Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-08
LILLEY RECEPTION
CoDgressmsn Danced and Made
 Merry al MerideD Last Night

Meriden was given by Chamberlain guard, Company L, on Thursday evening, at the auditorium with Con gressman George l.. Lilley as the guest of honor. Among the assem- blaze were the highest officers of the Connecticut National Guard and their subordinates, the full quota of Company l. and other militiamen, many prominent local citizens and an equal number of ladies. Chief inter- est centered about Congressman Lil- ley and during the evening the four hundred or more guests had the pleasure of meeting Connecticut's s distinguished legislator and guber- material candidate. A committee of influential citizens of which Francis Stevenson was chairman assisted the congressman in receiving. Dancing was enjoyed until o'clock and Scott Shows orchestra furnished the music. The competi- tive drill interested the guests and the winners were Sergeant Ora White, first prize, gold medal; Private Emil Gross, second prize, a silver medal, and Corporal Otto Hack barth, third prize, a bronze medal.
 Among the prominent military off, cers present were the Adjutant Gen. eral George M. Cole, Adjutant Gen eral w. E. F. Landers, Inspector General Edward A. Schultze, Colonel James Geddes, Colonel Gilbert Fitch, Lieutenant Colonel Dorsey and Major Henry Norton.
 Congressman Lilley arrived in Meriden at o'clock and was escort ed to the Winthrop hotel by the es- cort committee and reception was held, prominent citizens attending. At 6 o'clock the members of the re- ception committee and the congress- man dined and Landlord Bowker sery- ed an excellent menu to the guests. the reception to Congressman Lilley began about o'clock and lasted over an hour. The box on the west end of the auditorium was occupied by Con gressman Lilley.
 Prof w. Emerson Rogers and Prof Harry Mitchell started to form the grand march at 9:30 and 96 couples participated. The spectacle of the of ficers decorated with their gold braid, medals and swords. the militiamen in their showy uniforms, the citizens in evening dress and the ladies attir- ed in handsome gowns was one of rare and delightful aspect. The ia nous Second Regiment march was played. Among the leading couples were the following:
 Congressman George l.. Lilley and Mrs Joseph DeCantillon.
 Mayor Thomas l.. Reilly and Mrs May Lyons.
 Adjutant General Cole and Miss Annie c. St Arnauld.
 Adjutant General Landers and Mrs c. E. Spink.
 Colonel Geddes and Miss Susie Hall.
 Major Norton and Mrs Frank Han cock.
 Captain Chauncey P. Goss and Miss Eva St Arnauld.
 Captain E. A. Gruenner and Mrs A. B. Jennings.
 Captain E. Webb and Miss Emily E. B. Smith.
 Major H. Tomlinson and Miss stel- la Spink.
 Captain G. E. Proudman and Mrs Jerrolds.
 Lieutenant Webb and Miss Mar garet Doyle.
 Lieutenant A. B. Aubrey and Miss June Spink.
 Dancing continued until l0:S0 when the members of Company L were formed in squads with arms and marched from the lobby to the north end of the auditorium where Captain DeCantillon gave the com- mands in the competitive drill. It was watched with keen interest and enthusiasm which waXed strong when the last few contestants were execut- ing the orders. The men were drill ed in the manual of arms, facing and marchings, and the judges were Ma jor Norton. Captain North and Lieu tenant Sucher. At the end of twenty minutes the ranks were thinned down to four men and the winners were heartily cheered, the auditorium resounding with loud applause. Pri- vate Doherty who was fourth in the contest deserves honorable mention. Colonel Geddes made a few compli- mentary remarks to the prize win ners, Sergeant White, Private Goss and Corporal Hackbarth, and then presented them with the medals. Cap tain DeCantillon was greatly pleased with the showing made and shook hands with the three men, and also cOmplimented them.
 Dancing followed until o'clock and among the most hearty partici- pants in the dancing was Congress. man Lilley. Though appearing some what fatigued and eareworn as re- suit of the submarine boat hearing. A number of people anticipated that Congressman Lilley would make an informal speech during the ball. but he had accepted the invitation from Company Lupon the strict provision that he would not be asked to make any speech.