Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1882-02-18

supper, and . Good Time Gener.nv
Inc n. L. l. is not the company to allow
the princely reception given them At PORT.
iand BY the Cadets to pass unrecoRnized. &C
an invitation was extended to the Portland
boys to come to Gardiner and attend q grand
concert and ball complimentary to them
Inc invitation was accepted, and Capt Cros,
ana his men devoted their time and energy 70
prepare an elaborite reception. Their Is.
siduous labors met with well-deserved sue.
cess.
thursday afternoons train brought the
cadets, in good spirits and ready and eager
ior good time. Their usual fine looks hand
some equipments and precise drill received
many favorably comments. Their arrival
met with cordial reception by the K. L. 1.
Soon after the visitors were whirIipg abou,
the city in Boyntons monster sleigh, enioy.
ing the ride and listening to description OF
the various points of interest.
SIX O'Clock found both companies seated in
the Armory around long tables laden with
choice viands and appeasing their appetites
sharpened to an unwonted degree by their
long ride. Before their vigorous attacks one
OF the finest suppers ever prepared in the
city. speedily disappeared. The clatter of
dishes was mingled with bursts of laughter
which showed that the boys had lost none of
the old joviaility and fondness of Jokes and
puns.
In The HALL.
The interval between the supper and the
ball was occupied in strolling about the
streets; but o'clock found all adjourned to
the hall, which was soon filled with throne
OF eager spectators. Prof. Frank Prentice's
skill and experience in decorating, was
brought into requisition, and the result was.
in the highest degree, satisfactory. Flags
and ensigns were arranged at intervals,
while streamers and buntings adorned the
gas fixtures and extended diagonally across
the hall. The stage, reserved for the "com-
plimentaries," in addition to the minor dec
orations, had an immense American flag et-
tending in graceful folds across the ceiling.
The effect was imposing.
The concert would please the most fastid-
ions. Chambers Band of Portland, so well
known all over the State, furnished the mu-
Sic The mention of its name conveys the
idea of its excellence. Shortly after the
concert, Richards Light Infantry, in full uni
form, made their appeance and went through
nj
stantly improving, and Capt. Cross may well
feel proud of his command. Following in the
rear came the Cadets, fully equipped. and
bearing the handsome stand of coors pre-
scented by the r. L. I. Capt. Winslow's COM
mand is the finest drilled company in the
State, and they sustained their reputation on
this occasion
The programme Of drill was prodigy of
skill and precision. The silent company drill
by squad of sixteen men portrayed much
practice and aptitude on the part of the men.
The science of the bayonet exercise was dis
played to good advantage and in connection
with the manual to music was loudly ap-
plauded. The audience was exceedingly de-
monstrative in their approval ofthe little boys
connected with the company. Although only
IL and . years of age, their drilling was re-
markable for accuracy, and they performed
the silent drill in manner creditable to vet
Grams. The climax OF enthusiasm was reach
ed when the superb movements of the fancy
drill by three men was witnessed. Their
muskets seemed to be in perpetual motion
and the rapidity was almost incredible. The
Cadets left the floor followed by thunders of
applause.
About 100 couple participated in the ball
and it was, indeed merry throng. An ex-
cellent order of dances, fine music, and a
hearty supper caused the best OF feelings to
prev all and the dancers did not disperse till a
late hour The Cadets started for home on
the q. 20 morning train. and were appa rently
well pleased with their reception by the r.
L. /. The Cadets are a favorite company
with Gardiner people, and the satisfactory
manner in which they acquitted themselves
only added to the golden opinions they have
won on former occasions.