rial benefits that have resulted. The systematic care of the property under Comrade J. H. Holcomb, the Custodian, by which the valuable books, documents, correspondence, etc., are carefully preserved and filed away for future ready reference in a place of security, easily accessible, is a matter of much satisfaction, and I am convinced should be continued. from year to year.

In conclusion, permit me to express my profound gratitude for the high honor conferred upon me, one year ago, when, by your unanimous vote I was elevated to the exalted position of Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief, and with strongest emphasis to convey to each and every member of this matchless organization my highest appreciation of the uniform kindness and courteous manner in which I have been sustained during my brief administration as Acting Commander-in-Chief.

The hearty, splendid co-operation and warm-hearted comradeship so generously tendered and contributed has ever been an encouragement and an inspiration. The requirements to perform the high and responsible duties which came unexpectedly, I fully recognized demanded the best abilities and all the latent forces of which I was possessed. Such, comrades, I have most earnest y, faithfully and cheerfully endeavored to exert for what I believed to be the best interests of our Organization, the results I will leave with you. Occupying, as I have a subordinate office, I believed it incumbent upon me and my plain duty to continue and carry out in so far as I was informed and was able, the policies and wishes of my superior officer, whose administration was so auspiciously begun, and maintained to his death, to as nearly a successful termination as it was possible for me to reach.

It has been my fervent hope and carefully guarded efforts that no act of mine should bring discredit upon the administration of the affairs of our Order during the year for which he was elected as your Commander-in-Chief-the unexpired term of which, by reason of his death, I was charged with the grave and responsible duty of completing.

To the National Officers and Staff I extend my warmest thanks for their faithful and efficient services in the various offices, the duties of which they have so honorably and creditably performed, and for the loyalty, aid, and support so courteously and cheerfully extended to me..

While fully recognizing the splendid services of all, I cannot refrain in justice to a most faithful officer to emphasize the splendid, efficient services of Adjutant General, Thomas J. Stewart. His wise counsel and exercise of these excellent qualifications that render him so well fitted to perform the duties of this most important office, and which he has executed to such a marked degree of excellence, have proven invaluable to me. His patriotic devotion to our Order induced him to contribute his services for the past year without compensation. As a recognition of his generousaction, I recommend that action be taken by this Encampment to procure and present to Comrade Stewart a fitting testimonial.

Comrades, as the shadows thicken and the eyes grow dim and our numbers decrease, let us strengthen those inexpressible ties of fraternal love and affection. Let us more firmly unite and cement the bonds of fellowship and comradeship, and as we approach the Eternal Camping Ground, let us march in closed ranks, touching elbows, in solid column. When the Grand Army of the Republic passes out of existence, let it leave behind such a record of splendid deeds and patriotic influences and sentiments, so indelibly stamped upon the hearts of the coming generations of our country, that it will ever be an inspiration to guide our honored Nation into the realms of a higher and grander civilization, a loftier citizenship -the crowning glory of our free American institutions.

COMRADE DRUCKEMILLER, of Pennsylvania: I move that the reports of the officers other than the Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief be referred to the proper committees without being read to the Encampment.

The motion prevailed.

The reports referred are as follows:

Report of the Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief.

OFFICE OF THE JUNIOR VICE-COMMANDER-In-Chief,

GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC,

THOMAS J. STEWART,

WILMINGTON, DEL., August 7, 1899.

Adjutant-General G. A. R.

Comrade:

I have the honor to submit my report of the work performed officially as Junior Vice-Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic during my term of office.

Soon after the death of our beloved Corimander-in-Chief James A. Sexton, and after corresponding with Acting Commanderin-Chief William C. Johnson, I decided that it was my duty to comply with his request and visit various Department Encampments at their yearly conventions.

My first official visit was to Delaware Encampment, on February 9th. Their business was transacted promptly and judiciously. Their Department Commander, William U. Moystin, there elected has given much time in visiting throughout the Department and preparing for the coming National Encampment.

Visited Maryland Encampment February 22 and found them. active and harmonious. Their candidate for Department Commander, Lewis M. Zimmerman, was elected on the first ballot, and at the banquet in the evening was cordially greeted and congratulated by his competitor.

On May 17 and 18 attended the New York Encampment at Syracuse. After the Department parade they were given a public reception by the Mayor and delegations from the public schools. of the city.

Their business session commenced Wednesday afternoon and continued with recesses during the evening and next day, their officers being installed in the presence of nearly all the delegates before 3 P. M., at which time, after a few remarks by Department Commander Kay, the Encampment adjourned.

This was one of the shortest and most harmonious Encampments ever held in the State. Joseph W. Kay was elected Department Commander by acclamation, and Past Department Commander Albert D. Shaw was unanimously endorsed for the office of next Commander-in-Chief.

Attended the Pennsylvania Encampment at Wilkesbarre on Wednesday and Thursday, June 7 and 8. They had their parade on the 7th to the hall, were received and welcomed by the Mayor of the city, held their business session in the afternoon of the 7th, also forenoon and afternoon of the 8th. James F. Morrison was elected Department Commander by acclamation. A Camp Fire by the G. A. R. and reception by the Women's Relief Corps were held in the evening.

The sessions of the New Jersey Encampment being held on same dates as Pennsylvania prevented my attendance.

Visited the Vermont Encampment at Montreal, Canada, June 21 and 22, being the first Department Encampment to hold their annual session outside of the United States.

They were heartily welcomed by the leading officials of the city and Province of Canada. Their business session commenced at 10 A. M., June 21, and was concluded by 3 P. M. same day. Franklin G. Butterfield was elected Department Commander by acclamation, and the best of harmony among comrades prevailed.

The Women's Relief Corps gave a reception Tuesday evening. A Camp Fire was held Wednesday evening, addressed by Gov. Smith and Senator Proctor, of Vermont, and leading officials of Canada.

On the 22d the Grand Army paraded in the streets of Montreal, receiving a royal welcome by the people. They marched past the monument and statue of Queen Victoria with uncovered heads.

In addition to above-described visits to Department Encampments, also attended the Memorial Day parades of New York and Brooklyn, accompanied by Department Commander Joseph W. Kay.

Was with Commander-in-Chief Sexton at his reception and banquet by the Philadelphia Posts, also the next evening in New York at his reception and banquet by Lafayette Post, No. 140.

Also took part in the Peace Jubilee parades in Philadelphia and Washington, the dedication of Grant's Monument in Philadelphia, and visited at various times, in the interest of the Grand Army, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, Va., and elsewhere, being everywhere received with a hearty Grand Army welcome.

In conclusion, permit me to thank the comrades of the National Encampment and the Grand Army of the Republic for the honors they have bestowed upon me during the past year. I am yours in F. C. & L.,

DANIEL ROSS,

Junior Vise Commander-in-Chief, G. A. R.