The Portland daily press., 1896-05-29
RECEIVED HIS PASSPORTS.
Past Commissary Leander w. Fobes Can
Go to Europe.

/ o6O \ tSO OSA~4AA~NSS''AJ
Leander W. Fobes of the Venerable Gun
ner Association was talking with one o.
the prominent members of the club and
happened to refer to his coming European
trip. His companion Immediately asked
Mr.. Fobes if he had received permission
to make tho trip from the Commissary,
Mr.. Harvey Murray, who is alone author
lied to grant the necessary papers MI.
| Fobes admitted that lie had not, but
would do SO forthwith, and shortly after.
sent in his request to that important
functuary.
| One night this week, so it has been told
to US (although we dare not name our
authority owing to the severe penalties
| inflicted upon members who give out
| anything in regard to the clubs doings
that have not first passed through the
hands Of the censur) MI. Fobes received
notice that the club would meet ct their
seashore cottage and that his presence
was required. Like the faithful Venerable
Gunner that no is he obeyed the sum
mons. There he beheld a remarkably full
attendance. There was ex-Deputy Col
lector of the Port Lewis B. Smith, who
HASN'T been seen in Portland for six or
seven years, the Oldest Gunner in the
association, whose presence was hailed
with joy by all, besides many others
whose names are inscribed on fame's
bright roll.
After the frugal repast was ended, and
| fhn De- 1i1,1%
Leach arose and, after referring to the
sterling qualities of their worthy past
commissary, who was abort TO leave
them, presented Mr.. Fobes a superhly
engraved parchment passport. signed by
the officers Of the club giving the holder
authority to go anywhere from Australia
to Russia, from the Samoan islands to
the Antarctic ocean, and yised by every
consular officer known and by many
Iaore that were totally unknown.
Mr.. Fobes rose to reply, but before he
could edge in "a word, another member
broke in saying, that it was about time
Fobes went. The club was sick and tired
of hearing him tell how things were done
when he was commissary, and ii they
got as much of a rest by his absence as he
did, both would DO satisfied. Still the
club wanted to show some proof of re-
gard for one of their mombers who ha d
proven SO superb q kicker, and he de-
sired to present him past commissary
jewel. Well that was a jewel worth
having. In all the jewels seen at the
Moscow coronation we doubt if there was
one like it. A huge gold disk, orna-
mented with the society's seal formed
from limitations of the choicest Havana
cheroots, and surmounted by circle of
diamonds, rubies and emeralus that
would have made the Orloff diamond
seem insignificant.
AS Mr.. Fobes again arose to respond
Mr. NJ. Z. Hicks was too quick for him
and presented Is life proserver in the
name of Mr.. John B. Coyle, life pre-
server that we havn't any doubt will
fairly protect Mr.. Fohes and all his
family.
But the browning gift of all came from
Past Commissary l.. 3. Smith in behalf
Of the club, gift that will always be
priced by the recipient, a gift that will
be last in his thoughts at night and first
in the morning, q gift such as is rarely
bestowed by the association.
Then and not till then did Past Com
missary Fobes find voice to respond to
all these tributes Of regard and affection.
We wish we could give his speech, but he
positively forbids it. But one thing we
can say, that when he returns from over
the sea he will not have been unmindful
him and it is safe to say their kindness
will be returned four-fold.