The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-02-23

The Montgomery True Blues las night for the twenty-sixth time, pait annual tribute to the gallantry of tn, men who served in the historic com mand during the War between thu States. These gatherings have always beer one of the most picturesque features o military life in Alabama. At thess gatherings, representatives of every period of the company's long history from the Mexian War to the present organizat tion.
 Around the board last night was . veteran of the early Indian war. . of the Civil War. members of the com
 mand during the famous prize drill days. veterans of the Spanish War, and members of the present organixa- tion.
 The purpose of the banquet is to keep the members who have passed out of the company to still maintain the same time pay respect to the Blues. who wore the Grey.
 The banquet Is always held February 22, not on account of Washington's . Birthday. as Is popularly, supposed, but because of the fact that the company was organized February 22, 1886.
 AhO pdfQuCt WdE uolk0LIuIty Iu- Formal. It was served at Bastiani and Cassimus's and an elegant menu was served. Members of the various stages of the company mingled to- gether and recalled pleasant incidents during their service.
 Major E. F. Baber. former com mander of the company. presided as He briefly but well introduced the speakers
 Captain William F. Weiss. the present young and efficient commander of the organization, welcomed the guests. He eloquenfly referred to the services of the old Blues during the trying period of 's1-65 and referred 10 less happily to the services rem dsred the State and Montgomery by the Blues from reconstruction to the present day. Captain Weisss remarks were punctuated by applause
 At the clause of Captain weisss talk. Major Baber read a note con- tained In letter from Lieutenant V. M. Fillmore. Jr.. @ former officer of the company. who Is now an officer in the regular army stationed at PlattsburK, N. Y. Lieutenant Fillmore wrote.
 Got. an invitation to the Blues banquet today. Please tell them, one and sll, old. middIe-aged and young. veterans survivors, young veterans, aetiye. passive. transient. proper, i'm. proper regular and irregular, that I would like the very best in the world to be with them. My last dinner with them was February g, 1902. hut the years haven't dimmed my love and af- fsetions for the M. T. B.'s,"
 Lieutenant Elmore's message was received with tumuleous appiause.
 capt B. M. Washburn, President of Ine Survivors Association, responded to Captain Weisss welcome. He re- fsrred pathetically to the tfinned ranks or the survivors Association and as- sured the members of the organization Of his everlasting love and support.
 Lieut.. T. c. Locke and Cant. W. F Lee responded respectively to the In fantry Soldier" and the Cavalry Sol dier" in hapy talks.
 An amusing feature was introduced when Major Baber called on Corporal Ashley and Sergeant Franson to do. bate on Iris better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. !" Corporal Ashley was unanimously awarded the decision.
 Lieut. W. D. Dow responded to "The Montgomery True Blues" He gave a history of the company from its organ izatton to its present day. Lieutenant Dow's remarkSN were stirring and ap- propriate and met with generous ap- nlausc.
 Judge Thomas c. Jones, former Col onel of the regiment in which the Blues served, was scalled on. With rare elo- quence. for which Judge Jones is not ed, he told of the services in the times of the famous Birmingham riots of the Blues. and he graphically described the gallantry of the command His speech was received with marked en- thusiasm.