REPORT OF CHAPLAIN IN CHIEF. LOS ANGELES, CAL. To the ADJUTANT GENERAL, GRAND ARMY OF THE Republic. I had the distinguished honor of representing the commander in chief at the encampment of the Department of California and Neyada at San Jose. In discharging that duty, in addition to conveying the salutations of the commander to the encampment, I had the privilege of conveying his salutations to the conventions of the W. R. C., the Ladies of the G. A. R., Sons of Veterans, Daughters of Veterans, and to the U. S. W. V's. and its auxiliary, a noble lot of Young men and women, full of patriotic enthusiasm. By all these assemblies I was most cordially received. I found them splendidly organized and methodically transacting business as mighty auxiliaries of this great Government, for patriotism was the one dominant note. The flag and what it stands for was the inspiring spirit that animated them all. I have visited as many posts and auxiliary organizations as my limited means would permit, including the camps of the Spanish War veterans, of which I am a member, and I desire to mention, for the information of the public, as well as this encampment, that these organizations are absolutely up to date; that they are imbued with the highest ideals of devotion to the flag; that they are under extraordinary discipline; that they are an asset to the Government; that in the event of war they are an invaluable resource of instant availability; that they are great training camps, disciplining the minds and hearts on patriotic lines; that the very atmosphere is military and charged with electrical, patriotic energy and noble philanthropy. The churches of the country have their value to the State, as have also the schools; but these patriotic organizations are quietly and methodically doing a work that is vital to the Republic along lines distinctly their own. It is impossible to rate the value of the work they are doing. It is true that the Government pays liberal pensions, but the veterans of the country have carried on a system of patriotic organization from ocean to ocean that is a mighty return to the people, and it is unique. These organizations are taxing themselves hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in caring for needy and afflicted veterans and their families who otherwise would be a care to the counties, and they are at the same time training their membership as efficient auxiliaries in case of war to mitigate the distresses of conflict. As I have circulated among these splendid people not only as chaplain in chief but as an Army officer, accustomed to observing from the soldier's point of view, I have felt myself among a people akin to myself and to see the value to the Nation of these loyal, patriotic forces among the people. Their value can not be computed. I visited the W. R. C. Home for Women of the G. A. R. at Sar Jose in May. It is ideal. I carefully inspected it from boiler room in the cellar to the attic. It is masterfully managed, and every room for the afflicted is occupied; some aged, others daughters of veteran who are crippled. It is a model for other departments. Only 27 department chaplains reported. I account for so few, ir part, by the fact, (1) that many department annual encampment: met after blanks were distributed, and that past chaplains neglected to turn over the blanks to their successors; as I could have no in formation as to the actions of the departments, nor as to the date of their encampments, I could not follow the matter up, not discov ering the delinquencies until it was too late to do so; (2) that many encampments were held after Memorial Day, and data were not fur nished to new.chaplains by their predecessors for their reports; (3) judging from some reports sent me, the infirmities of age figure in the failure to make reports. It is gratifying to see the increased interest in Memorial Day by the schools of the country, and the increasing number of the youth who are being interested in this anniversary. RECOMMENDATIONS. 1. That chaplains report the number of infirm and indigent comrades to whom aid has been furnished, both by the posts and by relief corps, the Ladies of the G. A. R., Sons of Veterans, and Daughters of Veterans, and the amounts so expended. This information should be available to our friends who may need the facts. The relief that is carried on is stupendous, but it is done quietly. 2. That every encouragement possible be accorded to the organization of the various auxiliaries in order to maintain and perpetuate Memorial Day as a national institution after the passing of the veterans. 3. That patriotic instructors should be carefully selected and afforded all possible help in cultivating in the youth, and especially in the foreign population, the spirit of patriotism. 4. That the founding of homes for infirm widows and other helpless female members of veterans' families be encouraged. 5. That the Grand Army cultivate cordial relations with the men now under the colors, who are too much neglected by the public; that all posts in the vicinities of Army posts and naval stations make special efforts to establish and maintain cordial and friendly relations with soldiers and sailors and with their families and with the officers and families. 6. Chaplain Bostick, of the Department of Alabama, recommends encouraging the organization of Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans. Chaplain McDole, of Arizona, recommends emphasis of the object of Memorial Day, and urges that everything else that dissipates the day be eliminated. Chaplain Henderson, of Arkansas, says Memorial Day should be made a holiday in his State, and observed in a solemn and religious manner, deprecating all kinds of amusements as unfit for the day. Chaplain Palmer, of Maine, says: "Encourage the leaders in communities to assist in preparing a program when no speaker is en Chaplain Dungun, of Nebraska, says veterans should visit schools previous to Memorial Day with suitable talks, and give invitations to join in memorial exercises. Chaplain Abbott, of New Jersey, says: "Make Memorial Day a memorial indeed, and not a day for games, races, and sports in general." Chaplain Harwood, of New Mexico, advises that more attention be given to Memorial Day by city papers and by post and department commanders, urging city officials to use their influence in its favor. Chaplain Wescott, of Florida, advises that all amusements and games be discouraged on Memorial Day; that all newspapers be urged to give publicity to Memorial Day; that pastors be urged to preach memorial sermons, not only remembering veterans but all the dead of their churches; that all graves be decorated with flowers; that families and orders all unite in making it a flower day, and that all graves of soldiers, sailors, and marines be decorated with flags; that children should be early impressed with the sacredness of the day; that every bell should be tolled at 12 o'clock noon, and everybody, as far as possible, stop five minutes and, in silence, commune with the departed. Women's Relief Corps participating with posts at such services_ Camps of Sons of Veterans attending such services_ Sermons preached to posts-. Sermons preached by veterans.. Sermons preached by Sons of Veterans.. Comrades present at such services_-_ Members of Women's Relief Corps attending such services__ Sons of Veterans attending such services___. Tents of Daughters of Veterans attending such services_ Posts observing Memorial Day services.. 2, 911 1, 883 1,474 1,779 137 281 38, 613 589 17, 214 75 1, 658 Memorial Day services: Comrades participating in Memorial Day services__. Women's Relief Corps participating in Memorial Day services__. Camps of Sons of Veterans participating in Memorial Day services_ Daughters of Veterans participating 57 1, 018 1,740 49, 885 560 16, 531 204 9, 361 57 987 8,450 Graves unmarked by headstones Public schools engaging in Memorial Day services_ 313, 771 6, 200 4,391 317, 720 Pupils participating. Other organizations participating. Addresses delivered to posts on Memorial Day. Addresses delivered by veterans___. Addresses delivered by Sons of Veterans.. Posts having burial plots---. Respectfully submitted in F., C. and L., 3, 252 1, 546 265 329 856 ORVILLE J. 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