Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1891-12-18
"Fighting the Battles Der. "


One of the most inspiring meetings ever
held by the Veterans of the late war took
place at the Court House on THURSDAY
evening. The occasion Was the reception
of General Boyer, and Staf, and the large
court room was filled to ovsrhowing, In
deed hundreds were turned away. The
very largo number of ladies allowed the
popularity of the soldiers in IN unmistaka-
BILE way.
The meeting was called to order by viii
Lowry, commander sG1be Home Post, and
Rev. W. y. 0ller in an impressive inyocs-
ton opened the evening exercises. Capt
George w. Fleeger was elected President
and the list of Vice Presidents included
such we'll known names ss Gen. Reed, Col.
Alex Lowry, Col. John n. Sullivan, Col
John NJ Thompson, and others. Captain
Fleeger's address on accepting the ofice
was listened to with great interest and
profit. He spoke of the G. A. r. organl-
xation, and said that it's badge was q sign
of honorable service in defense of the I'm
ion, and of an honorable discharge. It's
friendships were formed in the dark days o.
the war. and welded in the fire Of battle.
That the ashes of Butler County's dead
minglo with the fields ofnearly every battle
ofthe war. Upon the conclusion ofhis much
applauded address, H. II. Bsngough, OF
Pittsburg, was elected Master of Ceremo-
nies, and in few well chosen words ac-
cepted his position. Mrs. A. G. Anderson
followed with solo delightfully."- rendered :
Comrade George Boyer, Commander OF the
Department of Pennsylvania, was then In
troduced. He said that he and his STAN
would be callous indeed if they did
not appreciate the welcome extended them
He thought the turnout indicative of pa
triotism. He spoke Of the G. A. K. and
said it was founded on fraternity, chaity
and loyalty. He stated that there are
500, 900 veterans in the G. A. r. and 49,
600 in the COG posts of this State. Pro
longed applause followed his speech Mrs.
r. P. Scott then sang the solo ERIN on
the Rhine in her well known style.
Samuel P Towne, Adj. General of the
Dept of Penn'a., was then introduced.
Ho spoke of the continued evidences of the
good feeling of the people towards the g.
A. r. that had greeted them on every side
lately. Tho benefit of the organization to
the veteran soldier has been immense. The
Soldiers Orphans Homes, the schools for
their children, and the pension laws are
all trsceable in . great measure to the
activity Of the G. A. r.
Miss Ella Campbell followed with q
piano solo, which her admirers promptly
encored Col. John N. Thompson was
then called on and made one OF the most
polished addresses of the evening. The
Col. spoke of tho inevitable disbanding OF
the G. A. K. There can be no volunteers
no draft. Soon veteran will stand
alone. He called on the sons Of veterans
to keep the spirit of loyalty and patriotism
aAame, and the memory Of the G. A. X.
green. He said the men who saved the
nation were rs kind as lambs and ss in
offensive as sucking doves. A solo By
Ars. G. =. Herr was next on tho program
and was greatly spplssuded. Comrade
Bcnssugh then called on Col. Redic, who
made most amusing address and con-
vinced everyone of his value - an i'm
promptu speaker.
J. u. Black then gave the German
version sf Barbara Fritchie, which con-
vulsed the whole house. Bengough then
called on r. P. Scott, Esq. aud Mr. Scott
responded in Q taking address. He ssiG
that the G.. A. K. was thought to be
secret society, but it il mistsko. Every
thing is open and free, but signs sno
countersigns. Jos. Il. Criswell Was then
called upon and in bis inimitable manner
made one of the most humorous addresses
of the evening. His remarks were inter-
rupted continuously With laughter and
applause. Beagough then humorouslv
and wittily introduced Thos. G.. Sample,
by telling how be had tried to firt With 8
COW with white tail that evening. Mr..
Sample came back at the gentleman in
good style, az the pugulists say, snd then
gave good talk to tho audience on 6. A.
R. matters. Upon the conclusion of hia
remarks, solo by A. g. Williams. Esq.
closed the evenings entertainment. and
crowd Of well pleased people left the room.
THR Meadville Republican well says,
that if the Crawford county system OF
making district nominations had been in
vogue in the counties of Beaver, Butler
Lawrence aud Mercer, Democrat would
not today be representing that District OF
the floor of Cougress. And yet, if the
Lawrence and Mercer delegates, at the
conference held at New Castle last week,
are correctly quoted, they are ready te
lead the party to the same rock, upon
which it stranded last year, in their un
accountable opposition TO the popular vote
system, and their insane adhesion to tn
rotten delegate or corforree systcm.--
Rsnvar Times