Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-08-08

Ex-SOldIeTs - Speeches
by Mr.. Blaine and
Others-A Big
Success.
Old ORCHARD, Aug. !.
Nr. Blaine and party arrived here on a
special train from Portland at 1915 this
morning, and proceeded TO the Old Orchard
House, receiving an ovation from the crowds
on the way. The following gentlemen ac.
companied him: Col. Mark Wentworth, Co.
Samuel Campbell, Congressman Reed Con
gressman Dingley, ex-Gov. Perham, Gov
Robie, Hon W. L. Putnam, Hon Nathan
Cleayes, Col. Crockett, Col. II. J. Randall,
Hon Clark H. Barker and Col. +. NJ Dow.
Immediately upon their arrival at the hotel,
/ Mr., Blaine cngagep in earnest conversation
with James ii. Lowry and Prot. w. l..
/ Downing. The non-arrival of Gen. Butler
creates much surprise. Neither is General
Plasted present. Gen. Selden Connor re-
ce,ves much attention from the veterans
The gathering, though non-political one.
has all the appearance of a grand rally.
Vast crowds are coming in on every train.
The streets are lined from the depots to the
hotels. The headquarters are at the Old
Orchard House. There was reception in
the public parlors at IL, the band playing
'See the Conquerng Hero Comes as Mr..
Blaine and the committee marched in fol-
lowed by the distinguished guests and limit
less number of pesple.
Mr.. Blaine received in the centre of the
parlor. Col, Fred Dow and Hon. George d.
Bisbee stood on his right and Gov. Robe and
! Commander Williams and members of the
committee on his left. The crowd then fel-
lowed in, passing in single file and shaking
hands with Blaine and Robie. Col. w. T.
Eustis, the prohibition candidate for Cover
nor, acted as guard of honor. 1t is estimated
that -, 900 people are here including 5000
soldiers Most of them shake hands with
Blaine. Congressman Dingley was obliged
to leave at a'clock, owing to prior engage
ments and could not speak at the grounds
Senator Frye is not here, Mr.. Blaine and
Gov. Robie dined at the Old Orchard House
in the public dining ball.
The immense clambake, arranged by Col
Eustis was a failure because of the action
Of the dealer to whom an order for one thou
sand bushels of clans was sent He thought
that there must be some mistake and sent but
/ fifty bushels. The other constituent parts
of the bake were scaled in the same proper
! tions and much disappointment was the re-
F suit. As a consequence the restaurants and
hotels reaped a golden harvest.
/ At dinner at the Ola Orchard House, Com
mander Williams, Mr.. Blaine, Gov. Robe
Judge Cleaves, Councillors Swazey and
/ Crockett. ex-Councillor CAMPBELL and Hon. f
/ n Dow, occupied a table handsomely decor
ated with flowers aud fruits. Among other
+ guests not previously mentioned dining here,
were ex-Gov. Connor, Congressman Reed,
I ex-Dept. Commander +. NJ. Shaw. Rev T.
J Tvrie of \. H., ex Commander, and formerly
of the Auburn G. A. X, Mayor Howard.
! of lewiston, and Gen. 5. A. Manning of Will
mington, n. $.
There was concert by the Auburn and
/ Iivermore Fall bands. Skating rink, roller
coaster. dime museums, etc, are in full blast
and soldiers are having big picnic.
At ; o'clock there were speeches and pro
! cessions, headed by the Auburn band to the
campground where the speeches were given
and Commander Williams presided Mr.
Blaine arrived 20 minutes later. He spoke
after the rest and was received with tumul-
tuous cheering.
Ex-Governor Connor made a speech of
welcome.
+ The scene both before and while Mr.. Blaine
was speaking will not soon be forgotten by
/ those who witnessed it. Before the platform
were at least ten thousand auditors. Every
available space was occupied by people-all
eager to see and to hear, and silent as the
forest itself except when turned into cyclones
of applause by the Plumed Knights closing
period.
Mr.. Blaine drove into the grounds at , P.
NJ. escorted by the Auburn band, playing
Hail TO the Chief" Gov. Robie and Judge
/ Cleaves and Mr.. Blaine walked to the stand
: together and Gen. Connor and Congressman
Reed occupied adjoining seats. The other
guests too seats on the rear of the platform
/ Gen. Connor was received with loud cheers.
I He spoke of the grand deeds of the G. A, r..
( and the principles of right and integrity which
sustained them in great duties.
Gov. Robie welcomed the comrades in a
stirring five minutes speech and said he was
most happy to be here as a representative of
the State of Maine. He congratulated the
| G. A. R. of the State on their happiness and
good fellowship He said he was glad to see
such large number present and spoke of the