Milford chronicle., 1888-01-13
G.. A. r. INSTALLATION.


Last Friday evening was red let
ter" day in the Grand Army Circles
in Milford; the occasion being the in
stallatiOn of officers for the current
term. The Post Commander, Benz.
n. Collins, in accepting the office said;
COMRADES, thank you all for the honor
you have bestowed upon me by your choice
of Commander. I shall try to execute the
duties devolving upon me in this honorable
position to the best of my ability. In the
course Of my term shall thank you, COM
rades, for advice, SC that the present year
may be full of prosperity to thic Post fnan-
cially
In this, my inaugural address to you, I
would suggest that we severally try to do
something to replenish the Quarternaster's
stores In this direction you have considered
the propriety of holding fair, and decided
against it as a supplement to this idea
would suggest to you, that we have at some
period during the winter "Post Supper,
at which the best feelings would be called
forth, and by which the treasury could be re-
plenished.
In regard TO Decoration Day - which
should hold hallowed memories for every
member of the Grand Army of the Republic
so long as life shall last-I would suggest
that we endeavor to have such observance of
the next occasion of this kind as will live
in the memory of not only comrades, but the
public ! propose that we shall arrange for
this purpose in Milford, and invite the c. A.
R. Posts in Dover, Wyoming and Magnolia
also the Military Companies of Kent and
Sussex and have military gathering of
large proportions. The details we can dis
cuss later; but I would offer this advice, feed
your military guests as soidiers-on substan-
tials. At an open camp fire in the evening,
an Grafton and other entertainment may be
provided. On this subject have conversed
with some of the Company Commanders and
members Of the Regimental Board, who all
favor the plan. From the merchants and
public places assistance in entertaining will
certainly be given as an appreciation Of the
great crowd that will be attracted to the town;
and on this point will not dwell, but ask
self at the next meeting.
Comrades, we are living to-day in a land
that we helped to save, and in a companion
ship formed by suferings and sacrifices
shared in common. Sacrifices made not
for dollars ana cents but for the love we have
for our country and our flag. Many of US
have sh AIKEN hands with comradesin line-of-
battle, almost certain that it might be the last
time on earth; and after the conflict had
passed, we have pressed the brows of COM
rades who lay cold in death. Many of us
have sent back to the desolate homes-to
their dear ones--words that wrung our hearts
Words that told a mother that she was bereft
of a son or, a wife that she was widowed /;
or to some dear one words of sorrow and
gloom. Now ! don't think that any other
organization on earth eau lay claim to such
glorious or precious memories Comrades,
let us keep this brotherhood together on the
highest plane of citizenship. Let us prove
to the people in the North and in the South,
that the Grand Army of the Republic is
worthy of their confidence, and that it is
doing work demanded by the strongest
claims Of humanity, and that its objects are
in accord with the purest principles Of pa
triotism.
The officers installed were: B. T.
Collins, Commander; Luther Cuhbage,
Senior Vice Spencer Hitch, Ju nor
Vice l. N LeCompt. Chaplain; w
e Hopkins, Quartermasteri Geo. W.
Pitcher, Surgeon; Chas. Macklin, Adj
lptaDt; Gardner w. Josephs Sgt-Major;
Jos. Reichster, Quartermasier-Sar-
geant; w. Alex Truitt, Officer Of Day;
B. B. Deputy, Offieer OF Guard