The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-02-17
Dedication of the .slue.,, Armory.

Yesterday afternoon, at quarter past 4, the
Mechanic Blues, accompanied by the Forest
| City Band, proceeded to the City Hall where
| they opened ranks and received the Mayor and
City Government with the customary salute,
and from thence escorted them to their new
armory in the old City Hall. After music by
the Band and a short time spent by the ofic-
| ials in examining the elegant rooms thrown
| open to their inspection, the Mayor was called
upon to address the company. His Honor,
however, said that there were many others who
| could master the situation in more felicitous
manner than himself, and accordingly Mr. f.
| N. Dow OF the Common Council took the floor
Mr.. Dow congratulated Capt. Parker and his
command upon the magnificent apartments
! displayed, and upon the very kind and hospit-
able reception the City Government had met
| with at their hands. He was followed by
President Wright in a few happy remarks of
| the same tenor. Mr.. Jose was called out to
return thanks on behalf the "City Fathers"
which compliment was responded to by him in
a humorous strain. He gave laughable ac-
count of his own early militia experience. and
caused broad smiles to spread over the faces of
his listeners as he described his only command
on the road to Gorham. He stated that he was
at first opposed to the city's granting $500 to
the Blues, for he thought it waste OF money,
but he had afterwards become convinced that
it would be money well invested-that it was
preparing in peace for time of war, and it
was also providing protection to the city as
support to law. Capt. Parker returned thanks
on behalf of the company to the City Govern
ment for all they had done for them and trust
ed that the Blues would always be found ready
at the call of duty. The occasion was an ex-
tremely pleasant one alike to hosts and guests
The new armory is a particularly elegant
one, the ceiling frescoed in a most elaborate
manner, and the walls painted neutral tint
Costly engravings adorn the walls, and very
handsome carpet, with a green ground and
white flowers, covers the floor. Rich damask
curtains decorate the windows, and wide
seat runs around the sides of the room, covered
with green rep. There are shade curtains also,
embellished with military emblems and the
room is lighted by large, six light, dark bronze
chandelier, together with six brackets The
woodwork of the apartment is grained black
walnut. There is a small room off the armory
and connected with it by folding doors, which
is usid for smoking room.
In the evening very large company, COM
posed of the members of the City Government
the officers of the Portland Light Infantry, and
the honorary, past and present members of the
corps, with their lady friends, filled the spa
cious and beautiful apartments The order of
exercises consisted OF
1. Music by the Forest City Band
2. Prayer by Rev. Mr.. Buck.
8. Singing by Shaw's Quartette Club.
d naura afinna nv Raw Me- DoIlo
5. Song-The Musketeer-Mr. Shaw
6. Remarks by Judge Goddard.
T. Music by the Band.
The prayer was a particularly appropriate
one, and was listened to with devout attention
by the large audience. We do not know when
we have heard Mr. Boles more singularly fe-
licitous than he was in his address, although
he is always equal to the occasion. His refer
ences to patriotism, to the Christian soldier
and to the military power were particularly
fine. His "reminiscences of the old Relief
Committee in the same rooms now occupied
by the Blues were among the most apropos we
ever listened to. He said that although he
had never been a soldier, yet during the
months after the terrible fire his seat had been
just under the picture of the battle of Gettys-
burg, and that seat had been his Gettysburg
AIOm WucuCc ne uIONC UdCk tu6 ClamOfOuS
hosts of imposters who sought to overwhelm
him. Under the picture of Gen. Grant sat
their President, like that great hero, calm
self-possessed, equal to any emergency; and
under the picture of the farmers boy protect
ing his family from the Indians stood the Ser
geant, who kept back the still greater wave of
furious Frank and fiery Hun which surped
up the great staircase to the very door of the
room"
Judge Goddard made a few pertinent re-
marks, commencing with the quotation from
Scripture, "Who shall come after the great
King" very graceful tribute to the orator Of
the evening. His remarks referred to the mn.
tual connection of the legal power with the
military power, and were worthy of the speak
ers known ability.
The music, both woodland instrumental. was
very fine and gave particular satisfaction to
the audience. After Judge Goddard's remarks
an elegant supper was partaken Of when dane.
ing held its sway till late hour. 1t was de.
lightful affair, and every body was highly an.
thusiastic over their evenings entertainment.