The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-24
GENERAL MILES
AT FITCHBURC.
Citizens Turned Out in Force 10
Give Him a Hearty Welcome.
A RECEPTION AND BANQUET.
The General Makes an Eloquent Address on
iha Topic Cur Country
GREAT PROBLEMS ARE TO Be SOLVED.
Nation Becoming Too Great 10 Rs Controlled BY
Personal interest Combinations Of The Few
Can Iersr freVail Kere.

Fitchburg. Mass. March 24.-Whep
Major General Miles became the guest
OF the city Of Fitchburg yesterday. TO be
entertained by it's people and accorded
many courtesies. he had reached almost
In the course Of his New England visit,
his birthplace and boyhood home in
Westminster.
While he was not In the hands OF his
fellow townspeople, he was at least
welcomed, dined. and acclaimed by the
hndliest of neighbors. for Westminster
Is only few miles distant. Though the
weather Was wretched, the reception ac-
corded General Miles and Mrs. Miles
was no less cordial than that accorded
them in the city Of Boston.
After lunch at the Johnsonia hotel. the
party were escorted TO the high school,
where upwards Of 100 pupils were as
sembled. and sang number of patriotic
songs. The general spoke TO them
briefly, repeating some OF the incidents
as narrated I'm his address at Harvard
university. A wreath Of laurel and
roses was presented to Mrs. Miles on be-
half OF the pupils.
tors in city hall, when over 5000 people
shook the generals hand.
The evening banquet was preceded by
reception. Intense enthusiasm was
aroused when the general entered the
banquet hail, his entrance being the sig-'
nal for long continued applause. Pres
ident Rolph OF the Merchants associa-
tion presided, and introduced Walter
Anderson was the first speaker, and
briefly extended the welcome of the city.
u. y. Goodrich followed with a poem
complimentary To- General Miles. The
guest OF the evening foil ,wCd in an ad-
dress. Our Country"
General Miles said: II am gratified 10
return once more 20 the scenes where |
spent the happiest hours Of my life. for
they bring back pleasant recol,ections
and sacred memories. / appreciate the
reception OF my fellow citizens and the
cordial greetings Of relatives and friends
Going back to the scenes OF my youth
recall an incident that occurred many
years ago while attending place OF
worship in this city. at a time when our
country was enveloped by dark and
threatening clouds OF impending war
1t was after long years OF prosperous
peace, at a time when there was a gem
eral feeling of alarm. and anxious fore
bOdlngs took possession OF the people OF
our land. Doubt. uncertainty and al
most despair filed the hearts OF the
strongest citizens as 60 the future Of our
country. It wss a time. when, in. every
sphere of lfe, all men proclaimed and en-
couraged patriotic sentiments by every
possible agency. On that occasion, as /
recaN it, at the ci0se CT the services, were
read the bcauuifu, lines and the whole
corgreg2 tion Joined IN singing our ma
tional anthem: My Country Tis OF
Thee
II well remember these sentiments:
how in-pressively they instilled into the
hearts of an a fel!ng OF confidence and
OF devotion 10 the best interests OF our
beloved republic We have seen our
country pass through all the phases of
gloom and adversely. and even 10 the
very breach Of dissolution. Again we
have seen II restored TO the armament
OF universal confidence. and to absolute
and irperishable security
it VIC
realize the blessings and advantages ot
living in sech an age as the present, and
enjoying The benefits OF such govern
ment. wen may we consider our adVan-
tagc over other peoples ut the earth The
republic established by the fathers suit
able and applicable 20 100000 people
We und equally adapted and highly ap-
preciatcd by s00O0OO0. And what
country iu which % place free people.
\ virgin continent tceming with all the
riches that contribute ~ the welfare and
happiness ot mankind. undeveloped
treasures which have remained dormant
for ages. only awaiting an enlightened
people TO contribute 90 their happiness
prosperity. comfort and wealth such as
have never been known heretofore i'm the
history OF tae world. our republic has
given shclter protection, peace and pros
perity TO al the rac cs that have desired
o. make their abode with us. We arc to-
day enjoying the largest measure OF lib
erty. with The least restriction Of gov
crnment ard with tho least restraint for
the cnioyucut Of our rise and In the
pursuit OF happiness az any people The
difference in all tne elements conducive
10 our pres 20 liberty within the last 100
wears frofr tNt Constitutional govern