Rules and Regulations as to the exact "status" of the position or action under the unprecedented circumstances to be taken by the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, no precedent having been established bearing directly upon the existing conditions as presented, and finding a diversity of opinion upon the question among many of the prominent and leading members of the Order as to the proper action that should be taken in the premises, a statement of facts was submitted to the Judge Advocate General, Hon. Ell Torrance, with request for an opinion, which was promptly rendered, and was to the effect that there was a "vacancy" caused by the death of Col. Jas. A. Sexton in the office of Commander-in-Chief, that the sole power to fill such vacancy rested in the National Council of Administration-that the Executive Committee of the National Council of Administration, by virtue of the authority conferred upon it by the action taken at the Eleventh National Encampment, held at Providence, R. I., had the power delegated to it, to act in the matter for the whale Council of Administration.

After giving the question much consideration, and consulting with high authorities upon Grand Army law, I did not fully coincide with the opinion of the Judge Advocate General. The position occupied by your Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief was one of a most delicate nature. The great expense involved in calling together the entire National Council of Administration, in whom I believed the sole power was invested (if there was in fact a vacancy), was somewhat appalling, and caused serious doubts as to whether such action would meet with the approval of the National Encampment, unless it could be clearly shown that it was absolutely necessary for the preservation of the life and continued prosperous and healthy existence of the organization. Such a condition I did not believe existed. Therefore, in view of lack of harmony of opinions upon the question, and with an earnest desire that no action should be taken that would cause serious disturbance or discord within our ranks, with the best interests of our Organization in view, and at the same time desiring that only

such action might be taken as would be in strict conformity to the Rules and Regulations, with a feeling that there was no emergency requiring hasty action, there being no limit fixed as to time such action must be taken-with an honest belief that, as a mark of respect to the memory of our late Commanderin-Chief, no action whatever should be taken before the expiration of the time fixed for "Official Mourning" in General Order, No. 5-I deemed it proper and advisable to allow the matter to rest for a time. However, at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Council of Administration, held in Philadelphia on April 12th, the question was brought up and discussed, and as a result the following resolution was passed:

"WHEREAS, For the first time in the history of the Grand Army of the Republic the Commander-in-Chief has died while in office, therefore be it :

Resolved, That as a mark of respect to the memory of James A. Sexton, late Commander-in-Chief, the Senior Vice-Commander-in-Chief shall continue to perform the duties of Commander-in-Chief, and the office of Commander-in-Chief shall remain without an incumbent until the meeting of the Thirty-third National Encampment.”

Believing, under the peculiar conditions existing, this to be a wise and judicious solution of the question, I fully and cheerfully concurred, and at once took up the work with renewed vigor, realizing fully the responsibility thus imposed, with a determination to bring my best efforts and abilities, together with deepest devotion to the performance of the sacred duties thus devolving upon me. I have tried honestly, faithfully and conscientiously to administer its affairs, and perform all the duties incumbent upon the office as they presented themselves to me.

I have devoted much time to the work, have visited many Posts and Reunions. During the month of May, officially visited the Department Encampments of Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana; during the month of June, the En-campment of Ohio. Everywhere I have found the membership active, enthusiastic and in a healthy condition, and have

been received most cordially, and been given a comrade's hearty greeting and welcome. In this work I have been most efficiently assisted by Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief Ross, who has cheerfully responded to every call and officially visited many of the Eastern Departments it was not possible for me to reach. Comrade Ross has ably assisted and sustained me in all matters pertaining to the work.

287,981

Members remaining in good standing June 30, 1899. .

FINANCES.

I herewith submit a general statement of the finances with all bills paid up to date. For itemized statement see Quartermaster General's Report.

Received from Charles Burrows, Q. M. G. Oct. 7, 1898.

General Fund.

Southern Memorial Fund

Grant Monument Fund

Sherman Memorial Fund

Received from James A. Sexton, Com-in-Chief,

contribution from W. R. C.

Int. on S. Mem. Fund to Apl. 11, 1899

$1,790 29

1,465 85

5,777 69

226 65

$9,260 48

$2,000 00

21 99
86 67

3.40

30 00

640 00 5,149 93

The interest on the different funds have been credited to their respec

United States Bonds, 4 per cent. due 1907, par value

IN MEMORIAM.

$16,000 00

Another year in the life of the Grand Army of the Republic has been registered, and with its close there comes to us, as we pause to take a retrospective view of the past before entering upon the threshold of the new year, the sad realization that our ranks are being rapidly diminished by death. Many who answered the roll-call one year ago have received their final discharge and passed over to join the "silent majority." A large proportion of our membership is rapidly entering the shadows of the evening of life, and each recurring year will witness a more rapid decrease in our numbers. During the past year we have lost by death 7994 comrades, three of whom were present or Past National officers.

Comrade James A. Sexton, elected one year ago to the Commander-in-Chiefship, died February 5th, 1899. In his death the Grand Army loses one of its most honored, loyal, active members. He was born January 5th, 1844, entered the service of his country April 19th, 1861, and served continuously until the close of the war. His record as a soldier was a proud and brilliant one, as was also his record as a citizen, having filled many positions of public trust and responsibility with fidelity and honor. As a member of the Grand Army of the Republic he was ever faithful in the performance of all duties incumbent upon him. He loved the Grand Army of the Republic, and by his warm-hearted genial comradeship endeared himself to all.

Comrade Rev. Thomas C. Warner, Past Chaplain-in-Chief G. A. R., died at his home in Knoxville, Tenn., July 19th, 1899. Comrade Warner enlisted in the service June 28th, 1861, at the age of eighteen, serving with his command until March 25th, 1863, when he was discharged on account of a severe wound received at the battle of Fredericksburg. He was a brave soldier and excellent citizen, an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was elected to the position of Chaplain-in-Chief at the Twentieth National Encampment, which position he filled with much honor. In his chosen profession he was a minister of recognized ability and power. As a citizen, he was intensely loyal in defense of those principles for which he had fought; as a comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic, he was active and devoted, an eloquent speaker, was always in demand at the camp-fire, never failing to delight the old veterans and leave lasting impressions of true patriotism in the minds of his audience. He was a generous, noble-hearted comrade, a true friend, and fearless in his defense of the right under all circumstances.

Comrade George K. Mallory died at Parkersburg, W. Va., July 14th, 1899. He was a member of the National Council of Administration, serving the present year. He was a good