Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-24
GEN. MILES Al FlIcHBURe.
Citizens and Soldiers Give Him a Most En-.
thu,iastic Reception.


Fitchburg. Mass, March 23When
Major General Miles became the guest
of this city, this afternoon, to be en-
tertained by its people and accorded
many delightful courtesies. he had
reached almost, in the course of his
New England visit, his birthplace and
boyhood home in Westminster.
Though the weather was simply
wretched. the reception accorded Gen.
Miles and Mrs. Miles was not whit
less cordial than that which had been
their lot at Boston.
At the railroad station, on the arrival
of the noon train from Boston, bear
ing Gen. and Mrs. Miles, a committee
from the Boston Merchants Associa~
ton. Mayor Samuel Anderson ana
President +. l.. Eolph of the Fitchpu's
Merchants Association. EXTENDED tnc
formal welcome to the city Iheh' UNI
der military escort. made up OF vet
Grams of two wars, the guests were
driven to the hotel for luncheon
A little later Gen. Miles was hailed
as "A hero by scores of bright School
Girls and boys at reception IN the
High school and their tribute To him
was 4 floral wreath. Later. there
were other courtesies. simple in them
selves, but all adding to the sum total
of pleasure, and in the evening ban
Uuet at which Gen. Miles spoke. and
was congratulated in no uncertain
way
General and Mrs. Miles will visit
Westminster Friday.
At the railroad station here Mayor
Samuel Henderson and f. l.. Rolph.
president of the Merchants Associa-
ton. were in waiting to greet the Vlsi-
tors. Thousands of citizens INDUCED
in enthusiastic cheers as the train drew
in and Gen. Miles and party left the
car.
The visitors We're received by the
mayor and Mr.. Rolph and taking car
riages, proceeded under escort OF 81
members of the G.. 4. r., d detachment
Of the Sons of Veterans, and Cos. 3
and ID of the 9Th Massachusetts Regi-
mcnt. over short line of march
through the principal streets to their
hotel.
The carriage of General Miles was
attended by a mounted guard consist
ing of Major G.. II. Priest of the 9th
Massachusetts. Gen. John w. kimbali,
state auditor. Commander Wheeler OF
the G. A. r., and Andrew Cornell,
George Il. Goodrich. Capt. d. w. Col
Inns and ]. Is. Barber.
After luncheon at the Jonsonia hotel.
the party We're escorted to the High
school where upwards of 100 pupils
sang a number of patriotic songs. The
general smoke to them briefly.
A wreath of laurel and roses was pre-
scented to Mrs. Miles on behalf of the
pupils by Miss Mary Anderson. dauGh-
ter of Mayor Samuel Anderson and was
taken to Mrs Miles by Superintendent
of Schools Edgerly.
A public reception was given the dis
tinguisned visitors in City hall, when
over 5000 people improved the oppor-
tunity of shaking the general by the
hand He was aided in receiving by
Mayor Anderson, Col. Albert Clarke,
Congressman G. w. Weymouth, Samuel
A. Stevens, president of the Leomins-
ter Board of Trade. Daniel &. Miles, a
brother of the general. and f. l.. Rotph,
president of the Merchants Associa-
ton. Among those in attendance ut the
reception were the generals sister
Mrs. Gardner Merriam of Leominster
and her daughter. Mrs. l.. q. King ol
this city and Col. w. II. ID. Cochrane
of Nashua, n. H.. who was on Gen.
Miles STAFF at AppamottaX when Lee
surrendered.
The evening banquet at the hotel was
preceded by a reception to the % gen
th.,nen who participated in the festiNi-
ties Dinner was served at ocl0ch
and intense enthusiasm was aroused
when the general entered the banquet
hall President Rolph of the Mcf-
chants Association. presided and m
trnduccd Waiter Perley Hail. AZ toast
master Mayor Anderson was the iirSs
speaker and briefly. extended the wei
come of the city. Henry A. Goodrich
followed with a poem complimentary 10
Cen. Miles.
The quest of the evening followed in
an address. "Our Country
Gen. Miles said in part: Il Sr2tilled
to return once more to the scenes where
, spent the happiest hours of my Die,
for they bring back pleasant rccoliec-
lions and sacred memories. ] appre-
ciate the reception of my fellow ciu-
zens and the cordial greetings OF reii-
tives and friends. When we realize ths
blessings and advantages of llVing III
such an age as the present, and ENJOY
the benefits Of such a government. wen
may we consider our advantage over
other peoples of the earth.
And what country in Which 10
place free people. virgin continent
tceming with all the riches that con-
tribute to the welfare and happiness oi
mankind Indeveloped treasures
which have remained dormant for ages
only awaiting an enlightened people ~
contribute to their happiness prosper
itv. comfort and wealth, such as nave
navar been known heretofore in the
history of the world. Our republic mas
given shelter. protection, peace aio
prosperity to all races that nave oe-
sired TO make their abode with me.
There are some great prooleiis ~
scented to the American peooie ma
must be met and solved. rms hat.oh