Morning journal and courier., 1886-11-29
GRAND ARMY VETERANS.

Inspection of Admiral Foote Post
 Camp Fire In She eAtheneum-Elect1o
 of Omcers-Other Matters.
 If ever the fact was developed that the Grand Army of this city needed larger and
 more convenient quarters for their meetings it was on Saturday night when over three hundred veterans of Admiral Foote post crowded into the hall in Benedict building for the purpose of transaeting business. Ev- cry seat was filled and numerous chairs and settees were brought up from the Atheneum hall to accommodate those present, yet many
 were obliged to stand throughout the even ing This post numbers about six hundred and fifty members and is constantly incre as ing, six new members being mustered at this
 meeting and as many propositions for mem
 bership being received.
 Department Inspector William F. Rogers, of Meriden, was present and made his semi annual inspection of the post. There were also present Post Department Commander
 Hyatt of Meriden, Commander Chase and several members of Van Horn post of Mill ford, Commander French of Ansonia. Com mander Augur of Merriam lost of Meriden, Commander Weidig of Won Steinwehr post of this city, Captain Chaffee, representative elect from Derby, and many others from out of town.
 After the inspection the post, with their guests, adjourned to Atheneum hall, where an old fashioned camp fre and bean bake was enjoyed. Long tables were spread the entire length of the hall with one across the end near the stage at which was seated Com mander Fox, of the Admiral Foote post, fanked on the right and left by the invited guests It was one of those occasions such as only old soldiers know how to enjoy. Each comrade was supplied with a tin plate, tin cup and tin spoon, gentle reminders of soldiers eating outfit in camp and in field. Beside each plate were clay pipe and pack age of tobacco, the other requisites of camp life. There was an abundance of baked beans, any quantity of sandwiches and an unlimited quantity of excellent coffee, with doughnuts crullers and fruit thrown in for dessert. Lighted "tallow dips" set in blocks of wood, were placed at intervals on the tables and the gas being turned low when the veterans filed into the hall they were reminded very strongly of s'tenting at night on the old camp ground" After all were seated the gas was turned on and the "boys' proceeded to dispose of the "rations" placed before them.
 When all were filled Commander Fox rap ped for order and the speech-making and story telling commenced and was continued 1 until late hour to the great enjoyment of all present. After an address of welcome by Commander Fox, Drum Major Skinner of the Admiral Foote post drum corps on be- half of the corps presented to the post the large landscape painting awarded to them ase the first prize for modern drum, ming at the recent drummsrs' tournament in this city. Commander Fox returned thanks for the post. After music by the post orchestra Captain Chaffee, representa- tive elect of Derby, was called out and made a brief but spirited address. Short but in- teresting speeches followed by Past Depart
 ! TT 0z, H. Comrade Benham of Meriden, we'll known humorist, then gave Imaginable car feature of an Indiana Hardshell Baptist sermon, and being encored read Bill Nye's essay on picnics and camping out. l Commander Weidig was next called out and made short address, he being followed by 1 Comrade Frederick J. Hart, formerly l of the Union depot 1 but now in business l in Reading Pa. He was followed by Col | onel George NJ. White, who made a short but humorous address. The speeches were with excellent music by the i and drum corps, and the evening was indeed passed most pleasantly.
 Next Saturday evening the annual eiec- tion of officers of Admiral Foote post will take place. This is usually an occasion of much interest to the comrades, and there will probably be large attendance.
 Tomorrow (Tuesday) evening Inspector David W. Sharpe of this city, will go to Meriden to inspect Merriam post, and an in- vitation is extended to comrades of Admiral Foote post to accompany him. They will go up on the 6:26 D. m train.