auxiliary is witnessed by the following, which he officially promulgated in a general order dated February 16, 1883:—
"The commander-in-chief is delighted to learn that the loyal women of the land are forming auxiliary societies everywhere. The grand work done by these organizations is worthy of the highest praise.
"The Woman's Relief Corps of Massachusetts is hereby particularly mentioned on account of its perfect organization and the work it has accomplished. The President of the same, Mrs. E. Florence Barker, of Maiden, Mass., will be happy to furnish information.
"By command of
"Paul Van Der Voort,
In general orders issued May 1, 1883, announcing the arrangements for the Seventeenth National Encampment, to be held in Denver, Col., July 24-28, Commander-in-chief Van Der Voort cordially invited representatives of the Woman's Relief Corps and other societies working for the Grand Army of the Republic to meet at Denver and perfect a national organization, adding: "They should bring their rituals, rules, by-laws, and plans of organization, and if possible agree on a uniform mode or system of procedure throughout the country. I pledge the noble women who compose these societies that they will be warmly greeted and given all the encouragement possible. Miss Clara Barton has promised to be present."
At a meeting of the board of directors of the Department of Massachusetts, W. R. C, held in Boston, June 27, 1883, Mrs. E. Florence Barker, Mrs. Sarah E. Fuller, and Mrs. Lizabeth A. Turner were chosen delegates to represent this department at the convention in Denver. It was voted that the Department of New Hampshire be invited to unite with Massachusetts in sending delegates.
Mrs. Barker presided with grace and tact over the deliberations of the women's convention at Denver, which was attended by delegates from several States. At the second day's session it was voted to form a National Woman's Relief Corps on the same basis as that of the Department of Massachusetts, provided the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic should decide to recognize this action. Several of the delegates present refused to endorse the clause in the rules and regulations admitting to membership other women than relations of soldiers.
This clause also caused a lengthy discussion in the National Encampment when the resolution of endorsement was debated, for several conmrades who believed in a woman's national organization opposed any movement in its behalf that would not restrict the membership to relations of soldiers.
Past Commander-in-chief George S. Merrill, of Massachusetts, said: "We certainly, comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic, cannot afford to do anything that can by any possible means be construed as discourteous or hostile to any of the loyal women of America." Comrade William Warner, of Missouri (since Commander-in-chief), participated in the debate, saying in part: "I come from a State that has no organization, and that has no interest in any differences between the various organizations. I come from a State in which there does not breathe a loyal man who does not extend the right hand of welcome to every sister, mother, or sweetheart within her borders, whose heart beats in sympathy with us."
The resolution which was offered by Chaplain-in-chief Foster was adopted, namely: "That we cordially hail the organization of a National Woman's Relief Corps, and extend our greeting to them. We return our warmest thanks to the loyal women of the land for their earnest support and encouragement, and bid them God-speed in their patriotic work."
A messenger was sent to the W. R. C. Convention with an invitation for its members to attend the installation of officers of the G. A. R., and the meeting was adjourned at noon until three o'clock p.m. Proceeding to the Tabor Opera House, the delegates were officially notified of the vote of endorsement. Robert B. Beath, of Philadelphia, the historian of the G. A. R., was installed as Commander-in-chief, and, upon assuming the office and addressing
