Excerpt from Colonel Henry C. Loomis

Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, since its organization has had its years ofi pros perity and of adversity. Its successes, like that of all other departments, has depend ed largely, and we might say wholly, upon those at its head as Commanders. Kansas has had a number of commanders who have been and are an honor to the organ ization. They did well their part; built up the organization in membership, in enthu siasm and cemented more closely the bonds of Fraternity, Charity and Loyalty. Without disparagement to any of these comrades, we are prompted by the record left by Past Department Commander, H. C. Loomis, to say that his year's ser vices to the Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic, for the good of the Orderand the state as well, has not been excelled by any of his predecessors. Taking command at a time when the membership was falling off and the organi zation in a greatly disrupted condition, he restored harmony and renewed activity in the various Posts to that extent that When his year's labors were ended, the records showed not a delinquent Post, and an increase in membership, with the best of feel ing prevailing throughout the entire de partment. To accomplish this, Colonel Loomis not only devoted 'his entire time but spent liberally of his means. Hundreds of personal letters and thousands of eir culars and printed documents were sent to Posts and to individuals to encourage and stimulate Post work and bring dropped and suspended members back into theorder. The movement to bring about the great semi-centennial celebration which is to be held here at the State Capital the last of May this year, was started by Col. Loomis.

The greatest display ever made at any National Encamprnent by any department was that at Washington made by Kansas under Col. Loomis. Kansas was the fea ture of the great parade, led by Colonel Loomis accompanied by twenty-eight stafl officers superbly mounted, three Kan sas bands and the celebrated Modoc Club and eight hundred men in line each carry ing a sunflower umbrella; a sight that was never equalled and will never be seen again. This all took money and lots of it, and Loomis footed the big end of the bill. These results were obtained because the comrade's heart was in the work; because he loved the organization and the men that composed it. His ambition was to further its interests and build it up not only in membership batin the esteem and affection of the people of the commonwealth. His effort was not a selfish one; he seeks no political preferment. What he has done has been for the good of his comrades.

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