Waterbury Democrat., 1902-02-04

terbury and will cause considerable ln- convenience not alone to local men but to people who come in from abroad.
 Major kilduff, Colonel Geddes and Chief Egan held a conference this morning and decided to continue the service of the militia until further or ders. Later the mayor made a tour of the city and inquired as to- how the work of guarding private property was being conducted, and appeared to be very much pleased with the manner ill which things were handled. So far, he said, no one who had been burned out had applied for assistance, but that he had received q large number of letters of sympathy, two cheeks of $100 each and numerous offers of finan- cial aid in case it should be needed.
 The Catholic Literary association, one of the oldest societies of the kind in the state, appears to be playing in hard luck the past few years. When the Lilley block took fire before. nine or ten years ago, the Literary associa- ton suffered considerable losses. but as most of their stock was covered by insurance, they got over the setback and were in a fiourishing condition when they were burned out the second time On this occasion they saved nothing and the few members who were in the rooms when the fire start ed had all they could do to get their heels out of the place. They had a very valuable library, handsome fur nishings, a pool table and a first-class piano. The library included such works as a complete edition of Apple tons encyclopedia and annuals. Ban- croft's and Ridpaths histories of the United States. large number of works on the lives and adventures of the early French and Spanish. settlers in this country and many interesting vol umes on the Indians of North and South America; very fine edition of Darras's history of the Catholic church, Macanley's works and those of many other English writers. The list also included variety of Irish and American authors on literature, travel and almost everything else one could think of. Some of the books in pos session of the society are out of print and cannot be replaced. Probably the most treasured article belonging to the association was a picture Of the late Rev Lawrence Walsh, which occupied a prominent place in the rooms. and the boys never failed to call the al ten tion of visitors to it. The society was first known as the Christian Doctrine society, and was organized under the auspices of Father Hendricken. first resident Catholic pastor of Waterbury, and afterwards bishop of Providence. Later it became the Y. NJ. c. D. A.. or the Catholic Literary association. It has many tender associations connect cd with it. In it's rooms were held most of the sessions of the people of Waterbury, who came together to de- wise ways and means to help the fam ine-stricken people of Ireland when Parnell sounded the alarm in '79. and it was under it's roof that the remains of Stephen J. Meany were sheltered before being shipped to Ireland for in- terment beside the ashes of his fathers in old historic Clare. The body was accOmDanied by member of the soci- ety.. Martin Scully. Beneath it's roof lectures were given from time to time that attracted almost world wide at- tention. Among the names of the gen. tlemen who lectured under the auspices of the society were the late Vfvar-Gen- era, J. A. Mulcahy, the late NJ S. Crosby, superintendent of schools; the late Rev J. H. Duggan; also Rev Father Crowley, now pastor of St Thomas's narish and at that time a curate In Thomaston: Dr NJ. J. Dona- hue. John J. Splain. Dr Crane, Thomas F. Devine and others.
 The society was organized under the name of thn Y. M. c. l.. A. on August 15. 1869. Two of it's charter members John H. Moran and William c. Kee- nan, are still connected with it. It is hoped that the bows will not lose heart at this second affiiction They should come together at once and lay plans to continue the society along the lines that have made for it success during it's past history
 South Main street is in a rather pass able condition today. Superintendent Kelley had force of men at work all day cleaning the debris from the street and sidewalk, and they made com mendable headway. The telephone and electric light companies also had men at work repairing their wires. As one looks at the wreck on South Main street and recalls to mind the blazing confiagration that was on the east side of the street. especially when the Bos- ton Furniture building went up in flames, one cannot but praise and ad-