The National tribune., 1885-07-02
TUESDAY EVENING.

TUESDAY EVENING.
Reception 10 the Commander-in-Ch Chef-Address of
Welcome -Response-Speeches by Gen. Logan.
Gen. Socnni. and Others.
After day of so much excitement, of such
intense enthusiasm, of marching and counter
marching, Of greeting of old comrades, and OF
all the rest of the stirring happenings that
thrilled the gathered multitudes, it would have
seemed as if absolute weariness must possess
everybody to the exclusion of interest in any
thing but those who attended the reception
given to the Coinmander-in-C Chief showed the
same unfagging interest that had controlled
the veterans from the moment they came to-
gether.
This event took place ia the City Hall, which
was beautifully decorated for the occasion by
the Boston Decorating Company. AT the rear
of the stage was magnificent representation of
an eneampment. which was 40 feet in length,
and stood out with almost the vividnesS of re-
ality. Around this was broad crimson valance
bearing the inscription 10th Annual Encamp-
ment, Grand Army of the Republic" Above
the stage in 'front.' was suspended the State Seal
of Maine. from which 1oated streamers of tri-
colored moss paper. Drapings of oldgold and
crimson curtains frightened the front of the
stage, contrasting well with the light blue dec
orations of the inclosure, from which the steps
assembled to the platform. Tri-colored feStoon-
ings depended from the ratings, and around
the hall upon the walls were graceful drapings
of bunting with the shields of the States and
the badges of the corps tastefully intermlnged.
Upon the platform were seated the following
distinguished personages: Maj.-Gen. ii. w.
Slocum, Maj.-Gen. Ames, Gen. Hill, of New
York: Mai Gen John A. Logan, Gen. John G..
Black. Adi. di.-Gen. w. W. Alcorn, Judge Advocate
Gen. Austin, Gov. Alger, of Michigan; Col.
Horace III. Burbank, of Saco; Gen. Selden Con-
nor, of Augusta; Gov. Frederic Robie, Maj. ii.
A. Shorey; Gen. Grosvenor, of Onio; Maj. Par
sons of Michigan ; COL Charles B. Merrill. Col.
Moore. Mayor J. w. Deering, Coils. Rogers, Del
win, Mattherrill, Wells and Maj. Parsons, of
Michigan; Hon. T. B. Reed. Col. A. w. Brad
bury, Capt. Jack Crawford, delegate from New
Mexico, a famous scout; and many of the prom
inent citizens of Portland. A fine band sta
toned in the gallery at the left of the platform
gave some exquisite music before the COM
mencement Of the exercises and in the intervals.
At half-past eight the meeting was called to
order by
GEN. j. A. HALL,
who made the following remarks:
COMMANDMENTS Chief of the Grand Army Of the
Republic, Comrades of the National Encampment:
At the close of this most beautiful day, which it
seems heaven must have ordered for US, we have
come here sir, to pay our respects to yourself and
that body of patriots that you represent that are
soon TO assemble in counsel TO perfect such busi-
may be necessary for the ensuing year
But. sir, before i, representing the Grand Army
of Maine, should say anything, have with
the Chief Magistrate OF this Commonwealth, Gov.
Robe, who is n Comrade and desires to welcome
you in behalf of all the people that he represents;
after which the Mayor of Portland will claim the
privilege also of welcoming you to the city of Port
Hand. now introduce to YOU Governor Robie.
At the conclusion of Gen. Halls remarks fol-
lowed the
ADDRESS OF GEN. RoBIE.
Members Of e Grand Arry of the Republic Citizens
Of the United States, Ladies and Gentlemen The
grand occasion which has brought together is
everything connected
furnishes abundant material for eioquence and
Inspiring thought. / must however, be brief and
leave many subjects for the superior ability of the
distinguished soldiers and statesmen who will fol-
low me. The part which has been assigned to me
Is of an official character and il becomes my pleas
ant duty as Chief Magistrate OF the State of Maine
in behalf OF oar citizens who scattered its
wide domain, whether present absent. to welcome
the war-worn veterans. soldiers of the Grand Army
OF the Republic, with words OF lofty cheer; to
tend the right hand of fellowship from the State,
and to Introduce these honored guests to the warm
embrace of our people. In extending to you Off
and men of the GA r., the greeting hospital
ity and admiration of a grateful State, our hearts
overflow with gratitude. stimulated by pride joy
and affection, which language OF my own fails to
describe. We remember your loyalty, admire your
achievements and honor you for the success and
glory which accompanied your sacrifices on the
battiefelds and in naval engagements for this I'm
ion You come among US the veteran representa-
tlyes OF many States; from the golden shores of a
distant ocean; from far-of regions OF lofty noun
tains rich in mineral wealth; from the productive
and cultivated fields of the prairie lands of the
West; from the banks and interyaes of the Father
of Waters and lis many tributaries; from the sun
NY South; from the land of William Penn dstin-
guished for Its noble history from districts III that
great and loyal State where the star of empire
sill shines brightly. and from glorious New Eng
land, around whose valleys. hills and mountains
cling the mighty memories of the Revolution and
whose Sons, scattered all over this Union to-day,
return TO enjoy the fond remembrances of early
life We welcome You back again, for your pres
ence swes the joyfulness of this occasion. The
SONS OF New England, wherever and however To-
Gated, have always loved the
UNION OF OUR FATHERS.
We all rejoice together that this Union of
States has but one domestic hearth around
which the boys in blue from the bleak hills of the
North. and the sons of the sunny South in gray,
can gather and eXcaim iii unison This is my own.
my native iano.' In many of the Older States
have been erected testimonials and monuments of
the grand ancestral virtues and achievements of
of earlier times In the newer States as the fruit
OF these early examples, we the march of en-
pire and power. The virtues and vaIor of more
modern times, as exempiied in the recent war
illustrate the hereditary character of the great
American people. Let not forget that we are
the of noble sres. / welcome here to-day the
distinguished representative of this great
National Government who wisely administer
ing It's affairs III The interests of the people. joy
fully welcome 10 this Commonwealth the Honor
able Governors of several of the State OF this Ma
ton who have favored Us with their distinguished
presence.
The United States is a country of homes, lovely
and desirable only by that ownership aud content
ment which the goddess OF peace and universal
liberty furnishes. whose sovereignty has been Sc
cured largely by your inirepidity, tested by
the sharp sword, bayonet and unerring rife. The
life of the
UNION VOLUNTEER
has been written the page of our country's his
tory In letters of living light. We read in your
countenanees and feel in your presence the varied
experiences of camp life and the shock of battle
with Its mighty memories. You have acted nobly
your part and have gained such unfading iaurels
that it is hgn distinction for our State TO be hon
ored by your presence. The veteran soldier and
sailor did the hard and dangerous work OF the war
1or the smallest compensation and without "A muir
mur. lie II, therefore, worthy of the highest honor
on the pinnacle OF fame, and it just public
memorial monuments of brass and marble he
should proudly stand with his gun. sword and
an admirlng postcrity. He represents that which
Is noble III manhood, courage and honor and he is
known To all men as the savior of the Nation. We'll
come, thrice welcome. the volunteer veteran pri-
Vaie soldier and sailor of the GAR Welcome to
cur heart o. hearts the noble and loyal women of
Our land, who more than all represent the fruit of
exalted love and heroic sacrifice in their gift of
husband, son and brother ON the altar of our COM
mon country. heartily welcome to State the
members Of the Loyal Legion of the United States
and all OF the brave officers who dignity this
SION with their presence Among this distinguished
company we notice our steadfast friend and COM
Tade, Gen. John A Logan, who fought so many
hard and successful battles in that historic march
OF Oea. sherman 10 the And with peculiar
feelings OF honor i welcome the drummer hoy of
Mission Ridge, Gen. John 6. Kountz who has
steadily advanced in merit and position and to-day
is at the head OF this most memorable of the worlds
military organizations, Commander of the National
Eneampinent of the q A r.
There are comrades we cannot welcome here
to-day, for many occupy =" the windowless palace
of rest" They have passed the boundary of life
and live beyond the river. sweetly al peace with