The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1890-08-13
FIFTEEN THOUSAND PRESENT.
The Great Grand Army Reception
In the Mechanics Building.


Boston, August 12.-The Mayors Club of
Boston, rendered a benefit 10 President
Harrison and other distinguished visitors at
Young's Hotel at s. 80 p. m. One hundred
and ten covers were laid in the main cafe.
The Presidential party was overdue at the
Mechanics Hall reception and after brief
ceremony at the table Mayor Fisher of
Waltham, introduced the President, who
made brief speech Of thanks for the friend
illness shown him during his short stay here
After his address, the President and his
party left for the great reception at the
Mechanics building. AT least $4,000 people
attended the reception. The spacious CALLER
les and floor were filed with veterans and
their ladies representing every state in the
Union. The hall was elab0rately decorated.
While awaiting the arrival iof the
TIssnsui'ffG %ss ied sVfifhs %th ns nstruments a@e
music Of the band and patriotic songs by the
audience. Finally Commander Schley,
United States Navy, and staff came upon the
platform, being followed soon after by
war nurse, Of Philadelphia; Mrs. Annie
Wittenmeyer, President of the Women's
Relief Corps Miss Clara Barton, President
Of the Red Cross Association; Mrs. Mary Z.
Knowles, Massachusetts Department Presi-
dent; dent; Mrs. Cheney, national secretary
Michals, national inspector Of the Relief
Corps. Department Commander lnnis was
the first speaker. who briefly welcomed the
visiting comrades on behalf Of the Massa-
chuselts department.
General Sherman was next called upon.
He was considerably fatigued after the ex-
element of the day and spoke reluctantly.
he succeeded in ar0using much enthusiasm
among the boys. Just as General Sherman
concluded his remarks the Presidential party
or NJ To1 h1I nf M A
they filed upon the platform. Their entrance
was the signal for a general uprising, the
waving Of handkerchiefs and cheers. After
the applause died out, ex-Commander
Creasey introduced Governor Bracket, who,
the Commonwealth, extended its
welcome in eloquent words. Then
came Major Hart, who assured the visiting
comrades that Boston's latch-string was out
and her greeting heartfelt and sincere.
Gen. Alger was called upon and said II
was notified to-day that l was to return
thanks to the city Of Boston and common
wealth Of Massachusetts, for the magnif-
cent reception they have rendered us, and
all they are doing for us, and l do 1t very
gladly. l wish to say to Boston that when
warranty deed of the city. We think we
have pretty nearly completed the title, but
expect the balance Of 1t before we leave.
wish to say to the good people Of Massachu-
BULLS anu DOobU4, WIN dI0 uOb dIduu AIUuy
men, that we consider ourselves sort Of a
family of nobility. We have with us to
night the distinguished men OF the nation.
We have on this platform the man and CON-
rade who occupies the next to, the highest
position in the world, the highest position
being Commander. in-Chief Of the Grand
Army of the Republic. Applause.
I'VE are very sorry for C0mrade Harrison,
but he can't have that office this year.
[ Laughter. A trait about our organization,
- AI.~At a -
men may occupy in civil life in this country
If they served under the army and are en-
titled to membership in the organization.
they are our comrades"
President Harrison was introduced as
Comrade Harrison, President of the United
applause and said: "Mr. Chairman and
comrades Of the Grand Army of the Re-
public. l have had Impressions both
pleasureable and painful as looked upon
swept through the streets of this historic
capital today, 'pleasureable In the contempla-
tion of so many faces Of those who shared
together the glories of the great struggle for
the Union sensations of mournful sort as
oa1 thought how seldom pnvo we stooS should
the great national cemetery at ArliDg-
ton and seen those silent battaliOns Of the
dead, 1 have thought how swiftly the
reaper Is doing his work and how soon in
SCdIItIeu cemeteries Oh lulS ldnu Ln6 hSneS
of all the soldiers Of the great war shall be
gathered to honored graves. Yet could
not help but feel that in the sturdy tread of
those batalllons there was yet the strength
of heart and limb that would not be with
held if the present peril should confront the
nation you love. [Applausel And If Ar
lington is death, we see today in the springing
steD of those magnificent battalions of Sons
of Veterans. the resurrection. Applause.
From the fresides Of veterans home In
which they have been born and read, les
sons of patriotism and stories of heroism
will come fresh armies to any conflict that
may confront us in the future. [Applause.l
Tonight we may gather from this magnif-
cont spectacle fresh aud strong sense of
security for the permanencey Of our country
and our free institutions. l can only ex.
press again cordial, sincere and fraternal in
terest which feel this day In m Getting with
you ALL" Among other interesting speakers
was Congressman Boutelle.