St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1906-05-02
Gov. Bell in Brooklyn.
INTENDED for last week. ]

I III
tonto Governor Charles ]. Bill Of Yer
mont. Mrs. Bell and the members of his
staff The members of the Governors
staff included General N. G. Williams and
Miss Williams. Colonel and Mrs. Wells.
Colonel and Mrs. Roberts, Colonel and
Mrs. Dole and Colonel Billings. Those in
the receiving line were George E. Miner,
president OF the society, Governor Bell,
Mrs. Bell and Mrs. Miner, assisted by
members of the Governors staff. The
reception lasted from 8 until $50, during
which Green Mountain songs were sung
nv the Criterion Male Quartet, assisted
nv an orchestra OF four pieces,
After the assemblage had been present.
ed to the Governor, the president, George
T Miner, in introducing Governor Bell
said Ladies and gentlemen and mem.
bers of the Brooklyn Society OF Vermont
ers In opening the exercises OF the even.
ing it is my pleasant duty, as it is my
hieh privilege, to extend in your behalf
most cordial welc Jme to the guests who
honor us tonight with their presence.
Year by year we have gathered together
on these anniversary occasions to remem-
her the common strain OF blood that
runs through our veins, and pledge each
other year by year that we would strive
TO bring into our lives something of the
sterling quality OF those early Vermont
men and days. A recent speaker in
Brooklyn remarked that an Irish writer
speaking on St. Patrick's Day, said, "A
man ought to love his native land wheth.
er he was born there or not; and so |
take it, that every one here tonight ought
to love Vermont whether he was born
there or not. Vermont is little state
and need say it-there are those who
love her; love her for what she has been
in the past, love her tor the rich, full
blooded lite of her present. And yet,
Vermont lives not alone in the geographic
lines which circumscribe a section of our
country, but, wherever her LOYAL sons
have wandered, in the east, in the great
west, in the sou b, and distant Philip
pines. And the sons who have remained
within her borders on the map are but a
handful, compared with those who have
gone out in the spirit OF their fathers,
seeking new opportunities, new forests to
fell, new lands to till. new ground for the
rearing of states and the building OF
Commonwealths.
We are honored and delighted tonight
to have with US as the guest OF the even
ing the distinguished Governor OF the
dear old Green Mountain state. Wekuow
how worthily he has performed the du-
ties of that high Office, rejecting honor
upon himself, and the Commonwealth
which has been within his keeping. La.
dies and gentlemen. now have the very
great pleasure of introducing to you. His
Excellency, the Honorable Charles !.
Bell, governor OF the state of Vermont"
Governor Bell spoke at length, saying
among other things; II come to you with
a great deal OF pleasure, and also with
little maple sugar syrupon myclothes. In
other words come to you Vermonter,
one, who like you all, reveres and honors
this sturdy little state" BE spoke long
and earnestly on behalf'of Vermont,
which he characterized as the moulder
o. brave and honest citizeus. I'VE may
be farmers up where we are" he said. "but
so, we e, JOY more of the great beauties
OF nature, mans rightful heritage, health
strength and good air, than the people
4 Of New York, with their great culture,
n brains and enormous money powers.
\ BE said he was prouder of Vermont than
be had ever been before, that he hardly
expected to find so many who claim to
be Vermonters, and that it was pleasure
not only to bring Mrs Bell, but also the
members oil his staff. He grew fonder
aud fonder of Vermont as the weeks few
by and as he saw from the outside as
well tho 1uc;da He V,1auftonad cirt1 II q
receptions be had attended in Chicago,
New York and Massachusetts aud that
each one made his heart grow more
loving toward the state OF Vermont.
'Vermonters" he said, used to GO else
where to get living, and many OF those
who have gone out now sigh to come
back" He continued, wherever they
go, no matter where, the love tor the
old home grows stronger. No state has
so many sons and daughters gone out
from her with such tender heart for her
as has Vermont; but it is not her
elegance which makes Vermont so tender
ly loved but some things about her home
lIte.' The Governor then spoke OF the
great resources OF the Green Mountain
state and praised highly its scenery,
and happy home life. He concuied by
inviting everyone present up to see his
state next September, when it is at its
prettiest.
The Governors speech was most
tavorabIy received and made marked
impression OH those present, and was
frequently applauded. His rugged
common sense appealed quickly to those
who listened
Honorable Elijah R. Kennedy, mem
Der OF the society, and president OF the
New England society in the city of
Brooklyn. extended the greeting of the
New England society. expressing his keen
appreciation OF the remarks OF Governor
Bell. Honorable Robert d. Beuedict,
formerly president of the Society, spoke
briefly, and he was followed by Honor
able 6 6. Benedict OF Burlington, The
Green Mountain state was never more
highly praised. Governor Bell was sure
II was the best state in the Union an !
those present agreed with him and many
stories OF Vermont life were told.
collation. was then served and the
members and guests from Vermont
enjoyed social reunion. The former St.
Johnsbury people who at tended included:
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bishop and DR..
bishop, George H. Hicks, George l..
Leonard, Mr.. and Mrs. George E. Miner,
Johnston Stanley, Mrs. Charles Stanley,
and Miss Stanley. 1t was the most
enthusiastic gathering OF Vermonters
mat BROOKLYN has had for many years.
s. he 10 a = Q