
meet next year at Evensville, Wis. Our pcoplo
tako a growing interest in The Tribune, and
I shall soon send somo moro .subscribers. I
'inclose one. A. A.
NEW POST IN ILLINOIS.
Special Correspondence National Tribune.
Stkasburcj, III., Juno 13. Pursuant to
order 21 from C. M. O., L. S. Hudson, of De
partment of Illinois, G. A. B. The undorsigned
repaired to Shelby ville, 111., last evening and
mustered in tho finest Post of tho G. A. B. that
has over been the good fortune of Special
Mustering Officer J. T. Endicott to meet. Tho
Post commences its career with forty-three char
ter members and fair prospect of obtaining ono
hundred beforo next fall. It is composed of
somo of tho finest material in tho country,
many of its members being of tho solid busi
ness and professional portion of Shelbyvillo's
citizens, and tho balauco good, whole-souled
respectable fellows.
Following is tho list of officers: Commander,
Charles T. Becber, M. D.; S; V. C, Louis Win
ters ; J. V. C, Louis H. Parker; Q.M., Charles
E. Woodward; Surgeon, G. W. Bhoads, M. D.;
Chaplain, T. C.'Lapham; O. D., Findley Bely
mcr; O. G., E. II. Martin; Adj't, J. W.'l'owcr.
GRAND ARMY NOTES.
Tost No. SI of Kirkwood, 111., has now 117
names on its muster roll. Its growth has been
regular, and its futuro is promising.
J. A. Mowor Post, No. 59, G. A. B., Depart
ment of Nebraska, was organized October 2,
1SS0, at Stromsburg, Neb., with amembership
of 13, aud not withstanding all the discourag
ing circumstances which has surrounded it,
under tho able leadership of tho Post Com
mander Harry Baker, the Post has to day a
membership of 40, all in good standing. The
Post ownes its own hall and furnituro and in
everything is in a prosperous condition.
"Nearly all its members," writes a correspond
ent, " aro readers of The National Tribune."
DEDICATION OF A SOLDIERS' MONU
MENT. At Auburn, Me., on Memorial Day a beauti
ful soldiers' monument was dedicated with in
teresting ceremonies. The monument i3
erected in court-house yard, in the centre of
tho city. It is of polished granite, 32 feet in
height, ornamented with military symbols and.'
crowned with the statite of a soldier at a
"parado rest." On tho front tablet is tho fol
lowing inscription : " Erected by tho citizens
of. Auburn in memory of her noble sons who
on land and sea gave their lives to preserve
the Union and secure freedom to all its people."
The. people of Lewiston united with thoso of
Auburn in tho parade and dedicatory core
monies. The oration was delivered by General
Howard, of West Point, who with his fnll
staff were present in uniform. Speeches wero
mado by Governor Plaisted, Senator Frye, and
others.
IMPORTANT PENSION BILL PASSED BY
THE HOUSE.
The following bill has been passed by tho
House of Bepreseutativcs:
Be it enacted, itc, That section 47GG, title 57,
of tho Bevised Statutes of the United States is
hereby amended so as to read as follows:
"Si:c. 4760. Hereafter nopcusion shall bo paid
to any person other than the pensioner entitled
thereto, nor otherwise than according to tho
provisions of this title; and no warrant, power
of attorney, or other paper executed or pur
porting to be executed by any pensioner to any
attorney, claim agent, broker, or other person
shall bo recognized by any agent for the pay
mont of pensions, nor shall any pension be paid
thereon; but the payment to persons laboring
under legal disabilities may be made to tho
guardians of such persons in the manner here
in prescribed, and pensions payable to persons
in foreign countries may be made according to
tho provisions of existing laws: Provided, That
in case of an insane invalid pensioner having
no guardian, but having a wife or children de
pendent upon him, the wife being a woman of
good character,) the Commissioner of Pensions
is hereby authorized, in his discretion, tocauso
the pension to be paid to the wife, upon her
properly executed voucher, or, in case thero is
no wife, to the guardian of the children, upon
the properly executed voucher of such guar
dian, and in like manner to cause the pension
of invalid pcusiouers who are or may hereafter
be imprisoned as punishment for offenses
aeainst the laws to be paid while so imprison
ed to their wives or the guardians of their
children. And pensions to ludian pensioners
residing in the Indian Territory may be paid
in person by the pension agent, upon a suitable
voucher, at some convenient point in said Ter
ritory, which, together with the form aud man
ner of identification of the pensioners, may bo
prescribed by the Secretary of the Interior;
such payments to be made in standard silver, at
least once in each current year. And pay
ments in person shall be made to the pensioner,
in cash, by the pension agent whenever in tho
discretion of the Commissioner of Pensions
such personal payment shall be by him deemed
necessary or proper to secure to tho pensioner
his rights; and tho necessary and actual ex
penses of such pension agent in making such
payments shall be paid by the Secretary of tho
Interior upon properly executed vonchers, out
of the contingent fund appropriated for tho
use of the Pension Office. The Commissioner
of Pensions may, when in his judgment it
shall be deemed necessary or proper, visit in
person, for the purpose of examination and in
spection, or may send any one or more of tho
ollicers of his bureau for that purpose, any of
the pension agencies or medical examining
boards or surgeons; aud tho necessary and
actual expenses of such visits shall be paid by
the Secretary of the Interior, upon properly
executed vouchers, out of the contingent fund
ci" said bureau."
MANNERS OF GEN. LEE'S HEADQUAR
TERS. A recent article touching ' Muuo-r.:i?
White House,'" recalls, says thr Phi '. ,
Jlejmblic, a war incident. A th- . r
civilian, Mr. B., was visiting a r- .r.
confederate army under U-n L-.
invited by that officer to take ct.uil-
headquarters.
"Please post me," lie said t ; .t.i
friend.' "How are things conduced, .-m-as
in a private mansion ?"
" Oh, no," said his waggish friend. " Every
thing must he strictly m accordance with
military etiquette."
""Well, what is that?"
"Why, Gen. Lee takes the foot of the table
and you will be seated at hi3 right. Colonel
Chilton will take the head of the table, and,
as soon as all are seated, Gen. Lee will. ask a
blessing."
'.'Well, what then?"
"We will then ask yon what you will
take, and. as there will he nothing hut heef
and bread on the table, politeness will re
quire that you answer ' beef.' Then General
Lee will turn to Colonel Chilton and say
' beef for Mr. B. ;' Colonel Chilton will seize
the carver, and, disengaging a slice, and plac
ing it on a plate, will say :
" ' Beef for Mr. B.,
By order of Gen. Lee.
K. II. Chilton, A. A. G.' '
A SELECT GOAT STORY.
Select snake stories are abundant enough,
but it is rarely the case that really choice goat
stories can be obtained. A comrade at
Buckhorn, Iowa, sends us the following, and j
moreover, vouches for its accuracy : One day
last week while Daniel Six aud Gates Davis
were at work in the formers stable lot they
noticed Mr. Six's goat acting in a strange
manner. Davis thought there was some
thing wrong, and suggested that they follow
the goat. They started, and after following
it a short distance Mr. Six became disgusted
and they turned back. The goat then start
ed hack after them, bleating all the time
Davis said he was going to follow the goat,
and see where it would take him. He did
so, aud it guided him to a ravine near tho
bridge on Mr. Six's place, where he found
that a fine calf had fallen in the ravine and
was surrounded by the hogs, which had al
ready eaten off the tail of the animal. Gates
jumped into the ravine- to help the calf
therefrom, when the goat followed him and
began butting the hogs, knocking them right
and left. They now think considerable of
that goat, and to it must they accord tlie
credit of saving the calf.
VANDERBILT'S ALLEGORIGAL CEIL
INGS. ,
The ceilings for the parlors to Mr. Yander
bilt's new house in New York, recently
painted by Baudry, of Paris, anil now on
exhibition at one of the Paris galleries, are
sharply 'criticised by a correspondent of tho
New York Telegram. He says Mr. Yauder
bilt cannot be altogether congratulated on
his acquisition. The color, both in the
smaller work entitled "Phcebe," and in the
large round ceiling described as "The Wed
ding of Psyche." is disairreeablr cold and
crude. The dominant tone is stony and the
blue composition is clever, though not very
intelligible. A score of mythological figures
form a ring around the blue centre, simulat
ing the firmament. Among them stands
fair Psyche, and Cupid woeiug her. Further
on Mars toys amorously with charming
Venus, and. Proserpine fans her sleeping
spouse. Juno, doubtless resenting some in
justice to her slighted beauty, indignantly
turns her back on Jupiter, who consoles
himself with a cup of nectar handed him by
Ganymede.
