Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-21
CAMP BENS0N'S BEST
Was None Too Good for the
Sons of Veterans.
But the Veterans Took the Boys
In at Ball.
Rlcing at Rigby and the Firemen's Muster
Drew Crowd 10 Portland.

Newport, Aug. -(SpeciaD.-One of
the most successful days of the muster
at Camp Benson, Newport, was held,
today, the day being devoted to tn,
exercises of the Maine Division, Sons
of Veterans. Among those in attend
ance We're Col. A. NJ. Soule of Port
land; Lieut.. Col. Rev. Geo. E. Leighton,
Skowhegan; Surgeon Chas. e. Dow,
Waterville; representing the division
officers. The camps at Pittsfield, Oak
land, Bangor, Dexter, East Vassal-
boro, and Waterville We're well repre-
scented by the officers and members vf
the respective camps. The comrades
of the C. A. r. and the ladies of the
Relief Corps and the citizens from the
surrounding towns, began to arrive
early in the forenoon, and before noon
it is estimated that over 500 people
were on the grounds.
The boys devoted the morning hours
to practice in guard mounting and in
features. The remainder of the fore
neon was INDUCED in sports and other
exercises. Dinner was served at L
o'clock. AT l o'clock a game of ball
was played between the comrades };
Camp Benson and a team composed of
members of the S. of V. After an eX-
citing contest the veterans were de-
clared the winners by "a score of to 2
The grand bicycle parade was held
at o'clock, in which nearly 80 riders
entered, many of them wearing hand
some costumes, and others mad decor
ated beautifully their machines. The
parade was an interesting event AMI
will doubtless become permanent
feature of the future encampments.
At o'clock in the afternoon Were
delivered the addresses by the officers
of the division. The exercises opened
with selection played by the Corinna
Cornet Band. Comrade Carr then
called the assembly to order and in 4
few well chosen words introduced Col
A. NJ. Soule of Portland, the division
commander, who then delivered the
address of welcome. Col. Soule in his
remarks called attention to the rela-
tive standing of the Maine Division "a
compared With the other divisions OF
the country. He spoke of the necessity
of the young men of the country striv-
ing to work to keep alive the spirit Of
love and devotion to country, and a
respect for it's laws and flag. He
closed by calling attention to the move
nient for consolidation with camp and
posts, and suggested that more good
could be accomplished by individual
organization rather than by consol-
idation.
The lieutenant colonel, Rev. Geo. T..
Leighton of Skowhegan. was then intro
duced and spoke in an eloquent manner,
his remarks being received with marked
approval. Mr.. Leighton spoke on the
subject, 1.-THE Value of Our Order as ii
Appears to the MinHs of the Professional
Classes Mr.. Leighton said: glance
packard shows what is a truth relative
to the maintenance of the Union. War
has shown us that the country can rely
upon the patriotism and gallantry of It's
people. 1t shows US with what quickness
our citizens can take up arms. also With
what alacrity our citizens can resume
business. Our order teaches patriotism.
instills loyalty. The Sons of Veterans will
be the representative organization off the
United States
His address closed by calling special at
tention to the orders issued by Past Ma
tional Commander Veazie of the q. Al X.
endorsing our organization and it's prin-
n worthy end in view and should there
fore be encouraged. as it is. by the spro-
fessional classes, as many of the bright
est and most learned men of the country
are members of the order.
Letters of regret on account of inability
to attend the exercises were read from
Department Commander G. A. r., T.. T.
Carleton of Winthrop; Mrs. Nanny. J.:
Colby. president w. n. r. G.. Rnmford
Center; Mrs. Lydia Bickford. president
White, division president Ladies Aid S.
of w. WaldoborO; Past Col. G. ES Mer-
riil. Auburn; Hon. r. w. Hovey. Pitts
field; Hon. L. c. Burleigh. Augusta
T.. Dow of Waterville. who spokeiln an
interesting vein on THE Principles of
the Order" Mr.. Dow called attention to
the fact that in all matters of nationai
Importance the hand of God could be
seen ruling the Gestinies of men AID ma
tons. That it is to AN all-wise Provi-
dence that we owe our existence as a
nation, and to this end we should strive
to live lives of uprightness and principle.
Mr.. Dows address was received with ap-
plluse and was indeed a scholarly iefOrt.
The exercises of the afternoon c0nclud.
ed by all joining in the singing of
America" led by the band.
At the close of the addresses which
were given in the pavilion, dress parade
was held on the association grounds. the
remainder of the afternoon was spent in
an informal manner. Supper was served
at 6 O'Clock, and from to a reception
was rendered Col. Soule and stan. A
dance was held for the remainder OF the
evening and was well attended. The di-
vision commander and staff returned to
their homes on the Pullman train. The
interest in Sons of Veterans day was
noticeably on the increase, and the di-
vision officers feel that the work done at
Camp Benson will be fruitful of results