The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-05

The descendants of Roger Williams to
the number OF 200 or more gathered in
the grove nearby the museum of natural
history at Roger williams park early yes
terday afternoon, In attendance upon
the 1lth annual reunion of the Williams
family OF this state.
The gathering was a notable one I'm
many respects, and that II proved so sue
cessful was due In large measure to the
efforts OF Joseph d. Hall. Jr. the chair
man OF the entertainment committee, and
his assistants. Indeed. Mr. Hall was in
defatigable in his efforts for the welfare
OF all and proved himself not only
worthy host. but a most efficient master
OF ceremonies. Naturally the festivities
OF the day began with the luncheon.
which was spread on the long. white
covered tables under the trees. and the
only disturbing element of this occasion
was an occasional raindrop and the omin-
Gus clouds overhead which suggested a
rainfall and consequent discomfort.
The rainfall. however, did not descend
until late in the afternoon, when most or
the company had departed.
At the close of the luncheon a most
interesting program Of speeches, songs
acting as toast master. The chief address
OF the afternoon was given by Hon.
George A. Littleneld. other brief ad-
dresses were by Lieutenant Governor
George l.. Shepley and Daniel A. Cook.
The exercises opened with piano solos
by Miss Mabel Littleheld. This was fol-
lotwed by a soprano solo by Mrs. Bur-
dick.
MR. HALLS REMARKS
Mr. Hall then made brief introduc-
tory address. He said In part:
"As most of you know. this meeting
represents the 11th annual reunion of
the Roger Williams association.
You have met here under the trees
of Roger Williams park because you
believe IL TO be the most suitable place
for such n reunion TO be held: not solely
because Il bears the name OF Roger
williams, but because there arc asso-
Citations clustering around the place that
bring you more In touch with the OBJ
ject OF the meeting. which is for the
purpose OF honoring the memory OF your
illustriotfs ancestor and for fostering his
ideas as advanced In the line or religious
liberty And L may say civil liberty.
as well. for when he spoke the words
that said; Kings and magistrates should
be considered as invested with no moro
power nor authority than the people be-
treat them with. he spoke the true
American sentiment OF today, and which
few men I'm his day dared To utter, much
less to carry into effect.
II have always thought that Roger
Williams must have marveiled 90 have
found more brotherly love among the SO
called savages here than he did among the
enlightened whites OF MASSACHUSETTS,; we
have no quarrel with the people or Massa-
chusetts today, for we have long since
forgiven them. and they have long since
apologized.
after Roger williams left them by send
ing a special messenger 20 him asking
his good offices In behalf OF the whites OF
New England I'm preventing the alliance
that was then being formed between the
Indian tribes OF this section
LETTERS OF REGRET.
AT the close OF his address Mr.. Hall
read. Letters OF regret from Governor
Kimbali, Hon. Adm y. Capron and Act
ing Mayor Freeman. Mr.. Hall stated
also that Governor Kimball being
lineal descendant OF Roger Williams. had
handed I'm his application for member
ship In the association. together with
his geneology.
This application was acted upon IN the
business meeting later I'm the afternoon,
when Governor Kimball was elected 10
membership.
Mr.. Littleneld, upon being introduced
BY Mr. Hall. responded IN n most happy
manner. after which he gave most elo-
quent and graceful address.
LIKE a GREAT FAMILY.
After speaking OF the feeling Of thank
fu;ness. which existed In every heart. be-
cause Of the preservation Of the life OF