Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-26
Dr Dayenport's Tribute

WiuOA ioA6Os
 Dr Davenport's Tribute
 Among Dr Davenport's warmest friends in the state was the late Monsignor Slocum. Following Is the comment\of the Second Congre- gational church's venerable pastor on the prelate's death:
 Waterbury cannot we'll afford to lose the presence of so dignified a figure and the services of so able and useful man as Father Slocum. I regret more than l can tell the seemingly premature ending of his somewhat notable career.
 Before he came to Waterbury mu- tual friends in Norwalk expressed the hope that I would soon make his acquaintance. And so at the close of Father Duggan's funeral, which Dr Anderson and I attended, made bold to introduce myself. and to my overtures he most cordially respond ed. From that time until now have esteemed him as choice friend.
 can never forget those sad days in 1898 when the dear and only son of our house gave his young and promising life for country and hu- manity down among the islands of the southern seas. With the very earliest to speak the word of con- solation, came the pastor of the Church of the Immaculate Concep- tion. Over the barriers due to the differences in our faith flowed the warm, full tide of his fraternal sym pathy. His heart touched mine in the tenderness of an emotion that was deep and sincere and full of comfort. Among those who gather ed in the church to pay the last re- spects to the loved boy were Father Slocum and two of his assistants.
 A little later 1t chanced that he and I, with four other citizens of Waterbury, were appointed g com mittee to prepare some suitable memorial medal for those who went from Waterbury into the Spanish American war. The committee met many times during the year and half following, and Father Slocum was an interested and interesting member of our little group. His good humor was always delightful, and his wisdom in the matters that came before us exceedingly valuable I remember that one evening when We were met in his study, we gave so much attention to his large col lection of medals and rare books and other curios as almost to forget the object of our gathering. He made himself charming host In all these meetings he greatly impressed us both with the geniality of his na- ture and the extent of his know ledge.
 l remember going to him one day with a grievance. A sick man had sent for me, gentleman whom I did not know, and some of his Cath ollie friends, for reasons best known to themselves, had refused to admit me. I stated the case to Father Slocum, and said to him, What ails your people?" His eyes flashed with indignation as he heard the story and he answered, There are 'bigots in every denomination; l presume that you have them with you," which of course I could not deny. And he went on to speak in the most chari- table and brotherly way of all who "accorolng to their light" were en- deayoring to serve our common Lord. Of course he loved his own church, but he had no word of con- demnation for those who looked at matters from a different standpoint from his own. He evidently honored the faith of every intelligent and sim cere soul. And because of this breadth of view and wide, brotherly sympathy, he was loved outside of his church as truly as within 1t.
 At the great celebration fin 1902 of the two hundred and fiftieth an- niversary of the settlement of Nor walk, where he was pastor for many years, 1t was the writer's fortune to ride, in the long procession, in the carriage immediately following that of Father Slocum. And Eef im- pressed with the enthusiasm that everywhere greeted the former pas tor of St Mary's parish. People of all churches and of all classes shout ed. There Is Father Slocum," and were waved and hands were clasped and every token of in- terest and affection was given. The reception accorded him was such as only broad-minded and large hearted man could receive. He made an impression upon Norwalk while pastor there that is deep and 
 Of his ability as speaker I need scarcely speak, We are all so fami- liar with his eloquence. Many of us vividly recall his address at the service in the city hall commemora- tive of President Mckinley, when he thrilled us all as he spoke Of "the three shrines" which the American people now cherish, viz, at Spring field. at Cleveland and at Canton. where rest the forms of our three presidents. His character