The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-04

proud. Gov. Brown, Gen. Elisha Dyer
and other dignitaries were there. and alto
Rether the reception rendered Mr.. Reeves
at his formal reinstallation as master Of
the band was eminentiy successful.
The app arance cf Mr.. Reeves was the
signal for enthusiastic applause, and
when this had subsidized Mr.. Church
rendered the baton to Governor Brown,
who. after replying, presented the baton
TO Mr.. Reeves, speaking as follows:
Governor Browns Remarks.
"Mr. Church. in receiving from you
this emblem OF your leadership OF the
American band, / am reminded of that
evening several months ago. when the
citizens OF Providence assembled in this
hall to wish godspeed TO his new field
OF labor the one who had nurtured this
musical organization and won for IL
high reputation in the hour OF our loss
We instinctively turned to you as the
one best fitted to take up his baton, and
the one most capable OF assuming the
large responsibilities which the leader
ship OF a band of this strength involves
use no words of fattery, Mr.. Church.
when / say that the expectations then
centred in you have been fully realz
Amii many difficulties you have main
taiued this musical organization in the
fine condition in which you received it,
and it's reputation has not diminished
while under your care. For that you are
entitled 60, and / am sure you have the
thanks and esteem OF the public, who
realize ths treasure we have in the
American band. Your graceful courtesy
In now rendering to Mr.. Reeves the honor
and the duties you have 30 courageously
aud successfully carried out will still
further endear you to the public. and
will. am sure, strengthen the bond of
friendship that exists between you and
your former leader. In accepting from
you this baton, it is extremely gratify-
Ing TO know that the prince Of corLetists
is to remain with US. Your name. sir. il
inseparably linked with this organization
and your ability has contributed largely
TO Its renown. We are glad that we shall
have further opportunities OF being
charmed with your skill.
mr.. Reeves IL gives me great pleasure
70 welcome you back to your homs and
90 hearts that have been touched and
thrilled by the genius of your leadership.
You will, am sure. receive hearty
welcome from your old comrades.
pleasure which will be intensified by
hnding the organ zation in an efficient
aud heaithful condition. We are flattered
by the knowledge that our city and It's
associations have greater attractions for
you than the honors which you have lst
Laid down. And we propose ia the future
10 strengthen your conviction that where
ever you wander, there is no place like
home" In handing you this baton, VOL
unfairly rendered by Mr.. Church. let me
assure you that as the age OF this organ
1zation increases. lt grows dearer and
dearer to the people in whose midst il has
grown up, Aud we hope that many years
may pass before the leadership will change
TO other hands toan yours. | have now
the honor to call uyon Gen. Dyer, who can
express more eloquently than the hearty
welcome home our citizens extend to you."
General Dyer's Tribute.
Adjutant General Dyer was next intro.
duced and spoke AS follows:
Mr.. Reeves--Your friends have assigned
60 me the very pleasing duty OF welcom.
ing you home. For twenty-six years you
came In and went out among us. each
year adding to our appreciation of You AS
musician and our respect for you as n
man. and when the call came for you TO
take the place made famous by the Ia.
mented Gilmore we could not protest we
could only claim little or the honor be-
cause you were one OF US.
But IL we respected you before. we re-
spect you now all the more. Ii rare
occurrence in these days that one called
a. you were to greater honors aud wider
fields OF usefulness should halt aud
listening to the bidding Of his neighbors
and his kinsfolk, turn willing stems
toward home. l have said that il was a
pleasant duty TO welcome you. NV hon.
ored father was an honorary member
Of the old American Brass bard. and
many = time myself. as little bov. have
4 followed Joe Gren and the old band
way up to the Hoyle tavern. listening ~
the old familiar "Wood Up.n In those
days hoped TO grow big enough 60 helm
carry the bass drum. but old as am
and honored A. have been by the state.
my place IL still behind the band.
IL bas been said of Rhode Island tha.
u produced no Statesmen. no remarkable
men. for the reason that when one amonq
us rose 70 greater heights than the res
villiDR tongues aud wailling hands sto, a
n<ady 10 drag him down. Your rec ption
hsre tonight contradicts this stateine Il.