Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-01-07

pose in the performance of public duties.
l have always received at their hands
the most generous consideration and l
owe to them debt of gratitude that |
can never pay. May the richest blessings
be with them and with you.
AS the Governor sat down and the
applause died away Gen. Conner
stepped forward and on behalf of the
staff presented Governor Cleaves with
magnificent loving cup, on behalf OF
Of solid silver with gold lining, stand
ing 10 inches high, and beautifully
constructed. 1t is appropriately en-
graved and bears the names of all the
/ members of the staff. Gen. Connor's
brilliant speech of presentation follows
in full
Mr.. Commander:
You have been addressed in behalf of
your friends who have represented the
several civil departments of the govern
ment under your administration as Gov
ernor. Besides your functions as Chief
Magistrate you have been invested by the
constitution with the command of that
supreme sanction of the supreme eXecu-
tive power-the military force of the
State. Through the courtesy of my as
sociates, the exceedingly gratifying duty
has been assigned me of voicing the SEN
tments of your military family toward
you as chief
|! The members of your staff share the
universal sentiment of the people you
have served. that in your great office you
have exhibited a regard for the public
and "a fair mindedness which have caused
your stewardship to rebound to the bene-
lit of the State and advanced your name
to a high place on the roll of her merit
OriOJlS and hOnQrp1
Through our duties as officers entrusted
with the execution of your commands, all
have deserved no less of the State than
rs its civil ruler. The National Guard of
the State of Maine dates its title from
the first year of your administration. and
at the close of the four years of your
leadership it is numerically 50 per. cent.
stronger than at any former period in
the history of, the militia. and in the esti-
mate of those competent to make the
comparison. it's Improvement in equip
ment, efficiency and esprit de corps" has
fully equalled the increase in numbers.
1t is now a fine organization, made up
of the sterling young manhood of the
State, taking pride in the profession of
arms and ready for any duty that may be
required of it. Officers and men nave been
inspired to do their best by the knowledge
of your interest in them and your belief
that "a well-regulated militia" is an in
dispensable adjunct to the civil authority
of the State.
Your personal no less than your official
influence has been upon them. They
have, taken pride in having for a com
mander one who has himself known not
only the toilsome drill. the dusty march
and the hardships of the bivouac. but
was a participant in the noblest duty of
the soldier in those glorious days, a gen
GRAFTON ago, when
1.-The long, locked ranks went roaring
down to die
in defence of country.
The record of your service in this capa-
city is made up and will stand through
the years to come an honor to the State
and to YOU. May success attend you in
whatsoever fields you may choose to
labor. 1t would be inconsistent with the
scheme of full earnest s, life; and ,, with
happiness. A warm-hearted man, of gen.
erous instincts and emotions. sensitiyely
responsive to every appeal Tor sympathy.
must feel deeply the inevitable sorrows
that fall upon the friends those qualities
attract to him. Rather do We wish that
you may continue to find It the highest
use of life to share and tighten the bur-
dens of all who may come within the
wide sphere of your friendship.
Our association with you during the
unbrokenly pleasing that We would fain
rescue some memory of that period from
the pitiless years. Therefore we beg your
acceptance of this simple token Of our
attachment--this flowing cup the ira
ditional symbol of tender memories of
'.lang syne' and of mutual affection. and
We bespeak for II place where 1t Will
and bring to mind the joys of the scenes
in which we bore a part, and the loving
regards and the earnest wishes that all
good my come to you. with which this
coup runneth over.
Again the Governor, deeply affected.
arose and expressed his gratitude and
kindly feeling as follows:
Gentlemen of the Military staff:
Our four years of pleasant associations