Bridgeton pioneer., 1898-04-28
PATRIOTIC JUNIORS.
Interesting Meeting at the Opera House
Tuesday Night.

Tuesday Night.
The union meeting of the lodges of the
Junior Mechanics from all over Cumber
land county, held in the Opera Ho1se +
Tuesday evening, was one of the most I
fervent, patriotic meetings ever held in +
this city. The audience, while not nearly
as large as expected, went wild with en-
thusiasm. The whole interior of the /
building was wrapped with the national !
coiors, and flags were everywhere. From
the rotnnda hing the flag of Free Cuba, |
and over it hung the American flag, as if |
protecting it. The effect was beautiful. |
small flag was given out at the door to
each of the audience, who came in.
very interesting program had been
prepared to entertain the visiting lodges,
and it was well rendered. The Indepen-
dant Band furnished the music, and
made the building ring with martial air.
The meeting fairly breathed the senti
ments OF liberty and patriotism, which
In these times are so significant. Many
speakers were present, who were high in
the order. The Millvile Mandolin Club
played sweet music. One piece, entitled
the "Cuban Hero, was encored four
times, and great applause greeted their
efforts.
Rev. Charles Elder made the opening
prayer, and Rev. E. w. Stone made the
address of welcome and in a delightful
manner extended most hearty greeting
to the visiting councils and the public.
The band played America, and by re-
quest the audience rose, sang and waved
the flags. 1t was enough to thrill the
pulse and wake the spark of liberty in
"a peace at auy price man."
Past State I ouncillor G. T. Fisler, Cam
den, was the.6rst speak er and he made
good address. His remarks were timely
and they fitted the issue of the times
He said: "We are here tonight in com
mon cause, thai of liberty and Junior Me-
chanics." He spoke of the society, its
origin, its purpose to instill in the Ameri-
can youth the idea of liberty and patriot
ism; Of its good work in being ms ru-
mental in passing the free text book law
for that great American institution, the
public schools. He discussed the labor
question. the low wage scale and its ac-
compaliying evils. he alluded to the
| publisios,ituiinns of the country and of
1 free education as the backbone, arm and
sinews OF This glorious land.
| The Mandolin Club played a selection
and a telegram was read from Fergus
1 Deems, the State Councillor, sending his
regrets.
State Treasurer J. J. Reeves, of Sea-
bright, gave short talk He echoed the
Past Councillors remarks. He spoke of
the number of Juniors in this State, and
he said, the number was sufficient to
kick the Spaniards off the Island of
Cuba. (much appause.) He spoke ofthe
emigration law, how the Order had fough hit
the growing evil and he urged them to
battle with it constantly.
The Mandolin Club interspersed with
| pleasing selection.
| The next speaker was Senator E. C.
Stokes, of Millville and he made pa
triotic address that was we'll received.
State Secretary William II. Myers, of
! Trenton, gave few remarks on the OBJ
| ject of the Order. The Rev Charles H.
| Elder stirred the audience with a thrill
| ing patriot address. He said, 1--WE are
| in the midst of a revival of Americans,
and this is the greatest republic ever
existed on it's resources the Creator has
+ stamped intfnity. Its constitution is a
/ marvel of statemanship, of the patriot
ism of its inhabitants, which draws us
together as brothers. He told of the firm
stand ot the Order against emigration.
| He said America was becoming the poor
house for the worlds p4upers the Botany
Bay for her criminals and "A dumping
ground for her scavengerS. lleurged them
to fight it to til end His remarks were
! America for Americans and America for
ever.
p. Fl. Pack ard. chief of police, Justice of
! peace, editor of the Americdn Mechanic
and Mayor of Seabright, WAS the
last speaker. His remarks were in a
humorous vein and he kept his audience
| laughing AL the time.
The meeting closed with three rousing
cheers for America and Free Cuba.
Tax on Tobacco.