The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1907-10-25

Railroad men from New York city to
Ontario, Canada, assembled at the Crock
er house in New London, Conn, Sunday
to say a farewell to Edwin ID. Nash, re.
firing superintendent of the southern di-
vision OF the Central Vermont railway
Nearly $50 covers were laid for the ban
quet given in his honor and speakers
Landed the character and ability of the
retiring official. From rank and file OF
the railroad employees, from men in Of
fetal positions and from business men
who have been thrown in contact with
him alike the feeling expressed was a mix
ture of regret at losing Mr.. Nash and
OF rejoicing that he has gone to a higher
position.
For employees who have grown old in
the service of the railroad the leavetak
ing was in many respects a sad one and
several times as speakers referred to the
friendly relations which have existed be-
tween the superintendent and his men
there were few dry eyes around the
tables.
The Central Vermont ran a special
train to New London from Brattleboro
to accommodate the employees who wish
ed to attend the banquet. The train
came from Brattleboro in charge of Con
ductor Robert f. Wheeler with Joseph
Bumap and Frederick w. Golden as con-
ductors, Clarence Sears as engineer and
Frank Lafrenia as fireman. Members of
the crew gave their services. Conduc-
tor Grant Braga brought the train back
to Brattleboro.
The banquet was served in the dining
room of the Croker house and was in
Landlord Frank L. Parkers finest style.
Music for the occasion was by the Stand.
ard orchestra, furnished by David Nc
kenzie and Mr.. Parker.
When coffee and cigars had been reach
ed David Mckenzie, formerly superintend-
ent of the Central Vermont for many
years, and late president of the New
London Steamboat company, called the
session to order and opened the post
prandial exercises. In behalf of the en-
ployes he presented Mr.. Nash a purse
workers along the road. The gold was
contained in a handsome box and amount
ed to several hundred dollars, and Mr..
Mckenzie as lled that it be accepted as
a, token OF the admiration and good will
of friends Mr.. Nash was nearly over
come by the gift but he responded elo-
quently, when the applause as he took
The, gift, had subsidized. He said:
Mr.. POSTMASTER and Friends: This
demonstration almost overwhelms me. /
knew that | had few friends, but /
didn't think ] had so many. In nv
administration, whatever success | NAV
have attained, you men are responsible
Tor, and l defy any man on any 100 miles
OF line in New England to find any bet
ter or better looking assembly of men
than You are. Gentlemen, this is the
proudest day of my life, with streak
OF sadness in that | am going away,
and may never see some of YOU again
do not know who my successor in this
place is to be, but give him the same
loyal support that You have given me and
ms administration will be success. In
less the rank and file do put their shoul-
ders to the wheel it will not be sue
cess; they can make him, or break him.
Nov, my friends, let me bid YOU fare.
well, and may God speed you all,
One OF the principal speakers was Con-
duetor George L. Spafford a schoolmate
OF the retiring superintendent, who touch
ed the tender cords in all hearts when
ne arose to pay the tribute of life
long friend. Mr.. Spafford said:
1T is often said, and truly. that a
man work is not appreciated until after
he Is dead. Then some friend will write
his obituary. That is very gratifying to
ms friends, but the poor fellow knows
nothing about it. We all respect and
honor our superintendent He has dealt
with us fairly and Systematically. Friend