Wichita Eagle

ENCAMPMENT NOTES.

To the Editor of the Eagle.

The boys of the Grand Army and the girls of the Relief Corps ought to be told that the last meeting of these two organizations was the most pleasant in some respects of any they have held. The encampment was not largely attended, but the social features were very pleasant. "Sergeant" Booth was elected commander for the ensuing year, and the organization thereby gains one of the finest presiding officers in the state. His principal characteristic is that of a "rustler" and the boys look forward to great activity "all along the line." Comrade Ira Collins, Sabetha, is also an active man and will prove a valuable lieutenant to Comrade Booth. And the truth is the encampment was well satisfied with its work in this regard.

The Relief Corps, like the Grand Army, was not as largely represented as usual, but what it lacked in numbers was made up in earnestness. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year, Wichita capturing the second place: Mrs. Belle C. Harris, of Emporia, president; Mrs. Mary W. Buckner, of Wichita, S. V. P.; Mrs. Iola Moore, of Abilene, J. V. P.; Mrs. Eliza Brown, of Olathe, treasurer; Mrs. Helen Scofield, of Washington, chaplain; Mrs. Ella Powell, chairman of the executive board.

The following officers were appointed: Mrs. May Gibson, of Emporia, secretary; Mrs. Bedelle, of Larned, counsellor; Mrs. Willard, inspector; Mrs. T. B. Gerow, of Atchison, installing officer.

Mrs. John Martin, of this city, nominated Mrs. Buckner, and was heartily congratulated upon the excellence of her speech, and being asked by the department officers what office she held in her own corps, she drew herself to her full stature and replied: "None: I am not even doorkeeper. I only came along to hold Mrs. Buckner's hat while she ran for office."

Of course this remark brought down the house.

The installation services were conducted unusually well by Comrade Past Department Commander Soward. The recitations by the baby of the relief corps, as she called herself, Mrs. Gerow, were more than ordinarily well rendered. Brother Kelly, Wichita's old friend, contributed no little to the success of the whole ceremony. And Noble Prentis, that most deserving and least rewarded of all all-round good men, was called upon of course, and did not disappoint anybody.

The reception at the normal on Wednesday evening was exceedingly pleasant. In addition to numerous good looking ladies, with and without star spangled batons, with which to admonish motionless Gallaghers to "let her go," there were addresses by Governor Anthony, Noble Prentis and Senator Carroll, all of them excellent, but Prentis' most excellent. He kept the audience in a most delightful uproar for ten minutes. Taken all in all the writer enjoyed this encampment of the Grand Army and the convention of the Relief Corps more than any of the half dozen he had attended.

In connection with this subject the writer desires to ask Colonel Murdock to make application to join Garfield post. A few weeks ago Hon. Samuel J. Randall was mustered in by organizing an improvised post out of another for which commander-in-chief Warner was made commander. Now, Marsh Murdock is just as big a man in Kansas as Sam Randall is in Pennsylvania, and he is eligible to membership in the same way, serving with state troops under general officers, Colonel Murdock having commanded a battalion of 400 men in the Price raid. Now we propose to have a special meeting, over which we will ask the department commander to preside, and to which we will invite Governor Humphrey, ex-Governor Martin, Geo. R. Peck, Hon. H. C. Sluss and a few other "eminences," and muster in the candidate in good shape. Will you make the application?

-E. P. FORD.

Wichita, February 28, 1889.