The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1878-08-09
The Veteran Cunuers.


Thanks for the westerly winds; thanks for
the blue sky, for the bright sun, for the clear
atmosphere; thanks, unbounded thanks for the
cessation of that COMPOUNDED fog horn, whose
monotinous moan has filled our ears for the
past thirty-six hours; and now, our prisons
offered, we proceed with our report.
Owing to the storm, which rendered the tent
uncomfortably cold and damp, the concert
took place in the light-keeper's dwelling
which was his pitably thrown open by Captain
Strout for our accommodation. Largely in
debted are the boysto this gentleman and his
lady for their hospitality, lacking which but
a sorry time would they have had of it on
numerous occasions, and particularly on the
the last and present anniversary. Their house
is haven and refuge to which we always
turn WREN the elements are unpropitious;
sure Of fiuding the latch-string out and the
heartiest Of welcomes. May their shadows
never be less
What shall we say of the concert last
evening? That it was to make ues OF the
hackneyed expression, perfect success, seems
tame Each number was received with rap
turous applause The character OF the music
was adapted to all tastes,a and when we say that
Shaw engineered the affair, that Cloyes
Il
will be able to form some idea of the feast we
enioyed We have purpoSely omitted menti on
of the foreign talent enlisted for the occasion,
because we wish to devote separate sentence
to Colby, whose splendid voice and rare execu-
ton won the admiration of all. The concert
was varied with other performances not down
on the BILL" in which Ross aud Burnham
figured with great credit to themselves and
enjoyment to the audience.
At seasonable hour, seasOnable, that is,
forf hn ~ a 10 rn tirpI O. nd oil
was quiet save that horn, which kept up its
internal believing until 4 o'clock this morn ing.
This morning everybody was up bright and
early and in tip-top bumor. After breakfast
the members gathered in groups watching the
craft focking from the harbor, and which
soon dotted the ocean, presenting in every
direction an animated and striking spectacle.
Ali the boys have been! on the qui UiUe for the
dedicatory exercises, which will take place
soon after dinner.
appearance. His arrival was greeted with the
heartiest cheers, and you may be sure they
were given with more than wonted vim.
Dinner soon after was served, in the getting
up of which Ruby outdid himself. We had
barely gotten through with it when heavy
squat came up and all hands were called to
man the guys. The elements certainly have
q spite against US. For some time it was
Wind VS.. Veterans. After tough struggle
the latter were victorious.
After the furry was over the members assem-
bled in the tent and came to order. The COM
missary called on Brother Winship, chairman
of the committee, to furnish a new tent for
his report, who responded by remarking that
through the generosity OF our honorary MEM
Der, ). Il. Spring, ESD, the splendid one we
now occupy had been furnished. He then read
the following resolutions, which were III
animously adopted:
Whereas, The V. G. A. 81 P. G. are under
great obligation to the Hon. s. E. Spring for
lii
Gus tent under which we are assembled, there
fore,
Resolued, That the hearty thanks of the
members of the V. c. A. g P. q. are richly
due and are most respectfully rendered Mr..
Spring for this renewed expression of his
friendship and esteem.
Resolued, That we shall ever hold in grateful
remembrance his many acts of kindness and
generosity to this club, and we sincerely wish
for him many years of health, prosperity and
happiness.
Very briefly, but very happily, Mr.. Spring
addressed the club in response, after which the
choir chanted in Gregorian style letter from
Mr. Butler of Baltimore, to the donor. 1t was
replete with puns and enthusiastically applaud
ed Then came the ceremonies of dedica alton.
We wish you could furnish US room to describe
it in full, but knowing that you are cramped
for room, we m erely give you the order of ex-
ercises:
1. Address to the Commissaiy by VIM. Ross
=, response TO same.
3. Song and Chorus.
4. Presentation OF Beans by L. B. Smith. who
was the first commissary.
5. Response.
6. Music.
Z and s. Presentation of Ketchup by Pray, second
commissary, and response.
9. Music.
10 and II. Presentation of pipes and tobacco by
Thurston, third commssary, and response.
II and ID. Music and announcement that the tent
was duly dedicated.
II and Is. Poem by epic" and song and chorus
to "Pic.'
49, Song and Chorus-"Hold the Tent
At the close of the exercises brother Smith,
in behalf of the club, presented to Mr.. Spring,
as token of its regard, beautifully wrought
shield in black walnut. bearing the monogram
of the club, the year of its Origio, the initials
IS. E. S." and the year of presentation These
encircled two cunners suspended by.a cord in
the centre of the shield. This was a surprise
all round, and to no one more than the recp-
lent, who gracefully returned his thanks for
the same.
After the formal business of the day was ac-
complished, we were favored with more music
and were very merry. On tue departure of
our.honored guest cheerful good bye was
rendered him.
Soon after supper the the tent was struck,
and preparations made for leaving. Hearty
cheers were given to Capt Strout and his FAM
lily, who expressed their regrets at our de part
nre, although we feel sure 1t must bs a great
relief to them On our way home wa we re in
vited into the mansion of the Hon. VIM. G.
Davis, where we were entertained most hos pi-
tably, and where an hour or more was spent in
the most agreeable manner. In good season
we reached our homes, all feeling better for cur
brief pastime Pic.