The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-02-22

however, did not become enrolled In
the present society. Mr.. Watson was
descendant Of Captain Asa Waterman, an
assistant commissary Of issues for Con-
necticut and Rhode Island, man OF
wealth and of such unselhsh patriotism
that he contributed almost his entire for
tune to purchase supplies for the Ccntl-
mental army when the credit OF the colo
nies was at low ebb.
Mention should also be made or the
death of Rev. Augustus Woodbury., one OF
the organizers Of the society. lie contln-
ued in active mem bershlp only a short
time and formally resigned from the So
ciety when he removed from the city
few years since.
/ attended the national congress OK
the society held at Boston, April 70, last,
and shared in the hospitality OF the Mas
sachusetts society. The congress was
held in the historic old South Church
and was attended by delegates from near
ly all of the State societies.
IL was an enthusiastic gathering and
the Massachusetts, society left nothing to
be desired in its arrangements. The most
important measure considered az TINS
congress was that relating to the lorna
tion OF chapters in the several states ana
in connection with this subject l would
state that be board of managers. pursuant
to the recommendation made by Presl-
'NhN +AsohAO a gSdi t-bs hAe' '"'N''' ~
cessary steps to present for your consld-
Grafton today an amendment 10 the Dy-
laws OF the society which, II adopted, VIII
make II possible to establish such chapt-
ers in different parts of the state. am
confident that il this is permitted by our
by avs that a greater interest IN the So
ciety will be stimulated throughout the
State and that the society VIII be largely
increased in membership.
On August %, the 1l1th anniversary OF
the battle of Rhode Island, the society
made pilgrimage TO the Butts hlll Fort,
which formed portion of the battle
ground. Before tnat meeting adjourned
il was voted that the society present to
the General Assembly a memorial asking
that this ancient earthWork be preserved
and thot the state acquire the land on
which IL is built. j believe that this
project Is one worthy of the serious con-
sideration OF the society The Butts Hill
Fort is the only work now remaining in
any substantial form that WIS part OF
the system OF fortiiications at the north
end of the island. Ii was near here that
most of the fighting took place and where
the greatest loss TO both armits was sus-
tained. This fort has tho distinction of
having been occupied successfully by the
British, American and French armies. IL
is IN a remarkable state OF preservat ion
and with small outlay could be kept in
such shape that IL would mark for years
yet to come one of the peculiarly import
ant battles OF the Revolution.
On Saturday, November 30, the society
was honored by having as its guest Cen
eral Horace Porter, president general OF
the National Society, the occasion taking
the form OF reception and banquet at
the Narragansett Hotel
An experience OF some years has led me
TO the belief that the board OF managers
OF the society should be increased in
numbers. AS this board Is at present con-
stituted II consists of the officers Of the
society and the delegates to the National
Congress, the general membership OF the
society having no representation or voice
whatever IN the management or policy
OF the society save as they express II in
the choice OF general officers st each an
nusl election.
The society is State organization and
! believe that II Should be representative
Of the state and to this end 1 would