Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1916-07-20
THE BANQUET.
Brief Patriotic Speeches Bring Busy
Day to n Close.

The banquet. held in the main dining
room Of the Van Ness House in the eve
ming. was very much of social sue
cess. At the head table were seated
President Cowan. who presided over
the post -prandial exercises the speakers
and their ladies. The dining room was
handsomely decorated with American
flags, the banners of the Society of
the Army of the Potomac and the Mill
tary Order of the Medal of Honor
shields and other banners. The tables
were trimmed with ferns, green trail
! ing vines and miniature American flags
and after the guests were seated little
| flower girls draped in the flag, passed
among the guests distributing corsage
bouquets for the ladies and bouton-
nieres for the gentlemen. Taplin's or
chestra furnished an excellent program
of music and a quartette led the sing
ing of patriotic songs. Following the
benedicton by the chaplain, the Rev.
w S. Hubbell, all stood with clasped
hands and sang Aud Lang Syne.
A very fine banquet was served with
skill under the directiin of Frank
Melo, head waiter OF the house.
| The president first introduced Colonel
John D. Billings who captivated his
hearers with his original poetry en-
titled. Ashes from an Old Camp Fire
His poem was an exceptional one and
was received with enthusiasm.
Admiral Charles f. Clark of Spanish
War fame was next called upon. Ad-
portunity to compliment the people Of
] RI Inc tnn fha Of i'm n hey
live. IN all this country which YOU
men fought so hard to save" said he.
there is no city which compares in
beauty. location and grandeur with
Burlington, Vermont"
Colonel Cowan then told some war
stories concerning the Monitor and
Merrmac which were of much interest
more especially his story about the
"Teaser." which threw shells that look
ed as large as wash tubs.
! Governor Charles w. Gates spoke in
greeting OF the splendid service the vet
Grams of the Civil War rendered their
country in the sixties. Governor Gates
said that lie was proud of the record OF
Vermont. of the men who were ready for
service. of the record made by Vermont
ers who were pushed TO the front, after
| which orders were given to keep them
there and keep the ranks filled up. There
is warmth in hearts Of all Vermonters for
any who took part in the war of the re-
bellion and the later generations will
never fully realize the extent of their sac
rihce and patriotism.
General Peck, the newly elected prcsi-
dent of the society, was then called and
responded in few words, toasting the
retiring president, Colonel Cowan, and
speaking of his connection with Major
Leathers and Waterson.
Major j. n. feathers, who is a confed-
crate veteran. but who wears the Army
Of the Potomac badge, being an honorary
member. told of the association In his
mind Of the Green mountains as he saw
them first yesterday and Ethan Allen
and the Green Mountain Boys. Il rejoice
that there Is but one flag" said he, land
our nation is stronger to-day than ever
before and am willing to devote the re-
mainder of my days to the defense of our
flag" The northern soldiers knew that
the southern soldiers thought they we're
hghting for the right and the southern
soldiers know that the northern soldiers
were aware that there should be one
union as the Maker had intended.