Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-02-23
WASHlNGTON's BIRTHDAY.
The Observance of the Day at Various
Places.

New YORK, Feb. 22.
Washington's birthday was observed as a
holiday today, in the usual suiet fashion.
The flags which have been floating at half
mast almost continuously of late, were Iaised
TO the top of the poles, and enjoyment in va
rious forms was sought after Patriotic or.
ganlzatlons fitly commemorated the birth of
the Father of our country" Exchanges,
banks and nearly all business houses in the
city have suspended.
HANOVER. N. H., Feb. %.
Washington's birthday is observed at Dart
mouth by the suspension of regular exer-
cises.
HAVANA, Feb. 90.
In accordance with an invitation of the
commander of the man of-war Yantic. vessels
IN the harbor. both national and foreign,
were covered with flags in honor OF the ami
ve'sary of Washington's birthday
CRY OF MEXIco, Feb. %
The American colony celebrated Washing
tons birthday by laying the corner stone of
the American Hospital in the suburbs of this
city. Gen. jackson, L. S. minister, deliv-
cred an address, and Joaquin Miller read a
poem.
BosroN, Feb. %.
Washington's birthday was observed in
this city by the customary suspension of
business. The delightful weather was favor
able to outdoor excursions, skating parties
and the like, while the theatres entertained
large audiences Among the distinctive fea-
lures OF the day were an address in the Old
South church by DR. VIM. Everett, upon
Washington's career, a celebration bv the
ancient and honorable artillery company of
the anniversary OF its excursion to Washing
ton and meeting of the Bay State Club. At
the latter gathering Col. C. II. Taylor pre-
sided, while seated about him were many
prominent gentlemen, including Congress
man Springer of Illinois, First Assistant
Postmaster General Stevenson, Mayor Grace
OF New York, Hon. Geo. Slearns, Mayor
OBrien, Hon. Leopold Morse, Hon. f. o.
Prince, Hon. Hiram Atkins of Vermont,
Hon. j. X. Tarbox, Hon. Jonas II. French
and others.
President Taylor introduced Hon. Geo. M
Stearns as first speaker. He eulogized Pres
ldent Cleveland for his attempts to reform
the abuses in various departments of the gov
ernment and for his vigorous efforts to up
hold the law. He refutes the opinion ex-
pressed by the republicans that President
Cleveland is too devoted to principle too un-
alterlngly adherent to conscience and is
ruiaing the democratic party. "To sum up"
said Stearns, she is too contoundedy good
The President is not running the democratic
party. He is building it upon foundations so
firm that the governorships and presidencys
and Gil the good things of this land will be
gathered to its BOSOM" Stearns followed
with eulogistic remarks concerning the party
and advocated civil service reform.
Congressman Springer was the next speak
er. He declared that for the first time in "a
years the government is being administered
in the interests of the whole people of this
country. The president has demonstrated
that the democratic party was not seeking
power tor the mere sake of holding offices
and it is being shown to the country that the
party is not devoted to plunder. but that it is
party of principle and devoted to the best
interests of the country and can survive vic
tory as it has survived defeat for "a years.
General Stevenson, who was warmly re-
ceived, said there was once more united
and harmonious country. AS to the post
office department he said whatever credit
may be due for the advancement of this de-
partment in this administration is due to the
distinguished chief of the department vino is
in the Presidents cabinet.
Mayor Grace was next introduced and
spoke briefly, and other short speeches were
made by Congressman Lowering, Hiram At
kins of Vermont, and Hon. Leopold Morse