The Portland daily press., 1874-05-27

CELEBRATION OF THE EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY.

The Portland Army and Navy Union cele-
brated the eigth anniversary of its birth by an
| excursion to the Kirkwood House, Scarboro',
| yesterday. Lowering skies in early morning
and Old Probabilities promised an unfavorabe
t day, but later the sun shown through the
| clouds and gave the Union courage TO concen-
trate at the Boston and Maine depot, whittier
departure was taken to the objective point at
little past nine o'clock At Black Point the
Union disembarked, and few OF the members
| we're fortunate enough to secure a carriage A
great majority, however, were obliged to re-
fresh their recollections of the war in the very
practical way of marching to the sea, a distance
of what they calliout there mile. and half,or
about three miles in the city. The banner was
unfurled, Cole struck up ''Sherman's March"
the comrades fell in and commenced their
tramp through the Scarboro' marshes
About II o'clock, pretty well winded, they
arrived at Kaler's, whom they found ready for
them, with an excellent luncheon. After dis
posing of this the members scattered in groups,
some attempting base ball, some ring toss, some
foot ball, and some shooting at a mark on the
beach. The base ball players may have been
dueplS dt tudb SClcuCc III Odily CuiiuuOou, puO
the cares of this world had put their hands out.
and fly balls were much oftener lodged than
caught. Ring toss, too, wasn't great success
The marksman on the beach succeeded in hit
ting the target several times, Mr.. George D.
Jost making the best single shot, Capt. Henry
T. Carter the hest a yerage shot,73 inches, Wm
E. Themes, second, 131-12, and Charles E.
Somerby, third, ID 1-3, the rest in the field.
Dinner was served at half pa st two, and was
pronounced one of Kaler's best. After dinner
COL Bradbury, President of the Association,
called the comrades to order and addressed
them, closing with sentiment "to those Of US
but not among u.s. Col Merrill was loudly
called for, but it was discovered that it was
time to move to the train, which the members
did in very quick time.
As soon as the train started Col. Charles B.
Merrill in behalf of the Union, presented to
Capt. Henry T. Carter silver medal for his
superior shooting. Capt Carter responded in
few well chosen words. Col. Merrill then pre-
sented Col. Bradbury with huge pair of spec
tacles, which he was requested to wear, in
hopes in time they might improve his shooting.
COL Bradbury explained his wild shooting on
the ground that he had belonged to the artill-
cry branch and was used to shooting with field
pieces.
This closed the exercises the Union arriving
in this city little after five o'clock.
ANNUAL MEETING.
The annual meeting of the Association was
held in the evening. The annual reports show
the Association to be in Ia prosperous condi-
ton. From the Secretary's report it appaers
that there are at present 115 members; nine
have Joined and three have died the past year.
The Treasurer reports about $500 paid out for
relief and about 500 gain in the cash assets of
the year. The amount paid out was 81 400.
The following officers were elected for the
ensuing year:-President, A. w. Bradbury;
LIST Vice President, j. o. Rice; I'd do. VIM. E.
Dennsop; Sd do, George E. Brown; Secretary,
w. E. Toms; Assistant Secretary, j. H. Da-
Wis; Treasurer Thos. j. Little; Treasurer of Re
lief fund, Seth c. Gordon Qua, termaster, c.
E. Somerby Librarian, F. d. Roberts; Finance
Committee Geo. e. Brown, Frank F. Eustis
AMI Joseph A. Perry.
The Association passed vote of thanks to
DIR. Gordon for his efficient services since his
connection with the Association, and the men,
bers wished him bon UOydge.