The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-05-24

vOnlc Society opened in this city this morning at 10 o'clock, in the new Sokol hall built by the Bridgeport Assembly especially for the purpose. This aft ernoon there was a parade which cov- cred a long line of march. The way was lined with thousands of people who cheered as the column which marched in five divisions under Grand Marshal Nicholas Tesiny passed them.
 National President A. s. Ambrose of New York city, called the convention to order There were then $50 dele gates on hand. It is said that about 150 more are on the way.
 The Mayor made brief remarks Of welcome in which he said that the S1o- walks were desirable people because they come to this country with the purpose of making their homes here, and because very few return to the fatherland. The Mayor also congrat- ulated the Slovaks of Bridgeport upon their industry and thrift. He spoke of the portion of the constitution Of the society which requires that a mem Der shall become a. citizen of the Uni ted States within six years after his initiation as an excellent feature
 One of the events of the morning was the presentation of a costly silver low ing cup to President Ambrose, the gift of the local convention committee The presentation speech was made by Leonard S. A1exovits, chairman of the local committee. President Ambrose also was presented with a very fine gold cane, the gift of the New York Assemblies, and four enormous bou- quets. The bouquets were the gift or the dadfes'S Aid Society, No. 5, of this city,. The presentation was by four ladies of the Aid Society.
 National Vice President A. Mana tey of Braddock, Penn, spoke to the delegates about the love of the Slo- walks for the country of their adoption. His speech brought tears to the eyes of some of the delegates so fervent was it and so filled with eloquent apprecia- ton of the blessings of free institu- tions.
 Committees were appointed on veri- fication and on ballots. The verified tfon committee is Rudolf Voras. Juraj Hassi1, Juraj S. Humenansky, Michael Alexovits, Jan J. Holchin; the commit tee on ballots is Rev. A. J. Moncol, Jo- seph Duris, Joseph Vasok, Jan Grega, Jan Berg, Michael FrankovSky and AL bert B. Svoboda-
 The convention will continue throughout the week. After the pa rade a reception was held in the arm ory which was attended by many of the city officers and distinguished citi- ZenS The armory was handsomely decorated. The decorations in Sokol hall were also elaborate. Many flags were displayed along the line of march of the parade. This evening there will be a. banquet at the Stratfie1d, which will be an interesting occasion. The national officers will make appropriate responses to toasts, and the welfare Of the society will be discussed in a par ticular and general way.
 The society has 27, 900 members and hopes to raise the number to 5O,Ooo. It is patriotic especially in all that re- lates to the adopted country. While it will keep in recollection the 1an- guage of the Slovak- people, and do things to keep green the memory or the homes from which it's people come, yet it will urge citizenship in the Uni ted States upon all it's members, and such citizenship is compulsory upon all who have been members for i've years.
 The insurance feature of the order is the strongest part of it's work. This work is done in a conservative way along the lines upon which fraternal insurance is conducted in this coun' try.
 There were more than 2,500 Slovaks and sons of Slovaks in the procession Grand Marshal Nicholas Tesiny form ed the marching bodies in Hallett proceeded down Hallett to dallam, through Hallam street to Pembroke street, to Hamilton street, to East Main street, to Stratford avenue, to State street to Park avenue, to Fair field avenue, to Main street, to the State armory, where the opening exer- cises took place.
 The demonstration is one of the larg- est ever given under the auspices of any society in this city. East Bridge port is profusely decorated with the American flags eEtwined with the red, white and pale blue of Slavonia. There are S7 hacks in Bridgeport and these were not enough to supply those who desired to ride in the parade. The adjoining towns were secured for oth- CT vehicles and so successfully that there were 135 carriages in the column. The platoon of police leading the pro- cession was in charge of Sergeant Philip Blansfield. The aides to the grand marshal were Major J. H. Wade, Secretary of State Matthew H. Rogers and W. T. Meyers, who rode in the place of Major William H. Marigold who was unable to be present.
 In the procession Secretary of State Rogers represented the Governor and spoke for him at the armory, repre- senting the State of Connecticut.
 The charter members of the SokoI Society, which recently completed it's fine hall in Hallett street, where the convention is being held, rode in the procession in an automobile, followed by the members of the Soko1 in their new blouse uniforms and soft brimmed black hats. Nearly all of the 2,500 men in line carried a small American flag with a, small Slovenian flag. AL though not uniformed the men made an inspiring sight.
 In the carriages were some hand