The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-04-12

presented him superb gold medal, appro-
priately inscribed. and forming at once
beautiful specimen of Providence artistic
skill and a well-deserved testimonial of
esteem. This medal. we understand, was
worn for the first time on the 10th. as was
also new and SNOWY uniform OF the band.
OF course II would be invidious 10 draw
comparison, but We may with propriety
say that the music of the American Brass
band, upon their arrival on Saturday, has
not been excelled by any field or martial
music we have ever heard Comment is
unnecessary.
April 17th, 1861, we volunteered and en-
listed In the United States service; leav-
ing Providence Saturday, April 10Th. This
trip, / can assure you. was no picnic.
and yet there was much in Il that was
pleasing, interesting, and Instructive. The
service lasted three months and IL days,
which included our stay at Camp Sprague
In Washington ID. c.. the trip through
Baltimore, Nd, to the Upper Potomac,
and the first Battle OF Bull Run, Sunday,
July 2lst 1861
Then, there was the Peace Jubilee a
Boston, where we played for a week, with
many other occasions which do not re-
call now. But TO me the pleasantest and
by far the most interesting OF all was the
pleasure trip TO Virginia, to which I have
before alluded. The hospitality OF the
people Of Richmond. which is characteris-
tic OF the people of the south generally:
the visit 10 Mount Vernon and tomb OF
Washington; the old colonial residence.
which Is now preserved and cared for by
the Mount Vernon Ladies' association. in
corporated In 1856 by the Legislature OF
Virginia, for future generations to visit
and 10 admire: its beautiful gardens; and
all situated upon high ground overlooking
the broad Potomac river; I'm fact the
whole landscape was so charming as TO
make deep and lasting impression upon
my mind which time can never efface.
But we are through with all those
things now; younger and perhaps more
efficient men for the times have taken
our places. | think there II not n man
now among the active members OF the
band that was playing there at the time
j resigned my membership. nearly or
quite 70 years ago. But II is in good
hands, and we feel that the reputation
OF the old association will. under it's
present management, be well sustained.
i have always felt that although n man
may be musician, he need be none the
less gentleman.
And this brings me TO say IL gives me
great pleasure 20 meet for the first time
the new leader OF the band Mr.. Herbert l..
Clarke. and to heartily congra tulate him
as ] do, upon the fayorable auspices
under which he began HIS labors in Provl-
dence. | have heard nothing but the
kindest and most complimentary remarks
made IN relation TO the matter and we
can only wish for the band. with its new
leader long continued and successful
career. and that the results may be very
gratifying 10 all. And so I will say:
Long live the old American Brass Band"
At the close OF Mr.. Writings address
Mrs. SPHINX was elected vice-president OF
the association and acknowledged the
honor IN Few graceful words.
MIR Herbert r.. Clarke. the leader OF the
American band, was also elected an homo
rary member and responded briefly ex-
pressing tho great pride he felt I'm the
band and his sense OF the honor con-
ferred upon him I'm having been elected
as It's leader
Rev. Samuel II. Webb was the next
speaker and his remarks were mainly in
n humorous vein, provoking laughter and
the utmost good fellowship.
Othcr speakers were Rev. Herbert G..