Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-11-25
PORTLAND CHAT.
A Notable Campfire by 800
Portland Veterans.
Shipping Gossip---The Portland Co..
lectorship Contest.
One More Football Gamc-Tomcrrow is IN
Anniversary Of the PortIand's Loss.

There was a large attendance of the
veterans of the War of the Rebellion
upwards of 800 of the old soldiers OF
Portland and vicinity being seated
about the banquet tables. The entire
affair was most pleasant one. and
there was not a dun moment in the
nearly three hours spent in listening TO
the many bright speeches made by
some of the best after dinner speakers
in the city.
ne affair was a notable one in that
II was gathering of a number of the
men who have become we'll known as
among the finest speakers in the whole
state. First of all the toastmaster
was Adjutant General Edward &.
SWEET, known throughout the country
as splendid orator. In early life Ad-
Jutant SWEET was a capable actor, and
was prominently associated with some
of the best known lights on the Ameri-
can stage. He was in this line of bust
ness for only few years, but during
that time he made fine success. For
several years afterwards he was in the
employ of one of the largest wholesale
y
Some 20 years ago he came to Portland
and established himself in the jewelry
business. He retired from active bust
ness duties a few years ago. He then
went on the lecture platform and com
piled u brilliant article on Picturesque.
Maine" This subject gave a splendid
idea Of the wonderful resources Of our
State. 1t has been delivered by Mr.
SWEET in all Of the cities and almost all
Of the larger towns Of Maine, and has
added to the reputation of Mr.. SWEET
as a speaker. Mr.. SWEET has been in
tcrcSted in political affairs all of his
life; and up to three years ago he had
always been a very strong Democrat.
In 90 like many many other Demo-
Gratis he could not see his way clear to
depart from the old established teach
ngS Of his party and support such a
radical policy as espOuSing the free
silver cause. He accordingly joined
the ranks of the Republicans. took the
stump and did his utmost to assist in
rolling UP a good majority for the Re
publican candidates. He took very
active part in the campaign that year
ana his services We're highly appreciate
ID by the managers of the Republican
party. In 90 when Mr.. SWEET was an
ardent Democrat, he was elected by
his party as the delegate from this
district to the Democratic national
convention held at Chicago. Arriving
at Chicago he took the lead among the
members of the Maine delegation. be
ing the only member from this State
who obtained the recognition Of the
chair to deliver speech.
Ex-Governor Robbie was the first to
be introduced by Toastmaster SWEET at
the campfire The ex-governor is still
in the enjoyment Of excellent health
and seems to be as vigorous as when
he was at the head of State affairs at
the Capital in Augusta. He always
arOuses enthusiasm among the old sol
ders with whom he is very popular.
During the last half dozen years the
ex-governor has become more and
more a favorite with the veterans, as
he has shown a spirit to do whatever
lies in his power to help them. At this
campfire he strongly urged that Con
gross should enact a bill allowing
pension of ST. Il month 10 every old
soldier who had attained the age of s.
Years. 1t is needless TO say that this
suggestion from the former governor
of the State. who is now its depart
ment commander, was greeted with
the utmost enthusiasm.
Governor Rohie was followed by Gen.
charles p. MattockS. the only man in
Portland who has the credit Of having
served in both the War Of the Rebel
lion ANA in the Spanish war. General
Mattocks has long been regarded as
fine orator, and it is a great treat To
have him on the list Of speakers al any
gathering in Portland He is bright
witty and eloquent. and is. Of course
particularly right at home when any
thing is at issue relating to the Grand
Army.
Another speaker was Rev Lewis
Malvern. the pastor of the First Free
Baptist church. who. although he hi
been located in Portland for only
couple years. has advanced to the very
front rank as one of the most public
spirited citizens Of the city. He has
been heard many times at gathering.
and it is always a pleasure to listen to
his remarks ever timely and interest
ing Mr.. Malvern came to Portland
from Laconia. \. H.. where he had held
Il pastOratc for Il years. He IS hlgh up
in the ranks of the odd Fellows and
only a few years ago was the grand
master of the Grand Lodge Of New
Hampshire.
The other gentlemen who did their
share to complete the success Of the
evenings entertainment. were Presl-
dent Boothby of the Portland board of
trade. ex-Mayor John w. Deering.
Major William II. Green. Col. Fred \.
Dow. and Major Holman 5. Melcher
All of these gentlemen are interesting
sneakers: and each of them is capable
of telling good stories EX- Mayor
Deering i'll the course Of his remarks
criticised the policy of lighting the
lamps around the beautiful sailers' and
soldiers monument. He said that the
monument should remain in the same
condition at night as it was during the
day time. The throwing of the lghtS
about it in the evening should never b"