Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-01-05
A BEAUTIFUL GAVEl
Presented to Speaker Man'ey by the
Foestrs Ct Maine.
Presentation Speech by Judge curgin.. -Mr
Man!ey Happily Responds.

LIttcc OF tHe Iiign Court OF Maine,
independent Order OF Forestert. was
held at Hotel North, Thursday, after
noon. The following members 1of the
committee We're present: Judge NJ. l..
DurSin, High Chief Ranccr of Milo:
Clarence Scott. Past High ], Chief
nanger. ola Town: L. l.. Walton, High
Counselor, .Skowhegan: Dr.. s., :. d.
Beck, High physician, Franklin: and
DR.. VIM. McDavid, Augusta. e
At o'clock the committee called
upon Speaker J. II. Manley at the
State House and Judge Durgin for tie
committee and in behalf OF the 1000
members of the order IN this state, pro-
scented him with a beautiful gavcl
Judge Durgin in prescrting it spoke IS
follows:
Hon. Joseph Fl. Manley:
In al of the states III the American:
Federation there is no state which has
wrought out better and grander his
tory for itself than the State CT Maine
Not only have its SON, ana daughters
wrought for itself a grand ana noble
history, but they have assisted in
working out grand problems, and have
helped to mould the character and
history Of other states and of the
nation. There is to my mind no one
thing which has tended more to make
the people of the State of Maine noble.
Industrious, truthful and happy than
the grand organizations which exist
within its borders, and standing
among them is the order known us the
Independent Order of Foresters,
which has for membership something
like 100000 in the nation, and in the
State of Maine something like 4,G0o, and
holding within its treasury over S4,
coo, 900, as Z surplus to meet its obli
cations, and today, representing as /
do, the High Court of Maine. in behalf
of my brethren of the order | present
to you this gaVel. not for its value
alone. but that it may be laid up By
you as a memento coming from the
order which ! represent. and which. |
have no doubt, you will treasure, not
for its value, but as a memento coming
to you through the well wishes and
respect which the order holds for you.
And l may say further. that the gavel
which from time immemorial has been
an emblem of authority. and at times
may be welded arbitrarily. yet l be
licve that in your hands it will be
welded in justice. firmness and fair
ness and never arbitrarily, and 50
without making any extended re-
marks. | say to you, and | say it in be-
half of the brethren of 'this grand
order that we, one and all. wish you
the highest attainment of success in
the exercise Of the duties which de-
volve upon you in your exalted posi-
ton. that we hope and trust that God
may protect you in health and give
you wisdom to govern the body over
which you preside, not only with honor
to yourself but with success and for
the best interests of the state, and
may your future. encountered as it is
with the duties which YOU are to per-
form. be as prosperous and happy and
successful as it has been in the past.
Speaker Manfey in reply said:
Judge Durcin. and Gentlemen of
the Committee accept this gift with
gratitude. Your order, as under
stand. was founded to improve the
moral. social and educational condi
ton of its members: to aid all who
need assistance. and yet it is based on
4 broad plane Of faith, hope and
charity. ! take pride in the fact that
am a member of the order. Through
the kindnes of the order | am exempt
from the duties which devolve upon
the other members. | am in sympathy
with its objects. l heartily endorse
all YOU have said of our good state.
This gift Will be priced. not only by
myself but by my children and my
childrens children. AS q member OF
the order founded for noble, and high
purposes, I shall WELD it. not with
arbitrary power but | trust to faith
fully fulfil the will of those who have
hCnoyed me by making me their pre-
siding officer. | shall ever regard it as
an incentive to keep me within due
bounds 1t will inspire me to live up 70
the teachings of our order. ] am deep
" grateful for this gift. to you gentle
men. and to the great order which you
represent, | thank you one and all for
the generous thought which prompted
you to present it to me.
Mr. Manley is not only member of
Pine Tree Camp of Royal ForesterS of
Old Town, but is also a charter MEM
Der of Court Kennebec. No. 1899, of
Augusta.