The Portland daily press., 1898-05-23
PATRIOTIC DISPLAY.
A Great Time at Athletic Club
Saturday Night.
SWORDS PRESENTED TO MEMBERS
OF 74th MAINE VOLUNTEERS.

"A Hot Reception to Major Collins, Capt
O'Neil and Lieut.. welch-Patriotio Ad-
dress by Mayor Randall-speeches by
DR.. f. H. Gerrish, Walter C. Emerson.
Hon. Clarence Hale and Others-Fine
Music by the Band-Beautiful Decora-
tious.
There was an inspiring patriotic
demonstration at the Portland Athletic
club Saturday evening, the occasion being
farewell reception to three members of
the club, Major Charles Collins, Cap
tain J. B. O'Neil and Lieutenant F. B.
w. Welch, who leave for Chickamauga
today with the First Maine regi.
ment.
The exercises were held in the gymna-
sium which was elaborately decorated in
honor of the event. The spacious
apartment was simply ablaze with the
national colors while long lines of red,
white and blue incandescent lamps
radiated from the rafters in the center
of the gymnasium to the railing of the
gallery.
On the rear wall was handsome ban
ner on which was inserted the now his
toric motto Remember the Maine' and
along the sides of the gallery were
pictures of Admiral Dewey and General
Miles and q banner bearing the state
seal.
+ The effect of the decorations were superb
and was favorably commented upon by
all present.
Although many enthusiastic gatherings
have been held in the club house during
the past four years nothing approaching
the enthusiasm manifestedSaturda night
was ever witnessed there before. The
members turned out in full force to do
honor TO the brave men wko are going to
the front and they certainly bade them
hearty "God speed.''
From Suntil $50 an informal reception
was held by Major Collins, Captain
O'Neil and Lieutenant Welch, during
which time they were kept busy shaking
hands and acknowledging the expressions
of good will showered upon them from all
sides.
At length the line of march was taken
up for the gymnasium to the inspiring
strains of the American Republic march
rendered by Chandler's full band.
At the upper end of the gymnasium
eight chairs had been placed in a semi
circle and these chairs were occupied by
the following gentlemen: Hon. Charles
81. Randall, Hon. Clarence Hale, Hon.
William n. Looney, DR.. +. II. Gerrish,
Mr.. Walter c. Emerson, Major Collins,
Captain O'Neil and Lieutenant Weloh.
DR.. Gerrish called the assemblage to
order and explained the purpose of the
occasion, saying that the members of the
Athletic club desired to publicly show
their fellow members who had volun-
tee1ed that their action had been ap-
preciated and that they would be remem.
bered when on the field of battle and also
to present them with fitting testimonial
of esteem.
DR.. Gerrish spoke at some length on tine
various wars the United States had been
involved in and said that the present war
was the most righteous of all for it was
being waged in the cause of humanity
and in behalf of suffering people almost
at our doors who were struggling for
their freedom. DR.. Gerrish brought his
rem arks to close by introducing Mr..
Walter G. Emerson as master of cere
monies.
Mr.. Emerson made a ringing speech
| containing many patriotic utterances
| which were applauded to the echo, and
especially was this true in regard to his
references to Admiral Dewey and an
Anglo-Saxon alliance.
Then came the most interesting and
inspiring portion of the evenings exer.
cises which consisted in the presentation
of three gold mounted and handsomely
engraved swords to the three officers OF
the first regiment.
The presentation of the first sword was
made by Mayor Randall who spoke as
follows:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen of the Club:
Although have had the honor of being
a member of your club ever since its or
gsnization, think this is only the fourth
or fifth time that I have visited the club
house, and am more than pleased to be
present on this occasion.
Some three years ago when the city con-
templated the erection of the new armorv
we met with opposition on the ground
that we were nation at peace with all
the world and needed no military estab-
lishment. Today all this is changed. The
United States is at war with foreign
power and while we hope a few weeks
will see our forces victorious on land and
sea. yet it may be many months before
this is accomplished.
Since the building Of the armory our
people have taken more interest in mill
tary affairs and the companies of the
National Guard rapidly increased in
strength and efficiency until upon the
breaking out Of the war they were the
best in the state and I venture to. say
that when the First regiment of Maine
goes to the front it will not be surpassed
by any in the service. The high state
| of efficiency has been largely accom-
| plished by the energy and perseverance of
gentleman whom we are pleased to
welcome as our guest tonight. A gentle
MI Jhs. CIV, bo hn