The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1874-08-05
v. C. A. & r. G..
CAMP G. M. CHASE,

HW VI &c udy III tue year at jeds1 tno iho'hpei
OF this ancient institution are bound to be earl.
astir. This being their red letter day, befor
Old Sol had dotted bis night-cap number o
them might have been seen vending their wa,
to the accustomed trysting place. 1t wa
noticeable that on this as on previous occasions
the old seed ones were the first on hand. From
Tolmans open doors, 1as usual, came the
delightful fragrance of ''Old Java" which wa;
accepted as an invitation to enter. Having
duly fortified themselves, in good time Law
renee drove up with his new and stylish team
the 'Zephyrus." With a parting salute to the
hostess the members were soon on their way in
merry mood for the well known spot where,
twenty-nine years ago, they first pitched their
tent As we rode smoothly along in our COM
Portable carriage, we could not help contrasting
the present with the primitive mode of transit.
Then common hay rack with improvised
seats, drawn by a solitary horse, formed our
travelling equipage. Whether, as with most
organized bodies, from principalities to parish
es. from kingdoms to Gunner clubs, this lnstl-
tuition, with increase of years has lost its
primitive simplicity and departed from the
good old ways that characterized its earlier ex-
istence, or that its members, finding them
selves to be getting stiff in their joints, are I'M
able or unwilling to stand the joltings OF the
rustic hay rack, we are not prepared to say.
We are inclined to the opinion. however, that
the change in their mode of locomotion may be
safely assigned to the last cause.
The change is certainly one not to be regret
ted. We shall never forget the bitter expert
ence of a return from camp in the old hay rack
one night quarter of a century or more ago.
Soon after starting, the windows OF heaven
were not only opened, but Smith said 1.-THE
sashes were taken OUT How it did pour, not
for brief period, but all the dreary way in
In vain we sought shelter beneath the canvas
of the tents and the rubber cloth. Indeed the
chances seemed equal of our being smothered
or drowned After while we concluded to
take things philosophicaly-t do as they do
in Spain, ''let it rain," while as if in mockery,
Shaw and some of the fellows broke into
stave, which sounded most lugubriously mer-
ry. A more bedraggled, forlorn-looking set of
than the V. c. AS presented
that night is seldom seen. Yes,-it cannot be
denied,-Lawrence team is great improve
ment on the old hay rack
Thanks to ''Old Probability" who evidently
made extra exertion for the occasion, the day
is about as perfect one as ever dawned on the
cloudless sky, a clear atmos-
phere, and a gentle. refreshing breeze. Never
did the veterans start on their annual excursion
under more cheering auspices.
On our way out three hearty cheers were
gwen at the residence of MI. George F. Small,
who had thrown our national flag to the breeze
in honor of the day. As usual, a round of
cheers were given to Capt. Walden on passing
his mansion.
In good season the old camp ground on Port
land Head was reached and we were received
" it'll due honors by the advance guard, who
preceded us the night previous. We found the
tent pitched and everything wearing pleasant
and inviting aspect The ride and the bracing
atmosphere had sharpened our appettes to a
keen edge, and ample justice, you may be sure,
was done to the substantial breakfast that was
soon set before u.s. Better trenchermen than the
V. G. AS never surrounded table. If it
were not invidious we would like to particular
ize the gastronomic feats we witnessed, but
your good eater is generally modest man and
shuns notoriety.
Soon after the table was cleared the regular
business meeting of the club took place. 1t
was conducted according to strictly parliament
tary rules, yet the worthy presiding officer was
often put to his trumps to decide knotty qaes
lions and points of order. Motion was piled
on motion in distractng perplexity-votes
doubted-the house frequently polled amid a
babel of tongues. and for time quite as adj
mirable disorder prevailed as ever was wit
messed in legislative halls. But Commissary
Fernald proved equal to the task keeping as
cool as Speaker Blaine in a congressional furry
and at last succeeded in bringing order out of
chaos.
Letters were read from absent members
from Ross of Philadelphia aud Sampson of
Bath, regrettpg their inability to be present;
from Edwards of Natick, inviting the Assoeia
ton to celebrate the next anniversary at that
place, which proposition was taken under ad-
visement; of Knights of Boston, presenting
the mother Gunner, perfectly preserved, taken
by him last year, the largest ever known to
have been drawn from the sci. There was a
to present it to the Natural History
Society as specimen and proof of the ang-
ling skill of the veterans. 1t was concluded 10
suspend it in the marquee, where it swings, the
wonder of all beholders. The reading of the
records of last year and Of the Treasurer's re-
port followed, after which came the election of
officers for the ensuing year. The following is
the list
Commissary, DR.. S. G. Fernald; Vice do,
VIM. A. Winship; Treasurer, j. Ambrose Mer-
rlI; Secretary, Henry H. Lowell; do. of Boston
Branch, H. S. Edwards; Fremen, G. c. Toll
man, E. P. Staples: Watchmen, f. E. Pray,
Samuel Thurston; Potato Slcer, G. B. Eaton.
Although there is no diminution of interest
manifested in the yearly meetings of the club,
we yet perceive a marked difference between
present and old time celebrations of its ami
versaries There is the same if not increased
amount of enjoyment, but it is of q more SUBJ
dued kind The boys are as full of sport as
ever, but it is of nature that does not bring
the muscles into such violent exercise. After
partaking Of a hearty meal they are more dis
posed to "lay Off and quietly enjoy them
selves, instead of in9ulging in the rough and
tumble of other days.
Our dinner table to-day was graced with the
accustomed bouquet from little "Mabel." whose
floral offerings are always held in grateful re-
membrane. A very pleasant episode occurred
at our noon-meal, viz:-the presentation to the
Commissary by Vice Commissary Winship, of
a very unique medal, as a testimonial of the
high regards of the club for the faithful per-
Torrance of his duties.
As we close this the boys are off enjoying
themselves in divers ways. Thus far every
thing has passed off well-everyb body seems in
the best of humor and disposed to make the
most of this breathing SPELL" We miss the
presence of a few genial souls, but if they are
not with us bodily we know they are in spirit.
Pic.
EXCURSIONS This evening the steamer Gaz
ellie takes another pleasure party down to SCOTS
Landing, for dance and supper. Like the for
Al.