The Portland daily press., 1898-05-23

When Major Collins arose to respond he
was greeted with three hearty cheers. He
thanked the mem bers for their kindness
and said he greatly appreciated the good
feeling and kindness which had been
shown towards him and his brother
officers.
"The ovation which we received on the
second of May convinced us that Portland
was not cold city," said the Major.
"and tonight am more ermly impressed
with this fact than ever before. -
Major Collins spoke of the efficiency of
the First regiment and said that it would
be a credit to the state for it was COM
posed of fine set of men who were well
drilled and thoroughly equipped. He also
paid a high compliment to Governor
Powers and Adjutant Richards both of
whom he said had been criticised unjustly
when they were doing all in their power
to place the troops in readiness to respond
to the Presidents CALL The Major also
referred to the sacrifice some Of the men
were making in going to the front and
said this was especially true of DIR. O'Neil
who was leaving large and lucrative
practice for the mere pittancs Of
soldiers pay. In conclusion Mr.. Collins
said that he hoped to prove worthy Of the
expressions of confidence and good will
which had been manifested towards him.
At this point the band played the "Star
Spangled Banner" and the entire assem-
blage arose and sung the grand old an
them until the walls fairly rung.
Hon. Clarence Hale was the next speak
or and his remarks were followed with
the closest attention. He spoke of the
sword as national emblem and dwelt
upon the noble use to which it was to be
used In the present war; He briefly re-
counted the many deeds of cruelty record
ed in Spanish history and said that her
flag should now be driven from the west
ern hemisphere. Mr.. Hale referred to the
greatness of the American nation and said
that before the next generation had passed
away our nag would wave over 5O0, OO0
O0O people and some day when entwined
with another flag it would stand for an
Anglo.Saxon alliance and the world IT.
self.
Mr.. Hale then called Lieutenant Welch
forward and presented him with sword
and this was the signal for another out
burst of wild applause.
Lieutenant WEIGH BRIEFLY thanked the
members Of tho club for their handsome
gift. He said that he did not come pre-
pared to make speech for he supposed
on the senior officer. In closing he said:
II will prize this sword and will carry 1t
to the best of my ability wherever called
upon. I feel sure that the Maine troops.
will behave as nobly in the present war
as they did from 81 to '65. !"
The band then rendered Sousa's IA
nous "Stars and. Stripes Forever and
this was the signal for another outburst
of patriotic enthusiasm.
When it had subsided Hon. William b.
Looney arose and said: 'sThe pleasing
and honorable duty has devolved upon
me of presenting to DR.. O'Neil this hand
some sword. 1 hope he will prize it not
for its intrinsic value but as a testimonial
OF the friendship and esteem Of the fell
low members of this club" Mr.. Looney
dwelt at some length on the noble prin-
ciples for which the war was being waged
and closed by saying that the nation was
united today as never before and that all
men stood ready to defend the flag ire
spective Of race, color or creed.
DR.. O'Nell received great reception
when he arose to speak. He expressed his
uAnhAo LII VOii CAOS5A W0EuS duu Ull6u
spoke briefly regarding the war. He said
that the expressions of good will from the
citizens of Portland had served to increase
the patriotism of the men who were 60
ing to the front. He SAID the doctors |
had worked hard during the two weeks |
they had been in camp ana while many
had been rejected for slight ailments the |
result as whole would be most beneficial |
and the regiment which Maine will send
to the front today will probably be
the best regiment physically in the
service.
Mr.. Emerson then read letter Of re-
gret from Lieutenant Colonel Morton who
is member Of the club but who was
prevented from being present owing to
his duties in camp.
The exercises were brought to a close
by the singing of the sStar Spapgled
Banner" and then an excellent lunch
was served by the club steward.