The Portland daily press., 1891-01-06
THEIR NiNETY-FiFTh ANNUAL.
Banquet OF the Marine Society,"
Speakers Favor the Shipping Bill.

speakers Favor the shipping Bill.
The annual banquet Of the venerable Port
land Marine Society was held last evening at
the Preble House. The members and invited
guests to the number of IS met at o'clock
In the private parlor of the hotel and passed
several hours in contests of whist aud eu-
chre and in renewing old and making new
friendships. At 8 O'Clock the line of march
was taken up to the dining room, the compa-
ny finding seats around the two tables ar
ranged in the form Of T and beautifully
decorated with fruit and flowers. In the
centre of the principal table was beautiful
floral anchor of smilax. hyacinths and car
nations. while maiden-hair ferns and clusters
of callas were scattered about the tables.
Each guest was also provided with button
hole bouquet of smilax and carnations, or
roses. The floral display came from the nur-
sery of Davis g. Son of Deering Centre, and
was especially admired. the captstan being
unanimously voted a masterpiece. A SUBJ
stantial menu was provided. the viands be-
ing cooked in Landlord Gibson's best style,
and promptly served by Headwaiter John
Coleman and an efficient corps Of assistants.
The menu cards were beautiful specimens of
the printers art. the cover being ornamented
with ribbon bow and yacht sail, with
marine view.
Before the speechmaking the health of the
president of the society. Captain ]. s. Wins
low, was drunk standing, being proposed by
Captain James Keazsr. Captain Charles 81.
Chase, the ex-president, was similarly hon.
ored, as were the vice president and Captain
William Leavitt, Colonel j. M. Adams and
Hon. George e. Bird, the guests of the eve
ming.
Caotain Winslow called the society to or
der when cigars were reached, and well
coined the members and guests. He spoke
briefly of the progress Of the society during
read letter from Captain Richard Harding
regretting his inability to be esent.
Captain G. ID. Chase was the first speaker.
He proposed first the health of Captain
Harding, and then spoke briefly, expressing
thanks.
Captain William <. Dennison of the City
of Richmond, was next called upon. He
spoke feellngly of the absent ones and
quoted scripture 10 as able manner as he did
talk of the sea.
Colonel John NJ. Adams, guest of the So
ciety, was called upon. He spoke of his pleas
ure at being present and then referred at
some length to the recent construction of a
vessel on Lake Michigan for the coast trade.
he thought that If this industry was to con-
tinue the ship builders on the coast must be-
stir themselves in order to save their trade
He thought that free iron for Steel manufac.
ture would restore the balance and make the
coast ship builders whole again. He thought
that free iron would also improve the coast.
ing trade.
expressed his pleasure at being present and
at seeing new faces at the banQuets on each
succeeding year. He urged on the members
the necessity of bringing In new members to
perpetuate the work of the society in provi-
ding for the widows and orphans of sea-
faring men. He also referred to the build
ing of the iron steamer on Lake Michigan,
and spoke Of the difficulty which certain
man had In having an iron vessel built at
the Atlantic ports and he thought that some
thing should be done to encourage iron ship
building. He said that American ships
were not on the seas now. During his re-
cent visit to Europe he saw only two Ameri-
can vessels. He advocated the passage of
sirable measure for the Improvement Of the
merchant marine.
President Winslow then called upon Hon.
Geo. E. Bird. who paid high tribute to the
PRINCIPLES and aims of the society.
Capt, Winsl0w then appealed to those who
were present but not enrolled in member
ship to sign articles and ship with the socie-
ty.
Members suggested the names of Col. j.
M Adams, j. F. Liscomb and Hall L. Day
is, as honorary members, and Captains A. j..
York, e. v. Gates and j. G. Thurston as ac-
tive members.
Mr., john B. Coyle was called. He spoke
earnestly In favor of the Farquhar subsidy
bill and upon the subject of better signal
lights for sailing vessels. He urged upon the
society the necessity of memorialiZing Con-
gress for legislation upon the subject and
also upon the subject of inspection for sail
ing vessels as steamers are inspected.
Mr.. w. w, Merrill was called, ard spoke
briefly and pointedly.
Mr.. ]. F. Liscomb also spoke briefly.
MIR. Fritz 81. Jordan made some humorous
remarks.
Captain j. B. Humphrey of Yarmouth,
proposed the health Of the Portland Marine
Society.
MIR. Hall L. Davis begged to be excused
until next year. Captain F. G. White also
begged TO be excused, as did Captain Perley
Smart.
After a song by Captain Coyle and the
singing Of Aud Lang Syne, the company
dispersed.
The committee having the festivities In
charge, and to whom the credit for the sue
cess of the occasion belongs, jointly with
Landlord Gibson and his able lieutenant,
Mr.. Coleman, was Capts. j. s. WinsloW, O.
A. Plummer, VIM. Leavitt. j. w. Deering,
James Keazer and F. G. White.