Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1911-06-16
RILEY WINS OUT.

The Kennebec veterans of the De-
partment of Maine are happy. for they
have succeeded beyond their fondest
expectations in eleeting by substan-
tial majority the Department Com
mander of their choice, Hon. Edwin
Riey of Augusta. formerly of Liver
more Falls. He received liz votes for
Department Commander out of total
of 303. The other 131 being cast for
Charles ). GrOwell OF Lewiston.
The result was a big surprise to
many of the veterans, for until they
arrived in Augusta and the real log
rolling began it was generally con
coded that Col. Crowell was most like
L. To be the successful candidate. But
the friends of Commander Elect Riley
began strenuous campaign in his be-
half which lasted up to the time of bal
loting, and their efforts were crowned
with success. Col. Crowell processes
to believe that, had the candidates fer
| Department Commander been allowed
to speak from the platform at the
| campfire on the night preceding the
election, as has been the custom at
some other encampments, the result
might have been different. The defeat
| ed candidate says that he has thor
oughly enjoyed the Augusta conven-
| ton, but thinks that the campfire COM
mittee should have allowed both the
candidates to speak from the platform.
| Congressman Swasey was almost a
guest at the campfire Wednesday
night. He started to come to Augusta
! by automobile in plenty of season for
the campfire, but his automobile met
with a mishap, and he was obliged
| to complete the final stage of his jour-
ney hy electrics with the result that
| he did not reach the capital until af-
ter the campfire was over. Veterans
| are loud in their enthusiastic praises
| of the Wednesday night campfire.
| Ephraim b. Stllings of Boston. Adiu
! tant General of the National body of
| the c. A. r.. told member of the
committee that he had been visiting
| campfires for 40 years and this was the
Lbest one he had ever attended. Com
mander n w White and the members
of the local committee from Seth Will
liams Post did all iii their power to
make the veterans feel at home during
their stay IN the city. The G. A. r.
| hall on Water street was turned into
/ IL SMOKE room anu tObiCtb anu pipes
were furnished for the visitors. many
of whom patronized this convenient
| resting room.
j Notwithstanding the rainy weather,
| which has attended the convention of
/ the G. A. Il and the allied patriotic
bodies, between 1900 and 1900 people
have been present in Augusta during
1 the conventions. and all have been
cared for without difficulty during
their stay. \ large number remained
for the closing events OF Thursday,
the reception given the Department of
Maine, G. A. L. and their guests at
l city han. and the Sons of Veterans
banquet at the Augusta House.
Commander Riley announced the APP
pointment Of John f. Lamb of I<imball
II Post. No IS Of Livermore Falls as as
sistant adjutant general. This is the first
| appointment under the new rule of the
i department consolidating the offices OF
i assistant adjHtant general and assistant
auartermaster general, Commander Ri
lev will announce the remainder of his
amendments within a few days