Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1892-12-16
BOSTON MERCHANTS
Held Their Annual Banquet at Hotel
vendome, Last Evening.


Bosroy, Dee iJ.-The annual banquet
of the Boston Merchants Association was
held ut the Hotel vendome this evening.
For 10 years these bAnquets have been the
most brilliant gatherings of the kind in the
city, and the subject of discussion tonight,
The Consular Service Of the United
States made this meeting one Of unusual
interest and Importance
A reception WAS held in the hotel for an
hour before the banquet, at
which the members of the association hal
an opportunity to meet the distinguished
guests and speakers.
Promptly ut 8 O'Clock President Jonathan
A. Lane led the procession TO the banquet
hall which was elaborstely decorated with
flags and other patriotic emplems. Promi-
nently over the guest table was large
stuffed eagle.
Near President Lane were placed the
speakers Of the evening; Hon. Joseph 5.
Potter, ex-cousul to Crefeld, Germany
Hon. Robert X. Hit, representative in Con-
gress from Illinois; Hon, J. l.. NJ. Curry,
ex-minister to Spain, General c. Z.
Hooker. representative in Congress from
Mississippi, and Hon. John T. Abbott,
United States minister to Columbia.
III. Understood, ex-consul to Glasgow;
Hon. Samuel w. Mccall, representative
elect to Congress; Lieutenant-G Governor
elect Roger wolcott Hon. Joseph II. Wal
ker, representative in Congress from Mass
aehnsetts; General VIM. F. Draper, repre-
sentative-elect to Congress: Hon. Alarson
W. Beard. collector of the port Of
Boston; Hon. Oliver Ames, Hon. NJ.
Of
United States at Boston, Speaker VIM. 4.
Barrett, of the Massachusetts, House OF
Representatives Hon. T. A. Collins, ,Chas'
Z. Adams. president of the Massachusetts
Board of Trade; Edward kemble, president
Of the Chamber of Commerce; Charles A.
Roberts, President of the Fruit and Pro-
duce Exchange; and Jerome Jones, presi-
dent of the Associated Board of Trade.
Covers were laid for about LIS. and after
the discussion Of an elaborate menu, Presi-
dent Lane called the company to order. He
made brief Introductory speech.
Letters Of regret were read from mum
Der of prominent people. President Lane
then introduced Hon. Joseph S. Potter
Mr. Potter spoke of the great power and
opportunity of the United States consular
service to aid the expansion of American
commerce in foreign countries. The con
sular force should be organized upon bus
mess basis and marshalled AS auxiharies III
the work of merchants, manufacturers am
artisans in developing tte industrial re-
sources of the republic.
The second speaker was Hon. j. l.. NJ
Curry, ex-minister to Spain. Mr.. Curry
paid a glowing tribute y Boston, whose
merchants, he said, had been most potent
and beneficent factor in the reputation and
prosperity of the United States. He spoke
of the varied and important duties and
responsibilities of consular agents, and out
lined the requirements they should possess
for the most efficient administration OF
their duties.
Other speakers were Congressman c. +.
Hooker Of Mississippi, and Congressman
Robert r. Hit of Illinois, members of the
committee on foreign affairs.
Hon. John T. Abbott, United States
minister to Columbia was introduced but
did not speak owing to the lateness OF Tho
hour, and President Lane adjourned tho
gathering at II O'Clock