The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-02-18
FROM THE NUTMEG STATE.
The Annual Department EHcampmcut G. A. r.
Mrets in tie Ancient Town OF nRnhnrr.

The Annual Department Encampmcut G. A. r.
Meets in the Ancient Town OF DRnbury.
The opening session Of the Silver Encampmeni
Of the Department OF Connecticut began at the
stage was prettiy decorated with National flags
reglmeutal c0lUrs, stacked arms, aud flowers.
Wires were strung across the body Of the theRter,
from which hung the numbers designating the
part Of the house which each Post should occupy.
No one not a member Of the Order was admitted
TO the business proceedings.
After the routine business had been concluded
the Encampmcnl WAS visited 10y Commander In
Chief Palmer. The report of tle Assistant Adju-
tunt-Geueral was ~ follows:
Number OF Posts Dec. 81, 1890 CO; number Of
Posts Dec. 81, 1891 Go; closed the year 1890 with
membership OF C,9lGi gained during the year 1891
per muster, S07 per transfer 20; per Teinstate-
honorable discharge 20; transfer, IL; suspension,
33l; dishonOrRhle discharge. 4. Membership ia
good standing Dec. 81, 1891 C7s5.
A reception was given in the evening at the
Opera House 10 the Commander-in- Chief The
house presented a beautiful aud inspiring appear
Hnce. The whole interior was one mass Of flags
aud bunting arranged Ia excellent taste AZ tie
right Uf the pToscenium arch hung large paintings
Of Grant aud Lincoln, and at the left were Wash
iugton and sherman. Judge Hough presided.
lle followed the opening 81 the exercises with a
speech calling Henry NJ Fanton. the Department
Commander, 10 come forward. Judge Hough paid
high tribute 10 tie regard in which COmTade
FautOn D. held in tie community aud State, and
20 the esteem which all feel for brave men, aud
ended with presenting the cOmrade with hand
some silver gavel.
Commander Fauton expressed lis surprise and
qualification, and said DE would try 10 use d in a
way which would be crcditabc to himself aud 10
tie honor Of Tie noble band Of heroes lac repre-
scented.
Mayor Charles Peck offered the freedom Of the
city 70 tie veterans. Alter song by the Gray
lock Quartet, who contributed much 10 the pleas
IRE Of tie evening by thclr melody, Department
/ Commander faItOu made stirring address aud
extended a welcome TO Commander in-E hiei
Palmer IN the name OF COnnecticut's 1000 COM
Gov Morgan G. BuIkeley expressed his satisfac.
ton az being able 10 be present az the meeting.
lie spoke 81 the StRte Institutions provided for the
veterans aud gallantly referred 90 the silver hairs
81 the old soldiers az an honor, observing that the
boys were growing old gTHccigily.
Departments Chaplain Miller, Mrs. Harriet J.
Bodge, DR. George J. Porter, Judge J. Plunkett
Commander B. NJ. Osborne, Of Brooklyn, and
others, spoke.
Col. John Palmer, in responding 20 the toast
The Grand Army" made a hit with the audience
lle was one Of the brightest speakers Of the even.
ing. lie said he scarcely knew how 10 respond III
tlls great reception. lie Hpologized 10 Commander
laHtOR Tor not appearing Ia uniform, and explained
That hls uniform was locked up ia Boston hotel
lie had tle key u the room in his pocket aud was
going 10 keep u there Hs he wanted 10 wear that
UNIFORM again. lie apologized TO Gov. Bulkeley
Tor not presenting his staff lie said he had a stat
that could knock out any Governor or General Ia
the country. Ny staff, lac said numbers SO
men, aud everyone q soldier" The applause that
greeted the humorous remarks 81 the speaker was
almost enough 10 drown his voice, as he said he
Ne-se litoN lSNitg hsioe ha went on mere Willy
Than ever. A. a etOry-teler the Commander. in.
Chief IL Of the lrst rank aud 10 not easily erubar.
Tnzsed.
Col Palmers address was largely reminiscent
aud was exceedingly enjoyable. A. he drew neal
tllc end Lis remarks teouIed with patriotism. lie
spoke 81 the rnpidy IhinHlng ranks OF tile Grand
I Army OF the Republic, aud thanked all FOR the
gratifying compliment 81 the reception.
A. tie next days session 81 the Encampmeui
/ there were elected the following officers: Com,
\ Bcuclah J.. Smith, hHliiuf0rd 8. v. O. Wilbur u
AlrIllrus J. " sci lIul an
Huntingdon Chap, Henry u. Miller, Mystic River.
/ Medical Director, William &. VILE, Danbury
! Council ii. j. Beach. Thomas Boudreu, 4. l.
\ Norton &. =. DarrOw, D. Burton Rogers