Waterbury Democrat., 1902-10-14
FRENCH SOCIETIES.
Convention Will Be Brought to a Close
 in This City This Evening

Convention Will Be Brought to Close
 in This City This Evening.
 One of the most important conyen- tions of the French people of Connec- ticut is nearing an end and by o'clock this afternoon it will have ad- iourned sine die Much benefit will be derived from this convention by the French people throughout the state, but especially by the French residents of this city, All the visiting dele gates are unanimous ill declaring that this convention has been one of the best ever held i'll the state. They are delighted with the reception accorded to them.
 The delegates were somewhat slow in arriving at Concordia hall this morning and consequently it was II o'clock before the convention was called to order. This mornings ses- sion was devoted to discussion of Naturalization and the best means of showing to the French people throughout the country the benefits to be derived from becoming citizens of the United States.
 At the opening of the afternoon ses. sion of the 18th convention of the French people of Connecticut in Con- cordia hall yesterday afternoon at ? o'clock, Mayor D. G. Kilduff was present and welcomed the delegates He referred to the wonderful progress which the French people are making in this city and stated that they were represented in every trade and pro- fession. He made special mention of the fact that they were very law abid- ing people and promised that there would be a bright future for the French people if they bind themselves together and act unitedly as they do in such conventions as the one which opened in this city yesterday. , The remainder of the afternoon ses- sion was devoted to the de1iberation and discussion of various subjects which are of vital interest to the French people of this state. One of the subjects considered was "Educa- tion'' The delegates rehearsed the different phases of this question and referred to the disgraceful habit of | taking children away from school and sending them to work before the proper time, thus neglecting the child's | education for few dollars. .s
 Few vacant seats could have been 1 seen in Polls theater last night when grand concert was given in connec- ton with the convention of the French societies. It was large and enthusiastic audience and we'll must the artists have enjoyed the f1attering reception which was rendered to them. The program as announced 1 yesterday was carried out The large audience enjoyed a rare treat in hav- l ing the pleasure to listen to the sing I ing of Paul Dufault of New York l MT Dufault possesses a beautiful voice and lie knows how to use it.. His singing last night was magnifi- cent and that it was most pleasing to those present was evidenced by the
 many encores which he received pr A. J. Harpin and Miss Eugenie
 Tessier, the blind soprano, shared the
 honors of the evening with MT Du-
 fault. Miss Tessier was especially
 fine. Her voice is sweet and sympa- N thetic. She sang with fine effect and
 was great favorite with the audi
 ence. Every number had it's own spe-
 cial merits. Palms and potted plants
 added to the attractiveness of the
 stage. It was one of the best con-
 eerts ever held i'll Waterbury and the
 committee in charge is deserving of the highest commendation.
 After the concert a grand banquet was held at Concordia hall, about 135 ! people being present, including the delegates, Mayor E. c. Kilduff. sena tor William Kennedy Representative F. F. Guilfoile, City Clerk M. |. Ryan and Sheriff T ". Mcdonald. The . menu was as follows:
 Manhattan Cocktail
 Blue Points sur coquilles Raifori
 ConSomme
 Olives Celeri Poisson blue a Ia Maire d'Hote1 Concombres
 Yin Claret Ponet Comet
 Filet de boeuf, Sauce bordelaise
 Dindon farci, Sauce aux atoca:
 Petits pois de iuin
 Pommes de terre ecrasees f salade de volailles. Sauce Mayonnaist
 Creme glacee, NeaDolitaine f Gateaux assortis Noix Fruits Frontage Rouuefor $ Cafe noir, demi tasse Cigars.
 s pr A. D. David made a decidedl, r pleasing master of ceremonies and tn, t different toasts were of most inter : esting nature. The list of toasts wa 2 as follows:
 , La Vile CThe City) Propose par (proposed by) pr Davit g Reponse par (answered by) .... , .......-........... E. G. Kilduf ' Nos Societies Nationa1es Our Nation al Societies.
 ! Propose par ...x... pr A. O. Baribaul ' Reponse par ............ De Leclair z L'Etat du Connecticut (State of Con ' necticut)
 1 Propose par .......... F. F. Guilfoil r Reponse par ...... William Kenned, q Le President des Etats-Unis Presi l. dent of United States) 8 I BfopOSe par ............. Dr LaRu S Les Franco-Americans des Etats-Uni :. French Americans of the U. S.) l. Pr0pOse par ........ M. D. Lavign e Reponse par ......... M. R. Guess, r Le Presse (The Press) 2 Propose par ...... NJ. Charles Guerfl q Reponse par ........... M. A. Belisl One of the most interesting speech 2 es of the evening was that of M. D ! Lavigne, student at the Yale Lay ' school. He spoke eIoquently. The representatives of French pa