Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1889-08-15
sFRKNcH CANADIANS CONVENE.

Representatives from Many Tswns
of the State 1t Loomiss Temple-OfA-
GERS Elected - Naturalization Clubs
Warmly Favored and school I'm
struction In English-0ther Matters
Discussed-To-Day'sP Picnic.
About seventy-6ve delegates from New
Haven, Hartford, Waterbury, Meriden,
Bridgeport, Putnam, Willimantic, Norwich,
New London and other Connecticut towns
attended the annual convention of French
Canadians at Loomis' Temple yesterday.
1t was notable gathering and was very
satisfactory as an indication that the French
Canadians are alive to their sociable and
political interests. George Panneton of
Waterbury called the convention to order.
The officers elected were. President, D. A.
Dolbeck of Meriden; first vice president,
julius Baribault of New Haven; second vice
nordale; secretary, J. D. Vale of Water
bury; assistant secretary, P. Il. Vesina of
New Haven; treasurer, Octave Lenoite of
Meriden; assistant treasurer. q. verdon of
Putnam. Addresses and official reports were
made. The secretary stated that $120 re-
manned in hand. The best ways of advance
ing the interests of the French Canadians
were discussed. The convention continues
to- day and this afternoon grand picnic to
South End has been arranged.
During the evening session the subject of
naturalization and the confederation of the
societies for mutual benefit were the prin-
cipal topics under discussion.
The speakers on this question were DR..
Jules Baribault, L. P. Lamoureux and Father
st. Louis of Hartford. The remarks of the
priest were most vigorous and weighty. He
was strongly in favor of an extensive natural
izstion of the French Canadians. His idea
for accomplishing this was for each society
to work energetically for the interest of the
whole class. Naturalization clubs should be
formed and the work should be vigorously
carried on.
The project for confederation of societies
for mutual benefit was discussed at length
by A. Fancher of North Griswold. BE out
lined plan, similar to other insurance bene-
fit societies, by which the members of the
organization could be of mutual support to
each other. A great advantage connected
with his plan was that it would take away
the expenses of the present permanent Gen.
trail committee.
There was some discussion among the
several societies whether the annual meeting
should not be abolished and bi-annua1 ses-
sion substituted. This was favored by some
because of the large expense which the sew
eral societies were under because of the an
nual session. Each society was taxed So for
expenses. Mr.. Ayotte of Hartford voiced
this feeling while R. Quessie of Bridgeport
spoke very strongly for the annual oonven-
ton. There was no action taken in the
matter.
The question of teaching French and Eng
lish languages in the schools was debated,
and nearly all of the speakers were in favor
of having both languages taught to children.
They considered them of equal Importance.
Father st. Louis made brilliant address
upon the education of French children. He
appealed strongly for thorough training for
the young, and thought that nuns and priests
should make 1t prime duty to attend to this
branch of their work. He said that Bishop
Mcmahon of Hartford was much interested
in this matter of education, and that he hoped
soon to have nuns in every school where there
were French Canadian children to teach
them both English and French.
A very pleasant time is anticipated for
the picnic at South end this afternoon. A
crowd of 600 or more will come down on q
special train from Waterbury, and will bring
the Waterbury band with them. The Amer
lean band will also be there, and concerts by
both bands will be among the features of the
picnic. Addresses will be made there by DR..
DeGrandpre of Massachusetts, DR.. Lsrne Of
P0tnam and ofhar viaiforr