The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1907-01-03
A Banquet and Prese ntati0n.

A BANQUET and Presentation.
For some weeks past the thought that
the close of the public services of Milton
NJ. Merrill as a member of the board OF
county commissioners, should not be
allowed to pass unnoticed has occupied
the minds of his associates aud others
interested in public affairs, and as a re-
suit of this feeling a few of the more
prominent of his friends, especially
those who had served the county in
some capacity during his tel m of Off e,
Central Hotel to signify their regard for
Mr.. Merrill and to indicate that his re
tirement from office WAS to them an
event of more than usual Importance.
On their arrival each guest was directed
by I. {. Williams, who succeeds Mr..
Merrill az chairman of the board of
county commissioners, to proceed to
Nr Herril's room and the surprise of
this gentleman as he found his apart
ment filling up with unexpected guests
and his evident pleasure IN finding him.
self surrounded by so many of his
closest friends was not the least enjoy
able of the Impressions of the evening.
Though perh ps not entirely in the dark
about what was going to happen it was
quite evident that those in charge of the
gnir Oh Ia tn a
close secret 80 far as Mr.. Merrill was
concerned
After an hour passed socially with
Mr.. Merrill all proceeded to the dining
nall and here, after the first course had
been served, l. = Williams arose To in.
troduce Sheriff Clyde Il. Smith as the
speaker of the evening. Mr.. Smith
would not accept the Office of principal
orator, but took the opportunity, in a
graceful and cordial speech, to present
Mr. Merrill beautiful masonic EN- blem
In behalf of the officials of Somerset
county whose terms of Office have been
coinodent, in full or in part, with his.
All of those present had heard Mr..
Merrill speak on many important occa-
sions and were accustomed to see audi
euces, both large and small, listen to his
words and be swayed by his reasoning
His style of delivery is such as to carry
conviction to all who are open to argn-
ment and on this occasion they could
not doubt that what be said was spoken
of the fullness of his heart. Among
other things Mr.. Merrill said 10 acknowl-
edgment that no token could come to
| him under circumstances which would
give it more value. The occasion WAS
the last day and the moment almost the
last hour of period of seventeen years
during which he had been constantly in
public life. The gift coming at that
time, and the kind words with which
had been said of him in it's pre- Sentation
seemed to give his official career the
approval which be so much desired
Moreover, to be surrounded at that time
by those who had been his closest asso-
ciates and warmest friends, the people
of his home county. for whom, notwith-
standing pleasant acquaintanceships aud
friendships elsewhere, his regard was
always the deepest, was the greatest
pleasure be could desire. Mr. Merrill
closed by repeating his thanks for the
gift which he assured his hearers would
be always cherished in memory of his
pleasant official relations with the
donors and of the occasion of its pre-
senta,ion
Nj. Williams as POSTMASTER assigned
toasts to many of the guests and these
gentlemen responded by bright short
speeches. telling of their acquaintance
ship with Mr. Merrill and their regard
for him. Among those who spoke were
ex sheriff p Pennell, ID. G. Bean of
Bingham; r, II futile of Skowhegan;
K H. Reed OF Harmony, the retiring
county treasurer; Nathan Fowler, regis
ter of probate; Coroner, l.. j. Addition /;
r F. Parker, Skowbegans first select
man and Hon Forrest Goodwin.
Following the banquet and speech
making the tables were cleared and most
of the guests remained to form parties
for card playing which lasted until the
beginning of the new year.