St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1916-10-11

Major Watson of st. Adams spoke
of the chaotic condition into which
the war and executive departments or
the nation were plunged in working
under the new law and said: Per
haps many reasons for the Vexatiou us
delays as occurred could be given"
He urged strong cooperation with
General Tillotson in work of increas-
ing the state organization during
the next five years.
One of the most interesting
speeches of the occasion was by Sur.
geon. Major Melville of st. Albana.
who was in charge of the sanitary
department of the regiment. He
spoke of how the war against pre-.
ventable disease had been won and
the efficient work done by the sani-
tary corps of the regiment He told
Of the examination of food, lectures
on cleanliness which were strictly
enforced, and which were delivered
three times a week. In closing he
said: THE fact that you have all
these men around you tonight is
proof sufficient as to whether the
medical department of the Vermont
National guard fell down or not"
Captain Wilcox, after receiving a
prolonged applause made a short
speech of thanks in behalf of Com
pany. D for the things done to well
come the company; also the atten-
ton given them while at the border,
and the care taken of the families az
home.
Chaplain Moody spoke of his dis
appointment at not being able to be
with the boys at the border, and
spoke of Vermont troops as being the
first at the border where at one time
they guarded 83 miles of the line.
letter was read by Chaplain Moody
from Col. Reeves in which he COM
mended the work of Company d at
Eagle Pass, and also spoke highly or
the company commander, Captain
Wilcox.
Governor Henry c. Zoe gave a
brilliant outline of the conditions ex-
listing at the time of his service IN
the Philippines. He spoke of the
many Vermont men who were heads
of the department during the war
with Spain. The civil commission
which co-operated with the military
department at that time. Gov. Ide
spoke of the disease that was among
the $4,000 men scattered over the
islands who did not know how to pro-
tect themselves from the tropical dis
eases which overlook many. In
speaking Of the criticisms of that
time he said: There were enemies
in front and enemies at home. The
unjust criticisms made by the papers,
regarding atrocities committed by
the U. S. soldiers upon, as the papers
said, the defenseless natives, were
grossly exaggerated. 1t is true there
were some irregularities, but / know
no
of mercy compared to the troops that
are now scourging Europe from one
end to the other"
In closing Gov. Ide spoke Of the
possibility of a soldier rising from
the ranks. and further urged for a
greater preparedness to use the great
army of volunteers that would re-
spond if needed.
Roger Williams of Cuba gave an
account of the training received in
the civilian camp at Plattsburg and
outlined the work as done there dur
ing the summer months
Captain Henry w Ellis was intro
duced as a veteran of '9S. and spoke
briefly and to the point upon the les
sons learned, of obedience, patriotism
and respect to the flag.
Elisha May, after a hearty welcome,
company with the young men Ieav-
ing for the front in 81. He gave an
outline of the organization from the
days Of the Civil war and of the or
ganization of a regiment where the
Fair ground now stands.
AS state willing to aid the soldier
boy he said Vermont was always al
the front and was the first state in
the Union to aid the boys in khaki
to the extent of $35 per month. Mr..
May mentioned the generosity of the
officers in saying the unprepared con-
dition was the fault of no party. Tie
spoke highly Of General Tillotson and
in closing said: Although / am
good old-fashioned democrat, first Of
all I am an American"
The delightful banquet that was
served was under the auspices of the
ladies OF the Eastern Star. The la
dies Of the order and their husbands
assisted at the tables and the com-
mittee in charge of arrangements
wor Mrs. Fanny Beck, Mrs. Robt. Nc
Mrs. Harry Bartlett and
Mrs. Harry Chesley.
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