Connecticut western news., 1873-01-24

Old Massachusetts. .-ED1ToR NEWS :- The Sixth Annual meeting of tbe Sons ant Daughters of Massachusetts now living il Connecticut, was held at the Beardsley House in thls place last evening. The weather being favorable with splendid sleighlng, the guests from this and ad joining towns began to assemble at ar early hour, and each successive train ot cars on the several railroads brought respectable delegates from abroad. Soor the spacious hotel was filled by the merry throng, and amidst the hand shaking anG eager greeting of long separated friends, the announcement was made by the execu- tive committee that the guests would repair to Camps Hall in the adjoining block. When all were comfortably seated the president called the meeting to order. The secretary being absent MT. J. E. Noble was appointed secretary pro tenn.
 After the reading and adoption of the minutes of the last meeting, they proceed ed to tue election of officers of the associa tion for the year ensuing, with the follow ing result: For President, A. M. Perkins, of Winsted; for Vice-President, Hiram c. Brown, of Riverton; Secretary, J. E. No ble, of Winsted;a Executive Committee, s. s. Newton. E. B. Parsons, R. R. Noble, of Winsted, Dexter Trask, of Riverton, Robert Smith, of New Hartford, Richard Griswold, of Torringford, H. F. Parsons, Wolcottvile, E. P. Parker, Thomaston, Edwin Warehouse, Norfolk, c. B. An drews, Litchfeid, o. D. Hunter, Terryvile s. A. Hubbard, Hartford Treasurer Hiram c. Brown, Riverton. After the result of the election had beer entered upon the minutes and read for ap- pIoval, letter from the Rev. Dr. Eldridge 'of Norfolk, was received, expressing deer regret at his inability to participate witt them on this annual festival, in conse- quence of death in his parish. He made happy allusions to former gatherings ir which he had participated, renewing his pledges of love and devotion to his native state, with her mountains and valleys, wishing her prosperity and blessings, with many happy reunions to her representatives in every land. Sentiments were now called for from persons present. Rev. Mr. Mar | tin, of New Hartford, lead off with many happy allusions and numerous remarks. l followed by Mir. H. C. Brown, of Riverton, who entertained the audience for a quarter of an hour with his original anecdotes, carrying us back to our boyhood and girl. | hooc days, among the green hills of Berk. shire county. Next in order came Mir. Stone, of New Hartford, reminding us of the patriotism and fidelity of the sons and daughters of the Old Bay State; then Mir. Smith. who could say nothing short o1 what had been said; followed by g. A. Hubbard, of the Hartford Courant, who is fluent speaker and genial writer. He thought he could speak better after supper, and expressed belief that the knowledge that his birthplace was in Massachusetts made him more content with the place of his adoption; was glad he was born in Massachusetts, else it would have been necessary to have been born somewhere else; thought his native state was and always had been first in every great ques- ton of Social Reform. Mr. Bradstreet, of Plymouth, was next called by the president and invited on the stage. He did not wish | to be seen when he spoke, as 'he did no, have on his best clothes." He gave glow, ing anecdote about high-backed pulpit which partially hid the clergyman from view; he thought everything good and grea: originated within the borders of his native state. It was here where witch. craft first raised its hydra head, and was first put down; here the first armed re- sistance to British oppression; here we witness the first prosecutions for heretical opinions: here Mormanism had it's birth place; here the first anti-slavery doctrine was preached, and here the great temper ance reformation had it's origin. Would rather have supper before he spoke much more, and moved the president read the following Festival Hymn, which he (the president) had written for the occasion.
 FESTIVAL HYMN.
 Glad sounds of joy are on the air,
 And shouts rise loud and free,
 Our quiet vale resounds with mirth
 Our hearts o'erflow with glee.
 CHORUS.
 For days of suld d'lang syne, dear friends, For days of auld lang syne,
 We'll have sweet thoughts of kindness yet
 For days of auld lang syne
 Thrice welcome, brothers. wanderers all,
 Who finally have come.
 Our voices high in song we raise
 And bid you well to come.
 CHoRUs-For days, &c.
 How sweet for friends to gather here,
 To recount, where once they've happy been.
 Though paler now life's lamp may burn And years have rolled between.
 CHoRUs-For days. &c.
 And since our eyes bid welcome yet
 That smiled in gladness then,
 Now in the smiles of friends thus met
 Whole years are lived again.
 CHoRus-Eor days, &c.
 The days oflife's glad spring return
 With all their hopes and fears,
 Where fondly mem'ry bucks sweet flowers
 To bloom through future years.
 CHoRus--For days, sc.
 Soon, greeting smiles to sadness turn
 As drops the parting tear,
 But mem'ry long shall sacred keep
 Our glorious gathering here.
 CHORUs-For days, &c.
 After the reading of the hymn the entire