New Britain herald., 1915-04-07
ROHsing yPeecHeS 0f FlTSf
 Warders Annual Banquet
Judge Carlson of Mddletown Urges Loyalty of American Subjects to President Wilson-Hartfords Ex-Post-
 master and Comptroller Webster on Program.

 First Ward Republican club held last evening in Bardeck's hall. "En- tnusiasm" appeared to be the watch word and, in all the speechs, republi- canism was boomed and the mem- Eers of the ward club congratulated upon the remarkable development of their organization since it's birth in 1911.
 Such notable speakers as Attorneys Joseph G. Woods and Benjamin w. filling of this city and G. B. Carl Frank A. Hagarty of Hartford; State Comptroller Morris Webster, Mayor George A. Quigley and Edward Vie gand, president of the club, weer on the program and they all did credit to the G. O. P. Attorney Woods was the toastmaster and he fulfilled the requirements of the place to perfec- tion. Vocal selections by John Lar son and Frederick M. Hewett and recitations by Harry Hargreaves and Dewey Norton, added much to the pleasure of the sons of the G. O. P. The dining hall was adorned with large American flags.
 President Welcomes Members.
 Following a splendid supper Presi- dent Wiegand launched out on his ad- dress of welcome, which was as fol- lows:
 "In behalf of the First Ward Re- publican club I extend to you all hearty welcome. Your presence here lends to the occasion the patriotism, loyalty and fidelity that should ever characterize true republicans.
 'We have been engaged during the first four years in @ very lauda ble work. We enjoy the distinction of being the oldest ward club in New Britain, affiliated with the republican party It's conception did not meet with the approval of all of our friends at the time of it's formation. Many thought it was a hazardous under- taking That such an organization should be short lived and therefore commented upon it's early failure.
 Success Result of Unity.
 eve attribute our success to the earnest and united efforts of our mem bors. They have been aggressive and active from the beginning. As. a, re- suit of their concerted action We have welded together a permanent political club. .-.-... >....+... ,...-.-...... ....s..
 After our success was assured other wards were urged to follow, which they did, and consequently we have six ward clubs today in this city. The consolidated ward banquet Eeld in the Turner hall one year ago was the most splendid gathering of republican voters ever seen in New Britain. It demonstrated the fact that where there is unity there is strength.
 City Held Balance of Power.
 "The activity of ward clubs in New Britain has made this city republi- can stronghold. Last November the city of New Britain held the balance of power in our state election.
 'It is our aim to keep from this club the corrupt and baneful influence of the so-called slate or machine in our local politics. We have carefully avoided this evil in the past and we sincerely hope that in the future there will be manifested that healthy, clean, and enthusiastic spirit amongst our members and voters in order that they i privilege accorded an American citizen to vote for the candidate of his choice. Club Developing Strength. "A careful study of the present con- Gition of this club justifies the con- ciusion that we have developed great i strength and shall continue to be suc- | cessful and should therefore deserve 1 the confidence, esteem, and the loyal l support of our republican voters. Postmaster Introduced.
 "I now take the pleasure of intro ! ducing the toastmaster of the even | ing, Attorney Joseph G. Woods" The toastmaster spoke as folloWs MT. President and members of the i first ward republican club and invited l guests:
 "It is very gratifying to see before us such a splendid gathering of men 1 tonight It is an eloquent testimonial l of your layalty to the principles of l the great party of which you are a part and a factor. Tonight is an l occasion of especial significance to the First Ward Republican club. It l is another milestone on the road to 1 it's continued success. The officers and the rank and file of its members l point to it's record with feeling of pride
 Ut was here in this hall that it had ] it's inauspicious beginning four years ago. It was here a party of a few men assembled after republican caucus held in the Turner Hall 1 and devised a plan to promote har- mony. unity and efficiency in the re- l publican party.
 l Abraham Lincoln said that a house divided against itself must fall ] The founders of this club knew that time had come when discord, dis 1 l hi.