Morning journal and courier., 1886-02-23
WASHINGTON BROTHERH0O

The Birthday of the Father of His Country Appropriately Observed-A Banquet at Cowell's-Reminisc and Addresses.
 The organization known as the Washington Union Brotherhood enjoyed their annual din- ner at Cowell's restaurant on State street yesterday. This society was formed more than quarter of a century ago by few congenial friends in this city for the purpose of cherishing the memory of Washington On every recurring birthday of the 'sFather of his country" they have assembled at some convenient place for the purpose of renewing pleasant associations, talking over the great deeds and pure character of their "patron saint" and pledging themselves anew to up- hold and maintain those principles of free government which he laid down as the only true safeguard of republican institutions.
 At one time the brotherhood had over three hundred names upon it's roll of mem- bers, among the number being residents. not only of this city, but of New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The members of the association being made up largely of men in middle life and those quite advanced in years, the death rate has been large dur J has rather decreased than lncreasc2.
 Among those present yesterday were Her " and Isaac Holmes of Northampton, Mass, and MT. Smith, of Mt. Carmel. It was expected that Vice President F. w. J. Sizer, of New York, would be pres ent, but he sent letter at the last moment expressing his regrets that busine ss engage ments would prevent his coming as he had anticipated.
 The business meeting was held at 2o'clock, at which the following officers were elected: President, Frank H. Harris of Bridgeport; vice presidents, Louis Osterweis of New Haven, F. w. J. Sizer of New York; seere- tary and treasurer, Henry N. Oviatt; execu- tive committee, John c. Mills, George E. Thompson, Hemingway Smith, Frank B. Byington and J. c. Murphy. The only change in the officers was the substitution of Messrs. Thompson and Bvington in the place of George H. Smith and Norman Rood, who have deceased since the last annual meeting.
 The brotherhood, about twenty-five in number, sat down to a most sumptuous ban quet shortly before 3 o'clock and it was near ly o'clock before the courses were disposed of and the "feast of reason and the flow of seul' that followed was concluded There were number of after dinner speeches that were filled with patriotic sentiment well cal culated to keep green the memory of the great man from whom the order takes its naine. The venerable John c. Mersick, 92 years of age and one of the original founders of the society, who was present, added very much to the interest of the occasion He gave brief history of the so- ciety from it's organization, which was much appreciated by those present The memory of departed brothers was feelingly referred to, and appropriate words spoken of their worth and true merit.
 Before separating the company sang with much spirit the national hymn ''My Country lis of Thee D fer a hearty vote of thanks to Mine Host Coweu for his splendid spread the company separated with the pleasant consciousness that they had enjoyed one of the besf reunions in many wears