Morning journal and courier., 1883-11-08

LADIES AND D-GENTLE1rEN:-I appreciate, assure
 you the courtesies you have extended to myself and honor of this occasion te connonz7esith of oonnec- ticut soldier represents in the
 And as our business Is more official than personal the 6inansss of your welcome is more highly esteemed
 everywhere increasing their numbers enlargng their influence and sLsending thsiF charity. The time has the politician sthe bgot tand the fear once
 reuaion of veteras would keen alive the animosities of the war in either the North the South has of history are proof of fhe assertion that ths soldiers influence both sides since the ApronaAt tox surrender been always favor of the nation al fraternity, prosperity and peace. A Grand Army post such ss yours is as conceive 1t, plase where with another the "reminiscences of inc past and in distress destution to care for another if defenders of one hsg Such places will become dear CT and more needful to the soldier the older he number the cloeer will he cling to those who remain, and if indgsnt ss age advances the more will he need the brotherly aid such gOcistss afford. This fair opened s dedicated to charity peculiar th1s The poor ye always have with you" but this know, long time ago, however rapidly it may have passed with since the bulletin boards at Charleston South Caroina, sIhe rebels firing sumpter and Anderson is answering back gun for gun;" since the announcement was made that the war had commenced in solemn dead earnest; since fifty thousand men went out from Connecticut away Hes the risk their nves to defend the old nss It is So long ago that many if not most of these medoens who will receive your contributions to- ! night like sisters of charity were then unborn. 1 The young men of that day are past middle life | now And as time goes more swiftly the older we grow 1t will not be long before gala days in public processions in cities large this the veterans of 1861, like those of 1512 will ride in carriage. There is partisan monopoly in this nen of all parties agree that the stase snd the nation in the distribution of it's services and honors other batte have fought in it's defense The Governor you know. IS made by our consultation the commander duty he is permitted by law to Choose his ows staff In the exercise of this discretion opportunity sodiers There is not man think on tho military staff of Connecticut who old enough at the be- that not asoldier and fighter in the against secession. l speak Of this not to be fu!- claim greater respect for soldiers than others but to emphasize my belief in the sentiment shared State nation who would have heroes the future must for and honor its heroes of the past In surrounded me, however much may lack as a sol dsr Ifeel confident in mittaryImatters did that student who bossted that and his Greek professor together probably knsw of that dificult Ian- gnage than any other two in the college While, the city of Bridgeport whose local WAT record the State is So proud of, will permit this Grand tering it's nobiest of charities yet there ways doing kind things that add grace to the deed their wives and their orphans be raised among you by pleasant fairs and festivals like the one
 
 the public treasury from which the sup port Of the amshouse and the jail need not under take to tell just what the difference is for every kind heart am feel and understand it. In l the midst of this generous people, there is surely to hope that the result Of this fair will meet the best expectation of your Grand Army post and that you will be able to promote your good work by the gid you receive. Those to whom you appeal | should remember that charity is twice blessed. It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. pity the poor who would give in charity and cannot but pity most the rich who could give and will not For overty of means bad it ends here; but poverty of soul lasts forever In conclusion let say that never before except in instance which pleas antly remember have had opportunity to meet the people of Bridgeport and 50 this occasion gives special delight, for people are never seen under circumstances more gracious than when called to- gether you have been tonight by patriotism and charity.
 Among those present at the fair were :: Judge Alfred B. Beers, Mayor Vessels, Hon. l Nathaniel Wheeler, Hen. P. T. Barnum, ex- Senator DeForest, Judge Talmadge, Major Reade, Major Watson, Judge Treat and Colo l nel Noble.