The Portland daily press., 1885-03-20

Mr.. I'D. HI. Chandler, the Veteran Musi-
clan Happily Surprised by HE Many
Friends.

clau HapPlly Surprised by HE Many
Friends.
A party of over one hundred assembled at
the residence Of D. 81. Chandler at half past
eight last evening and took possession of the
entire house. Later Mr.. Chandler and his
estimable wife returned home from visit TO
their eldest daughter. Their great surprise
was increased by the arrival every few me-
ments of other friends.
Inc party was composed of many of our first
citizens, who entered heartily into the festivi-
ties OF the occasion. About nine o'clock the
party were called to order and Mr.. and Mrs.
Chandler invited to present themselves to the
company. DR.. Thomas q. Loring then in a
few appropriate remarks presented Mrs. Chan
dler with decorated new broom instructing
her in its uses and the proper lnode of applica-
tion in case of necessity. Next he presented
Mr., Chandler with a toy cornet, and made an
appeal to him which brought the perspiration
out in large quantities.
Next Rev. Mr.. Blanchard in speech appro-
pirate to the occasion presented Mr.. Chandler
with an elegant gold watch and chain The
reverend gentleman spoke eloquently of the
past record of Mr.. Chandler as a musician, of
the prominent part he so frequently took on
all occasions, grave or gay. in private parties,
public assemblies and great parades. He alud-
ed with great feeling to the effect of music on
the soldiers during our late war, and
to the much success achieved by Mr.. Chandler
and his band in entertaining and pleasing the
people. Mr.. Blanchard also spoke with mark
cd feeling of Mrs. Chandler iu her position of
wife and companion, and concluded By pre-.
senting her with beautiful cake basket of
new aud chaste design He also presented her
with most elegant bouquet.
Mr.. Chandler responded as well as a man
can under such circumstances, and closed by
expressing his sincere and heartfelt thanks to
all the company present and to all
citizens who had 10 any way contributed
in this the happiest event of his life. He also
spoke with feeling for his wife and joined his
thanks With hers to all their many friends for
this mark of their regard and esteem.
= Next DR.. Loring informed Mr.. Chandler
that there was yet another surprise in store for
him, and iu few appropriate remarks, in
which he referred TO the pleasant acquaintance
which had existed between them for many
years and the great pleasure it gave him to be
present as one of this great surprise party, he
presented to him Masonic charm, the gift of
members of Chandler's Band who had seen
service with him from 25 to 35 years. This
almost broke Mr.. Chandler's heart, but he
responded noblg and with deep feeling.
During the evening Mr.. E. a. Jordan read
an original poem composed expressly for the
occasion, which was received with much ap-
plause; Mrs. G. X. Hawes sweetly sang
selection; Mr.. Geo. Thomas also finely render
ed solo, and Misses Anna Wiley and Berthe
Webb artistically played solos upon the piano
aud violin respectively.
Thus passed one of the most pleasant and
enjoyable occasions witnessed in this city for
many years. Our friend Chandler is to be
congratulated on the success of this the most
important event in his history.
We but voice the sentiment not only OF all
the friends who participated on this pleasant
occasion but of our citizens generally when we
wish continued years Of health and prosperity
to Portland's favorite, D. 81. Chandler
The watch, chain and charm were from the
welLknown establishment of w. f. Todd,
Middle street.