The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-03-24

Fitchburg, March 23.-The Fitchburg
Merchants Association contaminated
their greatest and grandest undertake
ing this evening, when they did all
honor to Gen, Nelson A. Miles, COM
handing general of the United States
army, at their annual banquet. which
was held in the spacious apartments of
the Johnsonia building, where the dis
tinguished guest made his headquar-
ters.
Not only was Gen. Miles toasted and
feted, but Congressman George W.
/ Weymouth and Col. Albert Clarke Of
Boston and S. A. Stevens, president Of
the Leominster Board of Trade, were
also received with due courtesy.
1t was most fitting compliment to
this grand soldier of high rank, since
his birthplace was on the border Of this
now thriving city, in that wholesome,
handsome town of Westminster, lying
at the base and in the shadow of old
| Wachusett Mountain.
so great was the demand for tickets
that not one-third of those that desired
| them could be accommodated including
many delegations from other parts of
the state who wished to assist in the
greeting to Gen. Miles, the first that
mas Deen extended in similar manner
since the Spanish-American war.
The city was gayly decorated with
bunting and flags in honor of the visit,
and large crowds gathered on the street
to herald the approach of the guests
or the day and evening, notwithstand-
ing the bad weather. In the morning
Walter Perley Hall, Henry A. Good
rich and Maj. b. ID. Dwinnell went to
Boston and escorted the invited guest
to this city arriving on the Montreal
flyer at l2.15 p. m. At the train they
were met by a committee from the Mer-
chants Association consisting of Presi-
dent +. l.. Rolph, Mayor Anderson.
members of the association and mem
oers Of the aldermen and common
council.
Previous to this time the escortinR
bodies had arrived at the station and,
headed by the Fitchburg Band. the
line OF march was taken from the de-
pot through Main street and around the
upper common to the Johnsonia, where
the Headquarters of the party win be
during their stay in the city. The line
moved in the following order:
Fitchburg Military Band, "a pieces;
c. A Patz, leader.
Mai. George II. Priest.
Company b, U. S. ", so men; Capt.
A. r. Fellows.
Company d, U. S. ", so men; Lieut.
Andrew J. Wheelan.
Post 10, G. A. r., 30 men; Commander
e. A. AlYord.
Sons of Veterans. 80 men; Commander
c. f. Pierce.
Arriving at the Johnsonia. the escort
ing bodies drew up in review and fine
guests passed into the building occu-
plying special suite Of rooms that had
been prepared especially for their bene-
fit.
At 2,45 carriages were taken for the
high school building where the pupils
OF that institution and the 9th grade
We're given an opportunity to greet the
war hero, and listen to a few choice
remarks. The party then drove TO city
hail where the public reception was
held from until 8 p. M, Gen. Miles.
Col Clarke, Congressman Weymouth,
Mayor Anderson and President Stew
ems Of the Leominister board Of trade
forming the receiving party. An enor-
nous crowd took occasion to greet the
guests, and cordial hand shake and
a few words were received by each.
The Russell orchestra was in attend
ance and discoursed the following pro-
gram;
March; overture, "Schauspiel." KeIi
"'~ASSeASiit IL IlONdlDfe, vera.
American Fantasia, North and South"
Bendix; two step, "Charlatan," sousa;
Waltz, MY Estelle," Tobani; Medley.
The best ever" Boyer; Gavotte. "a
little fairy" Hermann; finale. selected.
city hall was mass of bunting and
flags the like Of which has not been
equalled in this line before Bunting
and flags were in profuson and a large
portrait OF Gen. Miles occupied an i'm
portant place over the stage. Over 400
American flags, the smallest Axe feet,
and the largest 18X40, and several hun
dred yards Of bunting were used in this
connection.
DR.. James Ross was IN charge Of the
corps of ushers consisting OF 20 gentle
men as follows: David II. Merriam, |
Fred l.. Cummings, Edward j. Sullivan. |
Daniel w. Teehan Horace f. Cove, |
William c. Goodwin. Herbert II. Jen-
nison, Samuel II. Lowe Elmer A. on
thank, Benjamin II. Perkins, Frank S. |
Stone, Clarence r. Upper, Lincoln r. |
WEIGH, Edward r. Wilbur Joseph H. |
Jaseph, Herman p. Kimball. Frank G. |