Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-05-23
UNION VETERANS
Entertain the National COMMANDMENT n
Chief, Gen. Dryenfortn.
Business Meeting, Banquet and Rousing
Campfire in the Evening.

The Maine Department Of the Union
Veterans Union Command assisted by
Atwood Crosby Command. No. TO- L.
V. L., of Waterville, entertained Gen.
Robert St. George Dryenforth, COM
mandcr-in-chief of the national depart
ment of the order upon his official
visitation to the State, last evening. by
a banquet served by the Ladies Relief
of W. s. Heath Post, and a campfire
at Thayer's hail. attended by visitors
from throughout the State and many
distinguished local guests presided.
The afternoon was devoted to a bust
ness meeting at which Major Dryren-
forth and other prominent men We're
present ana made speeches.
At 6 o'clock. supper was served at
Thayers hail, which had been prettily
decorated for~the occasion, the Grand
Army hail not being large enough for
the accommodation Of the large num-
Der of guests. The small rooms at the
side Of the larger hall We're used as the
dining rooms, and the tables We're
decorated in a very tasteful manner.
ported plants and blooms giving an ad-
ded beauty.
The supper was one Of those famous
at an Grand Army occasions ana had
been prepared by the members Of the
Relief Corps, these ladies having
charge Of that part Of the entertain
meHt: Mrs. Lowering, Mrs. o. p. Rich
ardson, Mrs. Stowell. These ladies as
sisted i'll the serving: Misses Georgia
Bushey, Miss Edith Bushey, Eva Simp-
son. Mrs. Nj. Frey. Mrs. Thomas Ran
sted. Mrs. +. Gilpatric and Mrs. w. II.
Savage.
The committee from the u. Y. L.
having the matter in hand for the
preparations was George Wilson. e.
Gilpatric. Hon. P. s. Head. and Q.
Richardson. the latter being the chair
man and the executive head.
The camp fire, in the evening, was
attended by a large number, the hall
being almost filed. The hall was tast-
lily decorated for the occasion, red,
white and blue bunting being every
where in evidence. George NJ. Lover
ing. the department commander of the
State. presided at the meeting. He
first called on Mayor w. c. Philbrook,
who said:
Il have been called on several times
to welcome people to the city but never
have had greater pleasure than at the
present time.
These gatherings are always remark
able, but are now more 50. At this mo-
ment exists two facts. The one, on this
May p, there exists more men under
arms than ever before in the worlds his
tory. With this is another remarkable
fact. | refer to that meeting a The
Hague. a meeting called by the ruler OF
that broad country. that there may be a
total disarmament of the worlds forces.
You are meeting here, tonight, ana i'll
other places are meeting from time to
time. men who have served their country.
! stt here men who know what that
means. | see men who nave laid aside
hope, courage, families and business to
go to war, and returning found much less
than they left. AL the station here, a
year ago, our soldiers We're going away.
To what-God only knows" Mayor Phil
brook then referred to the meetings Of
this Character and then said: III is our
honor to have you here ana we extend to
you all that there is in the city"
General Dryenforth on being introduced
was obliged to wait several moments, on
account of the cheers before he had a
chance to speak. He who when a boy
first went into the service, spoke simply
at first, but later opened up with more
fervor After speaking Of the purpose of
the organizations he said that politicians
political. This organization is the teeth |
and claws of the whole Grand Army.
lie ltt4l passed. OH 20 say IftdI lttt places
in the government departments should. - |
far as IS possible. be given to old soldiers |
and most aSsuredly not to Confederate !
soldiers. This order Of ours can be pow |
erful only 50 long as We stick together !
Passing to political issues, he said: I'VE |
must make 1t 50 that only he who pledges |
himself to support the L. V. r. can ~ !
nominated as President. No reference
has yet been made in any political speech !
to the matter Of pensions There ~ a |
feeling Of neglect among the old soldiers. |
We want as a candidate for the Speak |
er of the House a man who was an old |
soldier. There is only one ga soldier !
among the candidates, David Z. Hanson" |
tApplausel. II predict that we shall num- |
her 10000 mcmbrrs in 4 year. VIZ ~ Md |