Waterbury Democrat., 1902-10-13
OPENED WITH HIGH MASS
Convention of French-Americans Being
 Held Here To-day.

COuVcnLIOHt or Il fF6ucu-AIue lCdnS DSAhS Held Here To-day.
 The. sixteenth convention of the French-Americans of Connecticut is being held in this city today and will be continued tomorrow. About 100 delegates, representing 10000 French people throughout the state are pres ent. The convention was opened with the celebration of a solemn high mass at St Ann's church this morn ing at 3 o'clock, the officiating priests being as follows. Rev Father Sene- sac, celebrant; Rev Father Bedard, deacon; Rev Father Grenier, sub-dea- 1 son. The church was filled with dele gates, their wives, children and friends. The musical program, which was in charge of Miss Marie Morrot, organist and director, was of very 1 elaborate nature. A magnificent sef- mon on the "Circumstance' was de- Hvered by the Rev Father M. J. O.. Martin, Sherbrooke, Quebec, who spoke most interestingly on patriot l ism, religion and the Frebch lam l guage. He spoke at length OH the duties which the French people owe l to their adopted country While still cherishing J fervent regard Tor their native language. Father Martin is a most eloquent speaker and 1t was the unanimous opinion of all who had l the pleasure of listening to the ser mon this morning that it was one Of l the most magnificent sermons ever delivered in the French language ia this country.
 At Il o'clock the convention proper i was called to order iii Concordia hall, which was most prettily decorated for the occasion with the national em- | blems, by Dr A. D. David, chairman of the executive committee, who was appointed permanent chairman of the convention. The following delegates represented Waterbury: Franco cir cle, William Rochon, H. Bessotte, F.. E. Baril: Court Champlain, F. of A., R. l.. Brandeley, Joseph Boulanger, pr l.. J. Thibau1t, Ludger Trudeu, Ovid Montambault; Independent club, Adelard Gagnon, J. B. Vallee, Oscar Bernier; French institute, William Doucette, James Courtemanche, Ar thur Gilbert; St Jean Baptiste, Dr A. D. David, Joseph Gauthier, J. N. Ber- nier; St Joseph, F. J. Loiselle, R. J. Charest, Ludger Lavigne.
 
 shortly after the opening of the con vention. Dr A. D. David of this city was elected president. The other of fcers elected were as follows: First vice president, Koch Quessy, Bridge port; second vice president Dr A. o. Baribault, New Haven; lsecretary, J. J. Archambeault, l Waterbury; assistant secretary, Tyy:I urer, J. N. Bernier, Waterbury; assist 1 ant treasurer Alphonse Chagnon, Will l Iimantic; Sergeant at arms, Eugene Ar cand.
 After a short discussion the conven- | tion adjourned until 2 o'clock this af ternoon. There are about 100 dele. gates. One of the invited guests is Dr i o. Larue of Putnam. president of the New England Confederation of French People and originator of the plan of holding conventions. He will no doubt address the convention. One of the subjects which will be discussed will be the federation of all French soci- cites under one head A plan for the purpose of having the French 1an- guage spoken more generally among the French people will also be dis cussed.
 Tonight a grand concert will be held in Polls theater. After the concert an elaborate banquet will be served in Concordia hall, at which the city off, cials will be invited guests. J. w.. Hodson will be caterer The reception committee consists of the following persons from this city: R. J. Charest, chairman: A. Loiselle, secretary; w. Dauphinais, treasurer; N. B. Bernier, N. J. Bernier, F. J. Loiselle,5 J. Jacobs, J. A1Iard W. Herbert, V. Bernier, Will liam Rochon. D. Charbonneau, J. Galli- peau, E U. Baril. J. Gallipeau.
 The executive committee, which had charge of the arrangements for the convention. consisted of Dr A. D. Da- vid, president; Dr A. o. Baribault. Oc- tave Lanouette, yice-presidents; Joseph Archambault, secretary; Alfred Pratte, assistant secretary; Joseph Bernier. treasurer: Koch Quessy assistant treas urer; Eugene Arcand, sergeant-at- arms.
 Neat souvenirs of the convention, containing the program of the day, pic lures of the officers and leading mem- 1 bers of the various French societies i were distributed