Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-26
The PRECEDENT Arrives.

10 pay Tribute 10 the PRESIDENT OF tnS
United States, one of their comrades
and with such fervor did they per-
form that duty that the afternoon will
SO down in the memory of those who
witnessed 1T as the banner day OF the
encampment. From the moment tina;
the special train that bore the Presi-
dent to the city arrived until he re-
tired, 1t was one glorious and
spontaneous gIoriication, and Presi-
dent Mckinley said that he had never
before half appreciated the warmth Of
sentiment among the veterans From
the depot to the Niagara Hotel the
streets were lined with people and at the
hotel the police ard soldiers from the
nearby barracks. even with the rein
forcement of extras. had difficult work
to keep the multitude in position. Even
when, NTH Mrs. Mckinley and Gov.
Black, the President mad entered the
hotel and vanished from sight. Their.
followed after him the cheers of
the people until he had to come
to the balcony. where he said: II come
to greet you and to thank you at the
same time for your generous welcome
The Grand Army o. the Republic seems
to be on foot today, but not carrying
arms. Those were long since laid aside
and the Grand Army of the Republic
is today dedicated to peace (Applause)
and the Union forever. am glad to
be in the city of Buffalo with my COM
rades of 81 and '65 and my comrades
now. 1 thank you all and bid you
good afternoon"
Shortly after o'clock Columbia Post,
dressed in handsome fatigue coats and
white duck trousers, arrived at the
hotel and acted as escort to the Pres
ident to the Elliott building where the
post entertained the President at a
banquet.
In the reception room of the club the
President met the prominent citizens
of Buffalo and then a little later ne en-
tered the great banquet hall as the
guest of honor of Columbia Post of
Chicago. with 500 other distinguished
guests and soldiers. At the guest table
sat Commander c. H. Mcconnell Of
Columbia Post, POSTMASTER of the oc-
casion; President Mckinley, Com
mander-in-chief Clarkson. Archbishop
Ireland, Mayor Jewett, Gen. Russell A.
Alger, Gov. Frank S. Black, Gen.
James E. Curtis, Chaplain-in-chief
Mark B. Taylor of Brooklyn, Charles
w. Anderson. the negro orator: Will
son S. Bissell, VIM. J. Connors, Col.
Swift, Gov. Pingree of Michigan. Past
Commander-in-chie T. w. Lawler.
Representatives Mahany, Alexander c.
P. Porter Johnson Of Chicago. Col.
Blackman of Chicago, Col. Gage. Gen.
Walker, Gen. Romits, Col. John Weber,
Col. ]. H. Horton, Col. Atkinson, Alder
man Fitch of Chicago, Henry D. Esta-
brook of Chicago, Ferd w. Peck of the
Chicago auditorium, Gen. John S. Wise
and Augustus F. Scheu.
When an elaborate menu had been
discussed the POSTMASTER called for
Gov. Frank 8. Black and he responded
as follows: "The Columbia Post of
Chicago has permitted me to extend to
it's guests a welcome to the state of
New York. In discharging this agreeable
task I wish to extend to the post my
acknowledgement of it's favor and to
make at least some imperfect express
sion of my pleasure It meeting its
members within this state. To all its
distinguished guests, am glad to offer
TIC noSuIdHCc tudl tHclI pTeSeIcc mere
will be among the gratefully remem-
bered events in the history of the city
and the state. To the soldiers there is
| always welcome wherever the recollec-
ton of heroic deeds survives, and as
the time grows longer since the tur-
moil and struggle of the war, the mag
nitude of the soldiers service grows
more clear and the peoples gratitude
that profound.
ITO President Mckinley have al
ready extended welcome on more than
one occasion. but extend 1t again with
growing satisfaction for every meeting
has increased my regard and every
welcome has grown more sincere
At S.45 O'Clock Hon. Mark Hanna
who had just arrived, came into tbs
banquet hall. His entry was noted by
applause, and as the proceeding
paused, uhe President rose from his
scat and moved along the hall to NEE,
him. There was a shout of applausf
as the twp men clasped hands and tn
| Presidents left hand went upon M
| Hnnna's shoulder. Both took the.
| seats amid applause. 1t was Short
| nEourced that the President had Dc
| sided to make a brief visit to some o,
I he camp fires ard to return. He left