The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-10-12
OLD SOLDIERS PARADE
The Union Veterans Union
Hold Their Convention
in This City.

The eighth annual eneampment of the
Department of New York and New Jer-
sey Union Veterans Union is being held
in the rooms of Van Houten Post, No. 3,
in City Hall, today. Members of the
Union from New York city. Binghamp-
ton, Rochester and other cities of New
York and from cities and towns in this
State are present.
The New York delegates arrived in this
city about half-past eight o'clock this
morning. The veterans were pleased upon
entering the city to notice that American
flags had been raised on all the public
buildings and that places of business and
residences had been decorated in their
honor. This part of the reception was
arranged by Mayor Wanser.
The veterans were met in Taylors
Hotel by Mayor Wanser, Colonel Toffey,
the Rev. Cornelius Brett and a score of
other prominent citizens. who had been
appointed a Reception Committee. A car
riage was provided for the Mayor. Adju-
tant General Lord, representing Colonel
Jay, the commander CT the Union. who
IS too Ill to be present, Colonel Toffey
and the Rev. Mr.. Brett rode in the car
rage with the Mayor. The procession
was headed by a brass band. The local
union, in command of P. II. O'Neill,
escorted the visitors to the City Hall.
Cemrade O'Neill first addressed the
veterans. He said he hoped their stay
in the city would be a pleasant one. The
gathering, he said, recalled to his mind
many lively battles in which he and his
comrades had taken part. 1t gave him
times of peace and see the faces of SO
many old comrades who had fought
prayely for the preservation of the Union
in the time of trouble. Mr.. O'Neill then
ranged an Interesting programme for their
entertainment and said he hoped they
would always remember their visit to
this city as a pleasant one.
The Rev. Mr.. Brett offered prayer and
Mayor Wanser in a brief speech welcomed
the veterans and extended the freedom
Of the city to them. He said he hoped
the encampnaent would serve to tighten
the bonds of friendship which now bind
them together. In behalf Of the people
Of the city, he said, he gave expression
to the feeling of friendship which is en-
tertained for every veteran OF the late
war.
Colonel Toffey also spoke to the vet
Grams, saying he hoped their visit to this
city would prove a pleasant one.
Our people respect and admire you,"
he said, and there is nothing too great
for US to do for you. When you have
talked over the stirring incidents through
which you have passed you will be be-
sieged by our people and given a well
come that you will appreciate, 1 know"
When the speech making had concluded
the veterans held a business session.
During the business session which fol-
lowed, Mayor Wanser and Sheriff Toffey
were unanimously elected honorary mem
bers of the Union. Both gentlemen ac-
| cepted the honor and thanked the veterans
in a few words. The rest of the session
was taken up IN receiving reports from
the various committees, which did not
conclude until one o'clock, when a recess
of one our was taken for dinner.
This afternoon win be occupied in noni-
mating officers for the ensuing year. If
the nominations are made in time to hold
the election today it will be held, but
if not the election will be the first bust
ness transacted tomorrow morning.
The encampment will break up tomorrow
afternoon.