Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1886-06-25
THE LEGISLATIVE REUNION.
Synopsis of Proceedings of the First ReuniO


Synopsis Of Proceedings Of the First Reunion
We take the following report of the leg
islative reunion from the special report of
the Detroit Free Press.
The formal proceedings of the legislative
reunion began in Representative Hall in
the state capitol at IL O'Clock on the morn
ing of tho 10th. The assemblage was
notable one. 1t embraced many individu-
ais distinguished for their public services,
and the names of many of state reputa-
ton. The earlier legislatures were very
well represented. The great number of
healthy and vigorous old men was con
spicious feature of the assembage.
The desks had been removed from the
floors and chairs to the number of GOO af-
forded sufficient seating, the number pres
ent being less than 800. The galleries wero
crowded to the Hast degree, the occupants
being chiefly ladies.
Ex-Gov. Alpheus Felch presided. The en-
trance of Gov. Alger, ex-Gov. Jerome, eX-
Gov. RegOle and ex-senator Ferry who
were escorted 20 places under the speakers
canopy, was the signal for applause.
\ selection of Scriptures was read by
Rev. w. II Brockway, member of the
House i'm $50 and 1871.
Gov. Ayers speech of welcome was
short, graceful and Scntillant He right
ly assumed that those present needed no
welcome 20 the legislative halls Of the
state. They were at home in them and
looked out upon familiar scenes. He was
rejoiced To- know that the meeting was in
every way so successful and hoped that it
was but the beginning of similar reunions
to he held regularly hereafter The mem
cries surrounding old associations were
pleasant and would become more 50 as by
the meeting of friends scenes and incidents
of former IabOrs would be recalled. He
was glad to know that there was to-day
but one party represented here-the re-
union party. But he was admOniShed TO
he brief. He knew that by the operation
of the previous question, haSty adjourn
ments and other legislative shaclles many
a speech that 1t was intended TO he
made in these halls had been shut
Off. No doubt some of those thus depriv-
ed would wish to relieve themselves ON this
occasion, and knowing that there was
much steam in the square inch in the way
of speech pressure here, there was no de-
sire on his part TO interfere with its evapO-
ration. He was especially glad 10 welcome
his honored predecessors in the Office of
Governor, and in the course of his
remarks on this point gracefully compli-
mented Gov Fclch--the senior-on his
years and honOrS.
In response 10 the welcome Ex-Gov.
Felch expressed the thanks of the Eassem-
of the Governor 1t made them feel as II
their certificates of election, some of them
dating back for fifty years and all doubt
less safely filed in pigeon holes, were still
of some validity At any rate, in conse-
Quence OF this welcome, they all felt the
more perfectly at home. Looking upon
this assemblage he saw before him the
whole history of the state, for here before
him were many of the men who had taken
part in all the beneficial legislation which
4 4. 4 .
served its freedom. He congratulated
Gov. Algcr upon being by the choice OF
the people the head of the state renowned
among all the states of the union as being
one Of the most prosperous and successful,
with public institutions not TO be cNCellcd,
and which were a model for all.
EXcusinC himself for the length of his
history of the Development of the state
by saying that there was no such thing as
brcVity III an old mans rcCOllectiOns of
what he had took part ina home thrust
received with much laughter he proceed
cd TO recount the development Of the
governmental system of the state and its
several departmentS-execut legis-
lative, judicial, military. educational.
penal, charitable, humane and benevolent /
with glances at the record of internal I'M
provemeutS of every kind and character,
undertaken by the state, together with its
great material resources.
The address was excellent, delivered in
good voice distinctly heard and greatly
complimented by all present who shower
ed congratulations on the venerable ex-
governor.
The afternoon session opened with an
election OF officers, the following being
elected
President Alpheus Fclch; secretary, /
Daniel J.. Cros>uau. treasurer George w. /
Thompson. Executive committee i. NJ I
Sellers. H. a. Couant J. W Beknap, /
James liueston VIM. NJ. Fitzpatrick.
After deciding 10 POSTPONE the election /
OF vice presidents until the next morn /
ing Clerk Crossman proceeded to call the
roll Before doing so he read in feeling
manner the following poem
THE REUNION ROLL CALL.