The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-01-01

and election of officers at the time of holding
the annual dinner. 1t has proven n Wise
move, as the large attendance at the meeting
showed.
During the past year thirty four new mem-
bers have been added so that today we
number 176, gratifying increase. We have
had two deaths and have dropped five for non
payment OF dues. We have held six asso-
citation meetings, and the board Of directors
have held ten regular and special meeting,
we visited Lewiston and Lake Auburn july
lOtn and llth, on our third annual excursion,
and were entertained Ia royal manner bv
the good people Of that enterprislng city. To
the committee OF citizens, who had charge Of
our entertainment we return sincere thanks
for the great kindness and courtesy shown
us, and we await the opportunity to repay
them In some slight degree. Those OF US
VINO participated In the excursion will long
remember It as one Of the red letter days OF
our lives. We have with us several Of that
committee, welcome them and trust that
they have enjoyed themselves and feel that
they are among friends.
C0mrddes-0nce again the call Is given,
and we place upon the altar Of memory our
tribute OF friendship. Up into that myster-
ious realm to which hope looks forward with
ardent JOY, another section Of our association
has been drawn from our sight. As look
around me tonight miss the familiar face
of one who has been with us from the for
nation OF our association; one who has ever
taken deep interest In the work of the as
sociation. In the death Of Mr.. Charles B.
Belknap this association lost one Of its best
members and one Of its best friends. To
those Of us members Of the board Of direc-
tors who have been more closely connected
with him in managing the affairs Of the as
ISOLATION, his death comes as personal loss.
dss5g as E1dn me o. heart his square
men. During his connection with the direc-
tors the relations with all were very pleas
ant; his advice was always wise and thought
ful. 1t Is hard for me to realize that our
friend has gone to that bourne from whence
no traveller returns.
September 18th we were called upon to
mourn the death OF one OF our earliest mem
bers, Mr.. +. A. Gage, who passed away after
al occurred the Sunday following and was
largely attended by the travelling mer, some
70 being present. This large representation
OF travelling men only served to show the
friends that Mr.. Gage had among the men
souled. genial man, he made friends wher-
ever he went, and he leaves large circle Of
friends to omourn his untimely end.
The death OF these two members, who but
a short time before were in good health,
Is very uncertain at the best.
Gentlemen OF the Association, at the cleo
tlon OF officers this afternoon you elected
good men to the different Offices. See to 1t
the gentleman whom you have elected Presi-
dent a cordial support. Work with him for
the best interests Of the Association. con-
gratulate the members upon the excellent
choice you have made in your presiding Off
Ger. / have known the gentleman for a num-
Der OF years and can testify to his ability
and Integrity.
One word more and am done. l cannot
sit down without expressing to you my heart
felt thanks for the compliment which you
paid me In selecting me as your President the
past three years. L fully appreciate the
honor and the acts OF kindness you have
shown me In so many different ways. My
relations with you have been exceedingly
tween the board of directors and myself; our
meetings have been exceedingly pleasant,
and L shall always remember with feelings Of
pleasure my term of Office in this association.
Gentlemen, wish you all a hearty God
speed and happy, happy New Year.
President Dow's remarks were greeted
with great applause.
The Portland Male Quartette then sang
glee in splendid manner. They were en-
Enthusiastically applauded, and responded
with witty song, containing many hits at
members Of the association.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS.
Among those from whom letters were re-
ceiyed were the following:
Hon. Henry b. Cleaves said: "Your or
ganization is closely identified with the great
business interests Of the State, and the sue
cess Of our commercial industries depends
largely upon the activity, ability, business
capacity and efforts Of the commercial tray-
ellers. Your association is composed OF a
class Of gentlemen who enjoy the confidence
and respect Of the community; confidence
earned by untiring industry, upright and
uniform attention to business, strict adher-
enee to the principles Of integrity and hon
esty, the groundwork Of commercial success
and advancement. You have to be on the
alert In the great and increasing competition
thst reduces the price to the consumers-and
can be safely intrusted with the large inter-
ests committed to your care, and that you
will offer your goods at prices mutually BEN
encial to the seller and purchaser.
Hon. Thomas B. Reed regrets his engage
ments win prevent his acceptance of the in
vitation, ana regrets it the more because
having been for the last three months po-
litlcal commercial traveller. he feels he could
this year easily fraternize with his breth-
rem.
Hon. Charles F. Libby regretted previous
engagements prevented his acceptance Of
the polite invitation.
NOV AituuE w. Ltbtlc WIltco lIOm Evans
ton, ILL.,, sending kindest greetings to 'the
boys" and says, II have in my parish an un-
usual number of commercial travellers, and
am happy to say that most Of them are con-
sistent Christian men and some Of them
among my. very best and most faithful pa
rishioners."
President ]. A. Ball. Of the New England
Travellers Association, writes that ne had
hoped to he present on the occasion, and
wished them all most enjoyable time, but
duties unexpected had occurred to prevent
his getting away.
Hon. w. P. Frye writes: "The brightest
and most agreeable men, socially, that l
meet are the commercial travellers, and par
ticipating In one Of their dinners is pleas
ure one should not fail to enjoy. yet am
| forced to deny myself. have anxiously
| taken an account of stock. made the balance
| sheet, and find that the 31st OF December Is
| not mine. l regret exceedingly my misfor-
| tune"
/ Il II