Evening journal., 1908-04-23
MILITIA HONORS
GOVERNOR LEA
Reception at the ArmOTy Last
Evening as a Testimonial
Of Esteem Of Officers
GUESTS FROM ALL
PARTS OF THE STATE

As a testimonial OF their esteem for
Governor Preston Lea. and to express
their appreciation OF his efforts TO up
lift the Organized Militia OF Delaware.
the commissioned officers OF the First
Delaware Infantry last night gave an
elaborate reception In honor Of the Gov
ernor az the State Arsenal at Twelfth and
Orange streets. IL was a brilliant function
socially and a beautiful tribute on the
part OF the officers Of the militia 70 Gov
ernor Lea. who as their communicating
chief and as chief executive OF the State
has taken the deepest interest IN bringing
the First Infantry up to It's present high
standard and in advocating reforms for
the bettermont OF the military arm OF thS
State.
The reception, planned entirely by a
committee OF militia officers and mem
bers Of Governor LEAFS stan. brought to-
gether some OF the foremost residents OF
Delaware men prominent in official husi-
ness and professional life. They came
from all parts OF the State Included
among tho guests were members Of tho
last Legislature which enacted the
military reorganization bills.
Held in Drill Hall.
The reception was held IN the drill nall
OF the armory. which had been trans
formed into a bower Of beauty for tho
affair. Overhead was a lattice work OF
green and white garands. while against
the northern side Of the hall was big
bank OF Eastertide flowers and blooms.
In one corner stood Calling gun. it's
polished barrel bristling in the brilliant
light and In the middle Of the floor were
several stands OF stacked rifles. about
which American flags we're entwined. and
supporting the regimental coiors.
Along the southern side OF the room was
draped an immense flag. and the balcony
above was deliberately bedeclSed with
streamers OF green and white and with
tho Stars and Stripes. There the First
Infantry Band was stationed and played
inspiring music during tho evening.
Governor Lea and the men who assists
ed him in receiving stood in the center
OF the room. with the bank Of fragrant
flowers at their backs and stands OF
rifles IN front OF them. forming a sort Of
passageway for tho guests as they filed
past. Officers OF the First Delaware In
fantry IN dress uniform. were the ;irst
10 greet the Governor They proceeded
two abreast down to the receiving party.
grasped the Governors hand and said
gracious words OF appreciation. After the
officers had been received other guests
greeted the Governor. Tho receiving COM
mltteo that stood with the Governor in
cluded Adjutant- General l. Pusey Wicker
sham, Colonel J. Ernest Smith. Colonel
Horace Wilson. Colonel George w.
Sparks. Colonel Theodore Townsend snd
Secretary OK State Joseph Cahan and
others.
Members OF the governors personal stan
who assisted him in receiving were Gen.
erals r. Coleman DUPONT, George H. Hall,
Surgeon General Evan C. shortlidge,
Colonel Stanton. Colonel W. d. Denny,
Colonel John G. Townsend. Colonel James
G. Ewing. Colonel Weller stover. Majors
Edward G. Bradford and George Mar
Luncheon Was Served
AZ o'clock there was a fanfare Of
lbugles, and the large flag that drapod
the southern side of the Armory was
lifted. revealing a long table laden
with luncheon prepared by Caterer F..
=. Hanna. Officers Of the militia
served the guests with an elaborata
luncheon, which was followed by
lclgars and cigarettes. Chairs were
placed about conveniently and the
rooms Of the various companies. which
also were prettily decorated. were
placed at the disposal of all for so
cial time.
/ Governor Lea remained in the center
Of the room receiving tho callers from
8 o'clock until 10. and had a pleasant
word for each person.
Included among the guests OF tha
levening were several officers OF the
Coast Artillery stationed at Fort Du-
Pont. who came TO Wilmington and
returned on the boat attached to the
fort. Indeed. there were many officers
OF the regular army present, they in
cluding in addition 90 the men from
Fort Dupont, Colonel II. G. Cava-
lnaugh, u. S. A., retired; Major G. A
IL. F1agler. Captain Strayer, who Is
military instructor at Delaware Col
llege. and Captain John NJ Dunn. for
merly Of this city.
The regular army officers were IN
their brilliant full dress uniform, and
these and the gold and inery Of OFF,
GERS on Governor LEAFS staff, contrasts
Continued or Second Page.
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