Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-16
AT CAMP BENSON.
Governors Day Program Sue
cessfuIIy Carried Out.
Gov. Powers and Staff, Gen. Richards
and Past Com. Carleton Present.
Fine Literary Program and Speaking in the
kflernoon-large Attendance.

had a generous slice out of the sunny
weather of the past two months in
stead of lowering skies and showers,
the receipts would have been bigger
and the crowd of Governors day
would have been larger. AS it was
there was no dust, intense heat, nor
rain enough TO interfere materially
with the program. In the afternoon
delegations came from the Sons of Vet
Grams camps at Bangor, Dexter. Pits
field. Biddeford, Carmel and Etna, the
largest delegation being from Bangor,
Daniel Chaplain Camp No. 3, and DeX-
ter H. l., Wood Camp, No. .. Four teams
of Sons of Veterans competed in the tug
of war in the forenoon, the winners
being Dexter and Bangor, these win
ners trying it out in the afternoon. DeX-
ter winning the first prize, S., by
foot
There We're potato, foot and sack
races. open to the public, and like
sports to liven the occasion. y feature
that created much amusement. and
was dubbed THE Human Race" was
between small boys leaving their shoes
and stockings behind, and running out
a fixed distance and back, their foot
wear being meanwhile shufiied togeth-
er. and then picking il out and putting
it on, the first to get his feet dressed
being the winner. For a simple sport
it created much hilarity.
Governor Powers arrived at Newport
on the afternoon train and with Col. l.
X. Stetson of his staff, was driven to
L.. ,,-bn h.. i,inai h,-
Adit. General Richards and Hon. l.. T.
Carleton. The Governors party was
met near the entrance by the Veterans
drawn up under command Of Capt. G.
r. Barker. escorted by the Sons Of Vet
Grams, the Bangor camp being under
command of Capt Blake and the. other
camps under Lieut.. \. S. Libby. Music
was furnished by the Dexter and Ban
gor bands The Governors salute was
not ended before the party reached the
hall where indoor exercises We're held.
The literary and musical features of
the program We're under the auspices of
the Women's State Relief Corps.
Chairman +. +. Sprague ably presid-
ed and introduced Governor Powers.
who was enthusiastically received and
in a few admirably chosen words deliv-
cred a most felicitous speech. His re-
marks in the abstract were as follows:
Ladies and gentlemen, members of
the various organizations here assem-
bled: | am deeply gratified to be here
once again. the last time | shall ever
visit Camp Benson as the Governor of
this State.
1t is Il place to which l always like to
come. was born out here only about
eight miles and | always see old familiar
faces and l am glad to meet those who
have come upon the stage since then.
This is not an suspicious day but | see
a great number here and an interesting
program, and ! will not take up your
time. il doesn't always seem possible to
comprehend our blessings. Why, we live
in the best age, the best country and the
best State in the world. Maine has al
ways done her part toward making this
tire best government on the globe. CAP
plause). The patriots of the Revolution
laid the foundations broad and deep; the
patriots Of 81 preserved and perpeluated
it, Are they not entitled to as mucn
credit as the patriots of the Revolution?
This country was changed by them in
many particulars. 1t is established for
all time that it shall not become a con-
federacy of states. that the folds of its
flag shall not float over slave. Never
before in the history Of the world has
there been such prosperity as since that
war. All that constitutes true progress
has had unprecedented increase. BY your
heroic sacrifices you brought this nation
into the right road.
The same spirit of self-saerifce lives
and is a vital force. today. Two years
ago. in the war with Spain, we saw that
eXcmpltied.
No men ever fought in a more just
cause than you. 1t was not to create
country for the privileged few but one
where the principles of the Declaration
of independence should become a verify.
The nation owes YOU delhi If never has
and never can repay. The people of
Maine are indebted to you in no small de-
gree. No soldiers ever made a record
Drawer or nobler the Governors closing
tribute was eloquent in the highest de-
gree ana was most warmly received.
The next speaker was Adjutant General
Richards. whose remarks were very APP
propriate to the occasion and elected ap-
plause at several pertinent illusions;
His Excellency, he said. has referred
to the fact that Maine has and always
will have the material and mettle for sol
diers. Certainly it has been demonstrated
that we also have the material for war
Governors. Here the speaker paid de-
served tribute to the liberal manner in
which Governor Powers advanced money
for the States soldiers two years ago.
and the soiicitude ne manifested on all
occasions for their welfare. General
Richards said he brought greetings from
Camp Powers. on the field Of old Camp
Reyes, to the veterans at Camp Benson.
Last night" he said. Il left your sue
cessors on that Old field, under canvas,
sleeping on the ground, and all who are
acquainted with them say they are
worthy successors. They honor your
DEEDS
Col. /. X Stetson made a short but
pithy speech that contributed much to
the enthusiasm of the meeting. He elo-
,quently referred to what the soldiers of
the present are doing. to the worldwide
influence this country has attained.
The meeting in the hall was closed by
one of Past Commander Cartoons char
acteristic speeches which had but one
fault. everyone thought it was far too
short. Indeed. the hour was so late Mr.
Carleton did not attempt to make a
speech. He said he did not think it fair
TO put him in after such distinguished
speakers including the brigadier states
men. daughter. He had listened with
the greatest pleasure. He was proud that
the Governor of the State should think
enough of them to make his annual pill
grimage to Camp Benson In Governor
Powers the old soldier had a firm, true
friend. as his record showed. as far back
as when he was in Congress and he
would be when again in Congress In
closing he said he did not like to hear the
veterans called ola. He felt rs young as
ever and the ladies looked as young TO I