The Portland daily press., 1871-05-11

great principles OF universal freedom and be-
nevo!ence make US political thus far We are
political and no further.
We have but three objects which are obligat.
ing upon us as members of this ORDER and
those are expressed openly and avowedly in
the motto of our creed; fraternity among its
members, which shall bud them together in
one great brotherhood. The exercise of chari-
ty in its broadcast sense OF liberal distributions
to and sympathy for those in want or distress,
and unwavering loyalty to our government nd
in its great principles, coupled with deter
mnation to maintain its integrity unimpared,
these and these only are objects to which those
uniting with us pledge fidelity.
There IS nothing in these snbversive of good
order, promOtive of faction or injurious to pub
lie veal or national prosperity, nor auy thing in
these incompatible with tbe duties of good
citizen the purest morals or stricGest religion.
The General recommended the total abol-
ton of the third grade system as leaning hard
upon the veterans who had served throgh the
war; also of secret sessions, which had given
the dlsterial press opportunities for denounc-
ing the order as as political, aud he advised a
simplification of the form of reports to save
unnecessary work for the encampment of off.
GERS
He stated that justice had not been done the
soldiers by the national Senate, though the
House of Representatives had three mes
passed laws eqnalizng bountes The home
stead law had also failed in the Senate, and he
hoped the influence of the order would be felt
at the next session to secure homes for numer-
Gus soldiers in the Middle and Eastern States
ileges which was their due. Gen. Logan clos
ed by positively declining reelection. az
At the afternoon session it was decided to
postpone the annual election till Thursday
Committees were appointed to consider the
recommendations in the addresses of the Com.
mander-in Chief
A Geographic despatch was received from
the National Peace League, in session in New
York. concentrating the peace encampment of
the GRAND Army OF Veterans on an era Of relief
from strife, and asking them to use their influ-
ence to prevent this occasion for any future war
encampments. The following was voted in re.
ply-"Your congratulations are recprocated.
The Grand army OF the Republic are determine
ep to have peace even il they must fight Tor it I"
The reception and banquet in Faneuil: Hall
was attended by the delegation and many dis
tInguished citizens were present as guests
Three hundred and sixty-five plates were laid
and ladies filed the galleries. . The hall was
profusely decorated. The names of Washiag-
ton and Grant were displayed prominently on
the gallery fronts, together with those OF the
thirteen States over their respective seals and
patriotic notices graced the walls. The music
was furnished by Gilmore's band. Chaplain
Alonao H. Quint offered prayer. Gen. Burn
side and Hooker were greeted with vociferous
applause as they each entered the hall after
the company fell to.
Gen. VIM. Coggswell presided over the exer-
cises that followed the repast. He welcomed
the guests Of the evening to Massachusetts and
Faneul Hall in a graceful speech, exhorting
them to renewed energy in the charitable
work OF the order and reminding them of the
patriotic associations of the place of meeting
He closed by introducing Gen. Logan, the
commander in-chef, who returned thanks on
behalf OF his command for til cir kindly recen.
tion. After eulogizing Massachusetts as the
leading State in the revolution and as among
the most energetic in the late war be reiterated
the leading points of his address to the order
10 the business session, laying particular stress
upon its charitable features.
Capt. w. w. Blackmar was introduced as
toast master and announced:
"Oar country. which the band responded to
with "America'
Our President; he who saved the ship can
sail her, was responded to by Gen. Burnside,
was filled by comr2de. He endorsed the sem
tIments of Gen. Logan eschewing political OBJ
jects in the association.
Massachusetts, proud of her soldiers che
welcomes their comrades in arms was the
next toast, and Lieut.. Gov. Tucker, me Der
humorous and patriotic vein, and he ended
with the hope that the organization would
never be contaminated with the dirt and dust
Of politics ~
The next toast was "Boston, who rocks us in
the old cradle of liberty" Mayor CASTOR re-
sponded in welcoming speech, compliment
Ing the heroes on the splendor Of their achieve
ments as defeoders of the flag aud was glad Of
the opportunity of giving expression to the SEN
timents of bis constituents.
Our cit Zen friends who cared for us and
ours while we fought the battles of the repub-
lie" was answered by Mr.. E. w. Kinsley of
Boston, who eulOeized the home guard as pro-
tectors of those who were left behind, aud com.
plimented the citizens of Philadelphia for their
Inequalities to soldiers enroute to and from
the field. r--..-..[
"The battle above the Clouds" called up
Gen. Hooker, who was received with fifteen
cheers and tiger. He had no words to re-
spond to the enthusiastic welcome, but he
knew it came from soldiers by the manner in
which it was given. He thanked them for it.
10 regard to the battle OF Lookout Mountain
he said it had never been fully understood but
he had submitted its leading features to an art
list who would present it to the public in its
true light in about year.
"The Army of the Potomac" was Represent
ed by Gov. Fairchild of Wisconsin, who de-
clined to recount its history, owing to an exccsr
of facts in relation to all, but he loved it not
only for its successes but for its msfortunes,
In which he AID many present had participat
ed; the Grand Army was recognized in the fell
low ship of the order, as all were banded for the
welfare Of the whole.
the Cavalry" was responded to by Gen.
PleasantOn, who spoke for the entire branch of
the service, which he claimed at the beginning
OF the war was caught at greater disadvantage
than any other arm. Its history was an event,
ful one and it owed its final success to Ameri-
can genius
Gen. Charles Devens IT,, spoke for "Our
Volunteers"
The sentiment From Atlanta to the Sea-"
was responded to by Gen. Fitzpatrick, who was
glad OF his first opportunity since the war for
reuniting with his comrades in person, though
he had always been with them in the spirit.
Peate and prosperity, he said, had drawn veil
over the awful scenes of five IN q
IN the minds Of non-partcipants, but those
scenes would never be efficed from the memo
ries OF those who fought. No wreaths ON
traitors graves would soldiers lay. They would
not forget their dead; their memories were sa-
cred. After enumerating the great occasions
under different leaders, the General, fearful of
lapsing into his old lecture humorously con-
cluded speech that excited much applause.
sponded Tor by the band and the festivities
were concluded at II o'clock by the comrades
joining hands and singing "Auld Lang Syne."
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.
The legislative committee on State police
have agreed upon bill abolishing the present
State force, but establishing another giving the
appointment of the officers to three commits.
sioners, to be appointed by the Governor aud
Council.
The prize drill of the Boston High School
battalion, numbering $50 boys, in the Boston
Theatre to-day, attracted some 1000 spectators.
The judges were Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain
OF Maine and Gen. Cunningham and Sherwn
of Massachusetts,. The prizes, two flags for
company drill and silver medal for the best
drilled private, were awarded to companies two
and six and the medal to Master Glover.
Joseph Bell, q saloon keeper ia Manchester,
N. H., in attempting to eject customer from
his premises last night fell down stairs and wa
killed.
CONNNECTlCUT.