The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-28

The veterans OF the late war who are
members of the Grand Army OF the Re-
public in this State together with manyof
the prominent citizens, assembled in In
fantry Half, last evening, to welcome
Commander int Chief John g. b. Adams
of Massachusetts, to the State OF Rhode
Island.
At o'clock the hall contained not less
than fifteen hundred persons, and nearly
one thousand of them were seated at the
tables for the purpose of enjoying the
annual banquet, which is portion OF the
program on an occasion of this character.
In the balconies there were hundreds OF
ladies, representing the Woman's Relief
Corps, the Ladies' OF the Grand Army and
the Daughters of Veterans.
After prayer by the department chap
lain, Hopkin b. Cady, the guests and
veterans proceeded to enjoy the excellent
menu, and nearly an hour later Depart
ment Commander G. III. Baker in an elo-
quent address extended hearty
welcome to the commander inc chief
on behalf OF the Grand Army. He then
introduced His Excelleucy Governor ID.
Russell Brown. who was received heartily
by the old soldiers and the ladies in the
balconies.
Governor Brown said:
"Fellow Citizens-I esteem il proud
privilege to meet with you tonight, and
to say few words of greeting to your
beloved chief. These meetings have,
know, great charm for you. They
! afford the opportunity of renewing fond
+. friendships, of recalling memories OF
days when the fire of youth was in your
veins and the spirit of patriotism con-
trolled your souls. And now IL some
what of the energy of youth may have
departed, and your, locks become siivery
white, the glorious power of patriotism
| is still with you in all the glory and
| strength with which it nerved You for
the fray 33 years ago. Your campfres
are temples of patriotism, from which
an incense and inspiration rises over the
land, and we cannot gather at meeting
such as this without being thrilled to
ovcrfowiDg with feeling of pride and
\ devotion to our nation. Your
honored guest tonight will pardon me
if address him as his boys loved to call
him, captain jack" i have never met
him before tonight, but when took
his hand and looked into his face,
could read the truth of his gallant record.
/ have heard of his service in the army
|
of our State welcome you here tonight,
Commander Adams, because you are a
brave man, and Rhode Island always de-
lights in brave men. We arc men of a
small State, Captain, but our hearts are
as broad, our loyalty as deep, and our
patriotism as strong as any from your
noble Commonwealth. Among the
| glorious ranks you command You will find
none more faithful and devoted than the
| boys OF Rhode Island"
Commander Baker replied to Governor
Brown, thanking him for his words of
welcome, after which Mayor Oiney well
coined the guests to the city of Provi-
dence i'm a brief address.
Mayor Tiopke of Pawtucket followed
| Mayor Olney, speaking on behalf OF the
people of that city and the members OF
| Tower Post. Brief remarks were then
made by Colonel w. M. p. Bowen, division
! commander OF the Sons of Veterans, and
Captain Luther Baker of the Farragut
Naval Association. Z. B. Pearce sang
"The Lost Chord" and then the COM
mander in chief was introduced.
He received a most vociferous reception,
and il was some time before he was able to
speak. His remarks, however, were OF a
most patriotic nature. He said that he
was proud to know that he stood in the
position that was once held by
such eminent soldiers as John
A. Logan and Ambrose T..
Burnside and TO feel that he commanded a
body of the best and bravest men who ever
LIVED; men who were still ready to step to
the front ifany emergency should arise and
who would do their best to subdue any
number OF law offenders IL other sources
should fail. He then spoke few words
of praise for the Sons OF Veterans and the
the organization OF those women who had
shown their loyalty during the time OF
need.
Commander McCabe urged the necessity
OF organizing camps OF the Sons OF Vet
erans an connection with every post.
Department Commander Wethorbee
spoke OF the noble work that
Is being done by the Woman's Relief
corps, and Rear Admiral Osborn OF the
National Association OF Naval Veterans
made an earnest plea for the Sons OF Vet
| Grams advocating that the doors OF the
Grand Army posts be opened TO them.
The camp fire was then ended by the sing
ing OF america"
During the evening delightful musi-
cal program was rendered by the American
band, aud Maud Abbott. charming little
miss, "Dnly n Netcr-
ans ,,augntet, anu ..ine Boys I'm Blue.
Acornet solo was rendered by Bowen n.
Church, and a number OF selections were
sung BY the Slocum Post Quartet.