Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-09-05
Second Annual Convention
Commences Tuesday.
Meeting Held In Senate Cham
ber.-OtfiCefs Elected.
Athletic Contests at Driving Park
This Forenoon.

| Maine state coming Men VI taHleTlctt
opened in this city Wednesday and
will continue through today. The morn
ing hours were devoted to the recep-
ton to members of the order and the
afternoon to the business meeting.
The afternoon session was held in the
Senate chamber at the State House,
about 20 members being present. The
| State membership of the order mum :
bers about $50. and had the weather
not been stormy the attendance would
have been much larger. The few MEM
bcrs present We're however full of en-
| thusiasm and the meeting was a very
successful one.
| The meeting was called to order at
23O by President w. Warren Harmon
of Old Orchard, who delivered the fol-
lowing address:
Brothers Of the Single Star:
| am pleased to welcome you to this
| second annual convention of the Ma inc
| state Coming Men of America and as
| sure yOu l am pleased to address such
| an appreciative meeting of c. NJ AS
The state officers should be highly COM
plimented in securing Augusta as the
| meeting-place with her beautiful lOca-
| ton and spots of interest, all of which
| proves her to be an IDEAL convention
| city. The Association extends it's hearty
thanks TO the building commissioner,
Col. Keefe, who has placed this Senate
| chamber at our disposal. Also, to the
Maine Central Railroad for granting us
the reduced rates for the two days.
How many of us realize the many
| things we should be thankful for this
a nf Of
have a few sad incidents lowering over
us. still the abundance of good cheer
should outweigh them. We live in Il
grand old State, famed throughout the
nation for its scenic grandeur. it's de-
| lghtful climate, and. especially, its
sturdy young men. The middle and
western sections of the country are
olamoring for the young men of Maine.
Why? Because our boys are energetic
and trustworthy. We natives of Maine,
Our chests should swell with pride at
the thought. When has Maine failed in
its duty? Never. Always has she been
loyal to her standard, both in peace
and war.
Another thing we should be thankful
for is the special privilege we have of
belonging to this brotherhood. Is it
not grand Order, when we consider
its benefits? Wherever we meet a
brother, a loyal and true friend is
found. both in success and disaster. AS
lodge members, We are brought to-
gethcr to study and practice parlia-
mentary law, oratOry, debating. dra
mates and athletics. In short, our
characters are So rounded out by such
uSagcS that eventually we are able to
assume the responsibilities and privi-
leSeS Cf American citizenship and the
boys Of today are the stAtesm \ { to
morrow! Having touched briefly uIon
the aim and objects Of The uri,r.
would like to mention 4 few Eords con-
corning its birth and growth.
In the spring of 1894. the present
grand secretary. Joseph +. Hunter,
formed a secret society among his
schoolrlatcs in Illinois. and quickly
realizing their broad field, a charter
was secured from the State of Illinois
granting them the right to organize
lodges and to promote the order
throughout the country. At the end of
the year. 600 were enrolled Five years
later. it was 10000. Now, the member
ship is over 100000 and these members
are scattered throughout the world.
This wonderful growth of the G. M. A.
is due to the fact that its preccpts,
aims and principles are all excellent.
Up to 1904 the strength of the c. NJ.
A. rested in local lodges and independ-
ent members. but then new dawn ap-
peared and Pennsylvania launched the
first state association. West Virginia
followed shortly after and then Maine,
Arkansas and Indiana. Today. 16
states have formed associations and the
number is rapidly increasing. Among
the middle and western states. where
the G. NJ. A. has been longer estab
lished, these associations are strong
and forceful. In the East. the order is
Just gaining a fnothold and the near
future promises well. New York, to-
gcther with Vermont and New Hamp-
shire has just held a successful con-
vention at Plattsburg n. Y. ard Mas
sachusctts is preparing to fall into line.
The c. NJ. A. in Maine is in its in
fancy. On account of the States large
area the members are widely scattered
ard il is rather difficult matter to get
them assembled together Only after
much labor was our association organ
lied at Old Orchard. September 5, 1906.
Although the delegates We're few in
number, they had the spirit and as a
consequence the foundation of this
present organization was laid. During
tho past year much Of our attention has
been given to strengthening and per-
fecting its representation. Three new
lodges have been formed-at Orono |
Wnodfords and Beales-and nearly Il |
hundred members have been enrolled |
Within the last few months. there has |
been much activity in our camp, Of |
which this convention is ample proof |
You all have n purpose in being here. |
Most of YOU. I am sure, are here be- !
cause You are interested in the funda- |
mental principles of this association |
ana desire to meet your brothers in the |
bond and exchange friendships with |
them. Make sure you fulfil this inten-
ton and by all means so assist in
booming our c. NJ. A. Association that |
it will he heraldcd throughout the State |
upon its merits as one of the leading |
societies of its kind: then. year from |
today we will rot be received by the |