The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-10-24
SOLDIERS dine.
Banquet at Woons0cket Ends the
r. L. I. Field Day.
Good Music and Bright Speeches by
Military Men and Civil ms.

when the mem bers Of the Il. l.. l., with
their guests, sat down 10 the banquet
which was 10 terminate the festivities of
the field day. There was the brilliant
scarlet and gold OF toe uniform worn by
the 200 "actives," the black and white OF
the civilians full dress, at one long table
at the right OF the hall sat the goodly
company of veteran infnntrymen who
have given up the scarlet for the blue,
and back of them all, almost concealed by
the profusion of growing palms, were the
members Of the National Band
Old Harris Hall was never so brilliant.
The banquet was altogether pleasing to
the thousands who sat nt the table and
the after coffee talk was bright and in
teresting.
Colonel Frank Harris OF the Woon-
socket citizens committee was tosst-
master. de introduced the speaking by
calling upon Mayor Pothier 10 respond to
the toast "Woonsocket's Welcome and
Greeting to Its Guests"
The Mayor said that Woonsocket
was noted for its hospitality and that
its citizens had tried TO greet their
soidier-guests in way betting the inn
portance of the organization and credit
able to the municipality, and in conclu-
sion said that the day was one of the best
in the city's history, because OF the visit
alton.
Colonel Phetteplace responded for the
First Light Infantry regiment. He gave
brief but interesting history OF the or
ganization OF which he is now the popular
commander. He quoted New York pa
per that, in speaking of q certain organ
ization, used the words, "the oldest in
the country and the thirstiest in the
world" "This idea is being done away
WITH" the Colonel said. "The day is over
when q man may join the Regiment
merely for the club life-it must be be-
cause of his love of the service itself, and
day is fast approaching, gentlemen, when
80 per cent. OF those who wear the scarlet
of the private organization will also wear
the STATE uniforms OF blue whenever and
for whatever cause the militia of Rhode
may be called out"
His Excellen>y Governor ID. Russell
Brown was then celled in response to the
toast, "The Commander in-chiei of the
Army and Navy OF Rhode Island" AS
the Governor rose. Mr.. Livsey's musicians
played "Hail to the Chief,' and the regi-
ment gave three times three with tiger
The Governor said: Officers and men
of the First Light Infantry Regiment,
feel that this has been a pleasant occa-
sion for all. You did well in accepting
the hospitality OF this city, for its guests
never leave its walls without
feeling that 1t is gooa to have
been here. This day, it has
especially pleased me, representing, as I
do, the State and the office (as the consti-
tuition puts it) OF captain-general and
COMMUNICATIVE chief OF the military and
naval forces, to witness the warm welcome
you have received from the citizens and
the interest they have shown in your
organization. As Woonsocket has hon.
ored you by its invitation, you likewise
reflect An honor by your presence. For
the First Light Infantry carries with it
wherever 1t goes, record without n
blemish OF falteriny or disloyslty, and
containing many incidents which are a
source OF pride not only to your members,
but to the State You serve.
Early in its history your regiment dur
ing the memorable Olney street riots in
the city of Providence gave indications of
Its value and fidelity. Nearly half a CEN
tury later renewed glory wes added 10 the
regiment by its ready response to the call
for help from President Lincoln.
Since those brave bat sad days, there
hes been no demand for display OF
martial spirit, and IL is rather in the social
field and on parade that your victories have
been won. But your commanders have
not permitted you to rust in times Of
ns.ce, you retain your high standard of
discipline and efficiency, and j am couh-
dent that should occasion require the sons
will be found worthy of their fathers.
1 am deeply interested in the militia,
and | always felt in this as in all pub
lie service, that what Is worth doing at
all Is worth doing we'll. have felt that
il was false economy 10 spare any ex-
penditure that would add TO the efficiency
or our volunteer force.
OF recent wears the State has been more
liberal toward the militia. This is seen
In the new camp ground, the new
armories OF Pawtucilet, Newport and
Bristol, the matter OF rife practice and
the heating and lighting OF armories. In
the near future / expect we shall have an
armory for the soldiers centering In
Providence.
The annual appropriation has reached n
figure which will / believe be sufficient
for the needs of tho militia service. under
different conditions. IL ia Impossible To
do ell that is desirable TO maintain
discipline and increase the efficiency
under the pre- oBt military law. This fact
has been thoroughly recognized by the
department and brigade officers, and as
you know commission IL ut work amend
ing the old law. I hope It, viii be reported
,nriy nt tho next January session. Then
will come sn opportunity for you co work
for the good OF the regiment and your
brother volunteers. l am sure I commit