The Portland daily press., 1895-12-30

vitation of the Maine Commercial Travel.
ers' Association to sup with them on the
evening of the 2Sth, and very much regret
that engagements previously entered into
will deprive me of meeting "the Knights
of the Road" on that evening.
WV ". v. THOMAS, JR.
A letter from Mr.. Frank L. Roberts
president of the Grand Trunk Commer-
oial Travellers Association was also
read.
HON. JOHN W. DEERING
spoke of the Monroe doctrine. He said
Il am firm believer in the Monroe
doctrine and in Grover Cleveland; and
sent his message,to Congress. 1t did not
mean war; but peace. The next day I
said to a reporter that have read it
and that liked the message because
there wasn't a particle Of jingoism to
it. If President Cleveland used strong
language it was provoked by the strong
words used by Lord Salisbury"
Collector Deering read from the letter
of Lord Salisbury and argued that in
effect he said that Her Majesty's govern
ment could not hand over to foreign
government British citizens scattered
over the country. If Lord Salisbury
meant anything it was that il English
men choose to go outside British terri
tory, the British government will claim
jurisdiction over the territory they ocou-
py. He insisted that President Cleve.
lands reply to the British government
was wise, statesmanlike and dignifed
aud necessary, not for war, but for peace
He quoted from o letter written by
homas jefferson two years b fore the
Monroe doctrine was announced, but
taking exactly the same ground.
Collector Deering said he felt con-
strained to speak of this matter because
Portland clergyman had, in sermon
on the subject, taken occasion to an
nounce his belief that Lord Salisbury
was right After that" said the Col
lector, ~ have felt when in the presence
of Americans like ourselves, like saying
good word for the Monroe doctrine and
President Cleveland
The Collectors speech was something
in the nature of surprise, but he was
freely applauded.
PRESIDENT E. B. WINSLOWs
of the Board of Trade, spoke ably of the
progress made by the State of Maine and
by the city Of Portland within the last
few years. He spoke of Union Station,
of the offices of the Maine Central, and
of the wonderful change in the West End.
The electric roads have added much to
the advantages of the city. Mr.. Winslow
spoke Of his experience as a commercial
traveller.
Mr.. Edward G. SWEET spoke wittily and
to the point. Mr.. Charles S. Fobes, for
the business men, heartily commended the
association and its aims. Collector Deer
ing had referred to the Monroe doctrine,
but it was the business men of the coun-
try who made the Monroe doctrine a
necessity. Mr.. Fobes made one of the
brightest speeches of the evening.
J. n. Blanchard of Boston, pre- sident
of the Bangor Travelling Mems Mu-
tual Benefit Association, responded for
his society.
Hon. J. E. Blabon gracefully returned
thanks for the pleasure of being present,
on the occasion, expressing his continued
interest in the association.
Mr.. Burke of the Argus responded for
the press.
"We will now hear from our genial
Tom Welch," said the president, and Mr..
WEIGH of the association, smade pleasant
response. He spoke of the interest recent
~ expressed by Speaker Reed in the asso-
citation.
Given's orchestral club rendered o fine
musical programme during the evening.
The soloists were Mr.. John P. WEIGH,
vocalist, Mr.. Fred A. Given, Messrs.
Hatch and Skillings, Mr.. r. B. Hall and
Mr.. G. M. Brooks.
The dinner was one of the most success
full in the sooiety's history.
he