Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-07
TIE BOYS WHO SERVE The pU.IIc
noniai TO Worthy Onicial-a Ran.
quet At the Cony House.

4 AAOoBes
! Those gentlemen who are so rooa.
e'p"'ch Oh business, and who serve the
puoiic SO faithfully in the railway mail ssr.
wee, met at the Cony House last evening 70
90 honor to one who has honored the pos.
tion which he has held, and who i. balovoa
oy all connected with him in the service
ne occasion was banquet given to Mr.. ]
Z. Jefferds of Portland, the retiring chief
clerk OF the railway mail service. the commit
menfary banquet being given him by his a..
socrates IN the service. Mr.. Jefferd. Ia.
oeeh connected with this department sixteen
years, fourteen years as chief CLERK
some forty persons sat down to the banquet
among them being the present chief clerk
Graves. the veteran Sam Dinglev wa,.r.
mouse ana carey OF Portland, VIM. a. Bige-
low OF Augusta, Brown of Waterville. Hank,
OF Augusta, Rogers of Bangor, Soper of Old
town. Prentiss of Brewer, Knowlton of Bel
fast, Hale of Newburyport, Milidram Of
Wells.
Inc supper was everything that could be
expected from the elegant service of the
Cony Brothers, after whica came the intel
| lectual feast, E. II. Waterhouse of Portland.
the master of ceremonies. Mr. Waterhouse
| read letter from Geo E. Dame. sunerin.
tenoent OF the division, regretting his inabil-
lty to be present, and speaking in the highest
terms of Mr.. Jefferds, of his efficient service
and the kindly feeling towards him of all his
associates, which will be sure to follow him
| in his new vocation.
K. G. Hale began his remarks by the most
kindly illusions to Mr. Bigelow, the former
superintendent, whom he likened to great
general having his command well in hand,
and wished him great comfort and Joy for the
| remainder Of his life. He then proceeded
with words of the highest compliment to Mr..
Jefferds, whom the boys all along the line
| held in the highest affection. In their be-
half he would present Mr. Jefferds with
magnificent gold ring, as slight token of
their remembrance.
Mr.. Jefferds received the gift, and with all
his heart thanked the donors. He assured
them it had been with him great struggle 10
sever his connection with the service and bis
associates, especially as Mr.. Dame had in
| formed him he could remain in it as long as
he did. The poor state of his health, and
duty to himself and family compelled the
change. He spoke IF the growth of the SER
vice, and spoke of Its still further extension
He spoke for his successor, Mr.. Graves, a full
measure of all the kindness and courtesy
which he had received.
humorous letter was read from John S.
Beck.
| Z. 4. Graves, the present chief clerk, next
spoke, speaking in the most kindly terms of
the efficient service of Mr.. Jetferds, who had
always had the interest of the service at
heart He was up day and night to have
things go right, and has kept time with the
onward march of the service. We know he
will have success in his new business, be-
cause he is an honest man. Mr.. Graves then
presented Mr.. Jrtirrd. with a purse of two
hundred dollars, gladly contributed BY the
"boyo" of the service.
This unexpected episode brought Mr.. jeff
erds again to his feet and he was able to ex
press his thanks only with the most profound
! emotion.
| w. II. Bigelow, the former superintend-
ent, said that when he looked into the faces of
his old associates it was with honest pride in
their achievements. He had known Mr..
Jefferds for sixteen years, and he had dem
onstrated from the start his ability to build
up the service. The service which had been
| in his charge was second to none in the
United States Forgetful of his own personal
comfort, he had gone forward in the discharge
of his duties to the breaking down of his
health He had the respect and love of all
in the service, and Mr.. Bigelow trusted that
this would be extended to his efficient and
worthy successor.
Short and lively speeches were also made
by NJ. s. Hurd, NJ. G. Prentiss, w. c. Rowse,
Warren o. Carney, c. o. Emery, Loring
Beals. Mr. Chanery of Portland, John P.
Carson, Samuel Dingey, A. S. league. Benz.
Manley, and B. H Sprague.
letter of appreciation was read from J.
S. Palmer, Postmaster of Portland.
A vote of thanks was extended to the pre-
siding officer, and to Payson Tucker for pass
ing the clerks over his line.
The happy and joyful occasion broke up in
season for those present to take the Pullman
train west.