The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-12-21
PORTLAND CLUB.
Farewell Dinner to Hon. w. r. Lunt
and Gen. n. q. Hill.

Sixty gentlemen sat down to the tables last
evening at the complimentary dinner given
by the Portland Club to Hon. Wilbur F.
Lunt and Gen. Hollis B. Hill, who are about
to move to Arizona.
After the excellent supper, President Dow
said that an hour previous he had received
telegram from j. Manchester Haynes, who
was expected to be present and address the
club, saying he was unavoidably detained
Mr. Dow said the Portland Club is one of the
Institutions of Portland, but another institu-
ton, the Board of Trade, was here represent
ed by its president, who, although Demo-
GRAFT, was as welcome as the blacklist Repub-
lican in town, and proposed three cheers for
the President of the Board of Trade, which
were given.
Mr.. Blabon thanked the club heartily for
the cordial reception. He said when he
looked around and saw SO many good frienjs
and such social company, it was difficult to
realize who had made the mistake, he, in
being Democrat, or they in being Republi-
cans. He spoke of the loss to Portland by
the intended departure of the clubs guests,
and paid very handsome compliment to the
business worth and high standing of Gen.
Hill among the merchants of Portland. He
said he is one of the best judges of credit In
the State, which is very important qualif-
cation for merchant. He wished both the
gentlemen wealth, health and prosperity in
their new homes.
Mr. Dow then called upon Ex-Governor Sell
don Conner, who responded in a happy man.
ner. He spoke of the great number of Maine
men to be found all through the West. and
of the grand results that have followed as
the product of their brains and energy.
knowing the excellence and ability of Maine
men as we do, said he, 1t is not difficult to see
what Is before our two friends who are about
to go West. If Mr.. Lunt wants to go to
Congress he can go, for we all know what the
boy wrote home to his father. Laughter.
Arizona is fast settling and will soon be
State, and he can undoubtedly be first chief
justice. But. seriously, he trusted that while
they would meet with tie greatest success in
their new venture, he hoped they would not
entirely sever their connection with the State
OF Maine and especially the Portland Club.
In response to call from the President
Gen. Hill responded in feeling manner
he expressed his gratitude for the kind and
cordial reception that had been rendered
him and the good wishes that had been
showered upon him. He hoped ere long to
see them in Arizona when he would recipro-
cate the favor to the best of his ability.
President Dow said they all hoped Mr..
Lunt would be member of Congress. chief
justice and senatorial three If he wished;
one thing is certain. wherever he believes it
his duty to be, there will he be found in the
front and without hesitation. Maine cannot
do more for the South Western country than
in sending to her such men as Wilbur r.
Lunt.
Nj. Lunt said 1t would be indeed strange
If he did not feel profoundly flattered by the
compliment paid him by the club and the
speakers. he spoke of the great adyan.
tages he had derived as member of the
club, and the pleasant social relations that
have resulted. He said his departure was
indefinite, but within few weeks. Genera,
Hill will go earlier. He gave the club very
interesting account of his trip to Arizona,
the scenery, climate, social life, business
prospects, and started to tell what can be
done there in the way of raising fruit, vege-
tables and farm products, but stopped. saw
ing that many man with a good reputation
for yeracity had utterly ruined it by telling
half the truth about the capabilities of the
soil of the Salt river valley. Phenix, where
he and General Hill are going, is town Of
about COCO Inhabitants. with schools.
churches, banks, street ears, electric lights
and what Portland has not, good opera
house. He said be was very gratifed for the
kind wishes of his friends ami the political
and judicial career they had mapped out for
him. but it was scrip he was after as well as
pleasant home He pictured the future of
Arizona with rosy hue and predicted that
within five or six years another star would
be added to the flag for the State of Arizona.
AT the conclusion of Mr.. Lunts speech
Mr.. Dow. formally in the name of the club
babe their guests good bye, and God speed.