Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-06-30
Secretaries.

W. T.. s Whitman, Byron Boyd.
w. A. Newcomb. John V Lane.
Joseph Williamson, Jr.
After the above named gentlemen had
been seated upon the stage Mr.. Thcomb
presented Mr.. Stevens to the aud ence in
the following words;
Latlies aHd GeHhentrH -
| have been requested by the committee
of gentlemen who have had charge of the
reception to Mr. Stevens to call the meet.
ing 10 order. 1t il not my purpose to ex-
plain the purpose of this noble gathering.
We are here To welcome one of our most
distinguished fellow TOW nsmen, gentle
man whose life is familiar to you all and
calls for no recitation of his career from
me.
For many wears . resident of this city,
in touch with every throb Of municipal life,
he is man of its largest acquaintance.
The more elderly of those who are here
this evening will recall that the first effort
which gave him prominence vas his deter
mined, aggressive opposition to the slavery
cause. For many years he was identihed
with the friends of snti slavery and made
himself one of the most stubborn friends OF
the colorei men in the North.
Later. in connection with Mr.. james H.
Blaine he was editor of the KrsNEnsc JouR-
NAL. and his work in that field is known to
YOU ALL The paper which that metropoli-
tan journal, the New York Evening Post.
though its opponent in politics. has seen fit
to characterize as "A Typical New Eng
land Newspaper
II was largely through the efforts of slr.
Stevens that the Spragues were induced TO
locate in Augusta. and though that wealthy
firm met financial difficulties which involved
their failure. there is no doubt that but tor
the plant started and originated by them
the Edw ards Company with its magnificent
mill would not now be located 10 our midst
Mr.. Stevens has received many marks of
friendship and confidence from his fellow
townsmsn He has been their representa-
tive in the State Legislature and has been
TIE agent of the city in complicated nego-
tiations. His life since he left Augusta TO
accept missions uniier the general govern
ment is matter of history.
II would not be fitting for me to attempt
any criticism or any eulogy of his official
acts. We may recall, however, that while
minister to the court of Sweden he made
valuable contribution to history and entered
realm thu retnfore untrod by him when he
published the Lite of Gustavus Adoiphus
We sre here. no, a. Republicans or
critics. not A. Democrats or partissns, but
as his friends and ow-townsmer,--
friends and fellow townsmsn of one whose
heart and eyes, whether beneath the burn
ing Gun of the equator, or mid the chiti,-ig
SHOWS of northern chimes, or the wat ~
waves of the Pac fic. have alssys fondly
tnrned TO the besuiiful city OF the banks of
the kennebrc which We all love 80 "et.
And it - with pride that welcome him in
your behalf, and take pleasure in present
ing To YOU, not the editor. not the historian,
not the statesman. not the diplomat, but
our friend--and our own-Hou. John Ia
Stevens
When lien. John l.. Stevens stepped
forward he was greeted with genuine ovs,
ton and the enthusiasm of the people pres
ent was shown by the frequent applause
they gave his remarks.
Follosing his address his neieiibors. old
friends and the audience generally came
forward to meet him and Mr.. Stevens was
kept shaking the hand. of his townspeopls
until late hour.
The following is Mr.. Stevens address ir
full:
Mr.. President. Ladies aad Gentlemen
Circumstances outside of my control, and
no wish Of mine. mske it proper for me 4
have something to Say about Hawaiian If
fairs. Returning to my old home afte'
nearly four years absence in . distant eoun
try, whose condition and events d.epl,
interest you, feel assured tina. my ok
acquaintances and friends. whom hxv.
known many yesfs, will believe that l wi
spesk only the plain truth, and that no per
sonal vanity, but a duty to my country an:
TO the people whom have ju.t left, iniuc,
ne to try to throw some additional light o,
the Hawaiian question / trust you vii
geeeive my assurancea that ennn0f N