Morning journal and courier., 1891-04-09
CHAIRMAN BENTON HoNonED.


 Rendered . Complimentary Banquet at Warner Hall-Governor Bulke- ley Present and Makes . Few Re- :marks-A Most Enjoyable Occa- ? sfen.
 The complimentary banquet rendered to Mir. Herbert E. Benton, chairman of the Republican State Central committee by 8 few of his personal friends as mark of the appreciation in which he held by his fellow associates took place at Warner hall last evening, and was most enthusiastic and enjoyable occasion, and included among the guests present, many of the more import ant and well-known gentlemen of the re- publican party in the state. Among those present were:
 Governor Bulkeley, Lieutenant Cover nor Mewin, J. D. Dewell, ex-Governor Bigelow, Senator Graham, Colonel Frank T. Lee, Herbert E. Benton, F. c. Bush nell, Mr. Hutchinson, L. c. Chidsey, Col lector A. H. Kellam, MT. Charles Scran- ton, F. S.. Pratt, J. Morse, S. Ward Bailey, Deputy Sheriff Warren, Charles Pickett, F. A. Betts, E. c. Dow, Amos P. Wilder, ex-Mayor Peck, W. J. Atwater, H. H. Strong, w. s. Beecher, A. G. Shell, M. Sonnenberg, Ezra D. Fogg, H. w. Foster, Frank D. Walker, Austin Brainard.
 Invitations were issued to seventy five, out of which number sixty-two were pres ent and sat down to the banquet. After the banquet Postmaster Bushnell, after a few introductory remarks, introduced James Bishop of this city, chairman of the town committee, who made a brief speech. He in turn was followed by Chairman Herbert E. Benton in a few we'll selected remarks, after which Governor Bulkeley was introduced.
 Governor Bu1keley spoke of the difficult ty of his present position and made a laughing shot at the democratic senate, which brought forth hearty round of cheers. He congratulated MT. Benton in terms most enthusiastic for his efficient work.
 He said, as regards himself, that he was ready at any time to relinquish the gov ernorship when the general assembly de- clared this necessary. The governor led tho cheering which started when Speaker Paige rose to respond in his turn. The speakers remarks were frequently inter rupted with laughter. He also paid high tribute to MT. Benton.
 Remarks were also made by the incom- ing governor, s. E. Merwin, Speaker Allen w. Paige, Judge Griswold of Windsor, Amos P. Wilder of the Palladium, ex-Gov- ernor Bigelow, Executive Secretary Austin Brainerd, James D. Dewell, president of Republican league; Colonel Frank T. Lee, Lewis D. Chidsey.
 Letters were read from Senator o. H. Platt, Postmaster N. D. Sperry and w. K. Townsend, who were unavoidedly pre- vented from being present.
 Speaker Paige, during the course of his remarks, said: ''I wish to clasp the hands between the two cities and to assure you that the representative citizen of Hartford, Morgan G. Bulkeley, stands ready, as soon as the proper time arrives, to resign the governorship to your fellow citizen, Gen eral s. E. Merwin.
 Every time the name of General s. E. Merwin was mentioned it was greeted with cheers and enthusiastic applause, in which Governor Bulkeley was invariably the lead ing spirit. The party continued until mid night, when with. three times three cheers for Governor Bulkeley, our next governor s. E. Merwin and the whole republican party the festivities came to an end The menu was served in Redcliffe's best style and received ample justice.