Norwich bulletin., 1909-09-08

tended and enthusiastic meetings in T, A. B. hall the nineteenth Franco American convention of the state, which meets every other year, began a two days session here on Tuesday. Delegates to the number of 150 were registered during the day, representing French societies and parishes from all parts of the state and wherever there was not French society in com n.dnity groups of individuals combined to send a representative. The visitors arrived early. repairing to T. A. B. hall, which they found prettily dec orated in the tri-color and the stars and stripes. Potted plants and palms made up the attractive stage decora- tions, and on the walls about the hall were notices expressing some of the objects of the society. such as good citizenship, loyalty to government, obedience to laws, adherence to the French language, and. the cultivation of the English tongue
 At 8.45 o'clock the delegates formed and marched in body to St. Patricks church for a service of solemn high mass celebrated by Rev. U. O. Belle rose of Wauregan. Rev. J. A. Belan- ger of Voluntown was deacon, Rev. Jo- seph Mccarthy sub deacon and Rev. Hugh Treanor master of ceremonies An impressive sermon upon the value of character which can be built up and maintained among a people only by religion was delivered by Father Bellerose.
 Governor Pothier Arrives.
 The delegates then returned to the hall and a recess was ordered to await the arrival of Governor Aram J. Poth- fer of Rhode Island, who was to be the guest of the convention. He reach ed the city at 1910, was met by the axHQIfiua tn the Wauregan house, where with May or Costello Lippitt the party had din- ner. After dinner the mayor took Gov ernor Pothier for a short automobile ride. and upon their return group pie lures were taken in front of the city hall. The governor and the delegates made one group and the governor and the executive committee another
 Afternoon Session.
 At 2 o'clock the afternoon session of the convention was opened, presided over by Dr. G. A. Comeau, the presi- dent, whose address of welcome in French was as follows:
 Gentlemen: It is a distinguished honor for me to extend to you a cor dial and hearty welcome during the two days of the convention. will not tire while you are here but will work with all my strength for your comfort during your sojourn in this city and will also second your efforts to make As for the hospitality of our city, it is extended to. you in the most cordial manner. and as proof we have here the father of our city, who will speak to you about this town which only a few days ago welcomed the president of our glorious republic.
 Continuing in English, Dr. Comeau said:
 Your Honor and Delegates of the nineteenth convention of Americans having a French-Canadian origin:
 Gentlemen: I deem it a great privil- ege to have the distinguished honor to introduce to you on this particular occasion a man who needs no eulogy of mine to win your hearts, for he stands on his own record, which is spotless, a man of ability, integrity. and believer in square dealing; a man of those sterling qualities know him to be worthy. So I am more than pleased to introduce to you the father of our city and I hope that, during your sojourn in Norwich you will con- tinue to merit the kind consideration of the Honorable Costello Lippitt, our mayor.
 Mayor and Governor Heard.
 Mayor Lippitt's response was given in his characteristic felicitous way, as he warmly greeted and welcomed the delegates, referring with admiration to the objects of their gathering and to the value to community of such a citnzensnip as he saw before him. Mayor Lippitt received a most enthu- siastic reception from the hands of the delegates.
 When the mayor had taken his seat President Comeau introduced Governor Pothier in the following words:
 Gentlemen of this Convention: After the hearty and cordial welcome ex- tended to you by his honor, Mayor Lippitt, l feel rather embarrassed to find expression or even to couch my language in a fitting manner or even to make it acceptable on this memora- ble occasion. Yet the task has devolv- ed on me, and therefore I accept it, knowing well that am not equal to it. But l hope to find you all clement enough to believe that my good will is commensurate to what I lack other wise, but l have no words at my com mand to express my feelings at this moment. But the man l am about to introduce to you is so much after your own hearts and I know that you are all so anxious to hear him. that will be brief in my remarks to present to you that splendid type of American citizenship, the chief magistrate of our sister state. This high parsonage that I have the h.alur of introducing to you is no one less than his excellency, Aram J. Pothier. governor of the state of Rhode Island.
 Governor Pothiers approach to the front of the platform to speak was the signal for great outburst of applause which broke out at intervals as he stirred his hearers in the course of his eloquent address.
 Another address made during the afternoon was by R. A. .BreRult or Warren R. l., who drew lessoris from biographical sketch of Rhode Is- lands chief executive
 Officers Elected.
 When business was taken up the fol- lowing list of officers was elected for the next term: President, Dr, c. A. Comeau, Norwich: vice president, N P. Bissonnette, Bridgeport; second vice president, H. D Dion.. Wulimantic; secretary, Douglass P. Auciair, Jewett City; assistant secretary, F. A. Gareau, Baltic; treasurer. P St Onge. Nor wich assistant treasurer E. Monat, Willimantic; sergeant at arms. Eli Lague. Jewett City; honorary presi dent, Henry J. Reeves. Baltic.
 Among some items discussed during the afternoon, but without taking any action, was the Franco American cler- gy. it being desired that French par ishes might have a pastor of their own race, or, if the number of French-peo- pie in a parish did not warrant pas tor, that there should be a curate.
 Memorial buttons of the late Dr. c. J. Leclair of Danielson were distributed and a subscription paper opened with considerable success for a fund to erect