Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1897-05-06
THE CAMP FIRE.
An Excellent Programme OF REGULATIONS.
Music and Addresses Given in the Grand
Opera House Last Night

An Excellent Programme of REGULATIONS.
Music and Addresses Given in the Grand
Opera House Last Night.
The campfire was a complete success.
The audience entirely filled the Grand
Opera House, The programme was ex-
cellent and the audience manifested its
appreciation in the most frequent and
liberal applause.
The exercises were opened with the
singing of America" by the entire au-
dienCe, led by COmrade r. B. Taylor, of
Petersburg. Then a very pleasant
event occurred, which was not down on
the programme A committee from the
Ladies Of the G. A. r. appeared upon
the stage, and Mrs McFadden, as their
spokesman, in a few we'll chosen words
presented beautiful floral representa-
ton of a G. A. r. badge. II was ac-
copied on behalf of the Grand Army
by Commander Freer.
The exercises were opened with re-
marks by Jr. Vice Dept Commander
Richard Robertson. Dick" is never so
thoroughly at ease as when talking to
his OLD comrades, and his speech last
night was excellent. He spoke of the
efforts of the local Posts to make the
stay of the visitors enjoyable, and prom
ised that the efforts would continue
Mayor Butts was unable 70 appear
and his place was eXcellently filled by
his clerk. Thos. O'Brien. Jr. Mr.
O'Brien'S sentiments, no less than his
oratory. aroused the audience TO a high
pitch of enthusiasm. He made one of
the best speeches Of the evening. The
reply was made by Dept. Commander
Romeo II. Freer.
Mrs. Amanda Murdoch, of this city,
made brief but excellent address, on
behalf of the Woman's Relief Cnrps.
She was followed by Harry Tape, who
recited "Sheridan's Ride" in an admir-
able manner. Homer Crago followed
with an excellent recitation Of "Barbary
Frickery,' a parody on the famous
poem by Whittier A banjo, mandolin
and guitar club then rendered several
pleasing selections.
Mrs Hit. National president Of the
Womau's Relief Corps, was introduced
and delivered an excellent address about
ten minutes in length, dwelling
upon the work of the order which she
represented.
An excellent speech was made by
Hon. w. II. c. Curtis. Ii was one OF the
most effective addresses Of his life. His
beautiful patriotic sentiments were
couched I'm chaste diction. and his de-
livery was a splendid oratorical style.
His remarks were frequently interrupt
ed by applause.
Past Department Commander Walker
was the next speaker. He referred in
feeling terms Of the privations Of war,
the forced marches, exposures TO
weather. and fierce battles, and said
that the veterans did not regret the
sacrifices which they made upon the
affairs of their country. The witty al
lusions which interspersed his remarks,
were warmly applauded. He spoke OF
the debt which the nation owed TO the
army of the republic. When he con-
cluded there were cries of 'Dovener, "
+ in response 10 which the Congressman
stepped upon the stage. He was warm
~ apUlaUded.
Capt. DOvener remarked that 1t was
the first time in his life that he was
drafted. He said he came home, not to
meet the old veterans, but to renew his
acquaintance with the boys'-the boys
as he knew them in the dark days of
lS61-'65. He spoke of the patriotic
response 10 the call for volunteers, Of
the breaking of home ties of the bloody
struggle of the Sos, and of the reunited
country which the Union army left as
legacy to the nation. He dwelt upon the
obliteration of sectional lines to-day,
and expressed the hope that it would
continue TO be until the end of time
one country and one flag.
Owing to the lateness Of the hour,
there were no more addresses, and the
exercises were closed with the singing
of "Tenting on the old Camp Ground
bv Comrade Charles T. Reed.