The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-02-23
Sons Of the American Revolution
Celebrate.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MAINE
SOCIETY.


1t is exceedingly fitting that the Maino
Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution should hold It's annual meet
ing and banquet On the birthday of the
immortal Washington. The patriotic at
mosphere which pervades all the gather
ings of this society is largely enhanced
when the meeting Is held upon Gay so
filed with inspiring sentiment as is the
anniversary Of the birth of him who v as
first in war, first In peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen." The exer-
cises connected with the meeting of the
society in this city yesterday, were par
tioularly interesting and entertaining.
There was very good attendance OF
members when President Butler of Rock
land, called the society to order in the
rooms of the Maine Historical society in
the Baxter library at O'Clock yesterday
morning.
The records were read and approved.
The matter of forming local charters of
the society tributary to the state associa-
ton was discussed at some length and
decision finally deferred to the next an
nual meeting.
to the delegates to the National society
convention, directing then to labor to
secure an amalgamation of the two socis-
ties, the Sons of the revolution and the
Sons of the American Revolution.
The secretary was instructed to see that
the new roll of the society about to be
issued be placed in the leading libraries
Of the country at his discretion.
A unique gift was received from Gen.
+. e. Newcomb of Passport, consisting
of set Of brass buttons and belt plate
which had been part Of the uniform Of
days. The plate was inscribed "The
Kings American Dragons. The relics
were secured by Gen. Newcomb in
the Provinces. Some valuable steel en-
cravings OF scenes Of the Revolution were
received from Mr.. Wilmington Robinson.
Thanks for both these gifts were ex-
tended.
The question of "markers'' for the
graves of Revolutionary soldiers was in
formally discussed.
The efficient Secretary jor Il. S.
Burrage reported as follows:
To the Maine Society of the Sons of the
American Revolution:
The society has had an exceedingly
prosperous year. At the opening of the
<h hod fxun f,un nd
thirty two members. Since that time
fifty one applicants have been received t.
mem bership, the largest number of addt-
tions in any single year in this history of
the society, and one additional member
has been recsived by transfer; SO that
the total gain for the year is hfby-two.
The losses have been rs follows. One
member has been transferred to the Mass
achusetts society four members have
died, viz: Mr.. v. r. Foss, March 8,
1895. Hon. George W. True, March 20,
1895, Mr.. William A. Goodwin, March
81, 1895, all of Portland. and Mr.. Frank
Haskell Of Westbrook, July "a, 1896; four
mem bers have Withdrawn and ten have
been suspended BY the board OF mana
gers for non-payment of dues: total loss
Of nineteen. The net gain for the year.
therefore, is thirty-three. and the present
membership of the society is two hup-.
dred and sixty five.
The board of managers has held four
meetings during the year, viz: April II.
Eeptem Ter 8, 1896, and January O. and
February II, 1897. At the meeting Of the
board held February II, Major Charles
H. Boyd of Portland, WAS elected a
councillor to take the place of Mr.. Edwin
8. Drake. removed from the state.
At the annual meeting OF the National
society of the Sons of the American
Revolution held in Richmond, Va, April
80. 1896, this society was represented by
its president, Hon. Edward A. Butler,
DIR. Charles e. Banks, Col. John NJ.
Glidden, and Archie l.. Talbot, Esq. At
this meeting Mr.. Talbot presented she
resolutions concerning the colors of the
socisty, which were adopted at our an
nual meeting year ago; but as change
of the colors would require change In
the constitution of the National society
action GOULD not be taken, the proper
notice not having been given.
At this meeting of the National society
in Richmond measures were adopted
with reference to union of the two
societies, the Sons CT the American Revo-
luton and the Sons of the Revolution,
the latter society having already taken
steps in this direction. 1t 10 greatly to be
regretted that the committees appointed
by the two societies with reference to the
proposed union received different instruc-
lions, and that on this account negotis-
lions were finally broken of. 1t is evil
dent that the great body Of the members
of both societies desire union, and it can
not Re that this desire will finally fail of
Iultillment. 1t is announced that the
National society OF the Sons of the Revo-
luton has called d special meeting a few
days before the annual meeting of our
own National society, and it is hoped that
at these meetings such action will be
taken that a union of the two bodies may
speedily be consumated.
While the matter of union was under
it was thought hest by the
board of managers to defer the pulica-
ton of the new roll of mem bers. directed
by the society at the last annual meeting,
until the action of the committee of the
two 1ooieties should be known. When,
late in the autumn, information was re-
oeiyed that nothing would be done by
these committees, work on the roll Of
was commenced, and about
one-hal of the volume Is now printed.
In the illustrative part of the work
assistance has bean received
from Mr.. Wilmington Robinson OF Pitts
burg, Pa, member of the society, who
has performed this service gratuitously.
July 4, 1895, meeting of the society
was held in the library room of the
AH,;ro uietorfoo1 oociatv Portland ond