Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-06-13

Gen. John K. Ritter OF san francisCo'
Calf. the new general commanding. and
his chief of staff, Gen Ernest W. Brad
ford Of Washington. d. c., were guests
of honor at the oath annual session OF the
Department Council, Patriarchs Militant,
]. o. o F. of Maine, which was held at
odd Fellows hall. beginning at O'CLOCK
Tuesday afternoon and continuing until a
late night hour Brigade and regimental
headouar.ers were established at the Au-
yusta House. where all chevaliers were
given a hearty welcome. Some OF the
members of the Council came on the fore
noon trains and others on the noon and
early afternoon trains. Gen. Ritter ar
rived on the noon train and was greeted
by a special committee and conducted to
headquarters. The members Of the Coun-
ell reported On their arrival to the chair
man Of the committee on credentials,
Col s. y. Soule.
While the membership Of the council
consists of commissioned and warrant Of
fcers and two delegates from each Can
ton there were also other chevaliers In
attendance VINO had come early for the
field day on Wednesday.
Council Meeting
The Department Council opened prompt
" at T. NJ. recessed at o'clock and
resumed it's deliberations at 1.30 2. NJ
Among the important matters coming be-
fore the attention of the council were
the reception OF Gen. Ritter and Gen.
Bradford. the annual report Of Brigadier
General Will C. Miller, the department
commander and memorial services for de-
Of ha
Quoted by the brigade chaplain. Major
sewell c. Ripley of Portland assisted by
the chaplain of the First Regiment, Capt.
John Graham Of Bridgton. A buffet
luncheon was served by Canton Augusta
at.the close Of the council meeting Inc
text of Gen. Miller's address follows:
Augusta. Me. June II, 1871
To the Members of the Department
Council. Patriarchs Militant l. 0. .. F.
OF Maine
II IL with much pleasure that SUD-
nit 10 you. my second Annual colh-
munication as Department COMMANDER
OF this jurisdiction. We are again per-
mitted to assemble in Council, thls
time in the Capital City OF our stare
which is my home city. The cheVanerS
and all citizens Of Augusta extend to
YOU a most sincere and cordial well
come, and may YOU be so impressed
with our good fellowship that you will
regret leaving us. and our beautl1ui
CITY on the Kennebec, at the close OF
these festivities.
A retrospective glance calls TO mlho
that our Department was organized IN
this city. Jan 30 1894, and that the loth
Annual Council Meeting and Field Day
not since this date, fifteen years ago,
has the Council assembled here VI
the thirty-one delegates present at the
organization but few are now awe
and active members. reminding us OF
tie fight Of time and the changes 1t
brings.
For the last four consecutive sessions
Of this Department Council we have
had the good fortune to have the Cen
eral Commanding, Gen. A. r. Stocker
as our guest Of honor. all Of which VS.
its have been highly appreciated and OF
great benefit At this session we are
again fovored with the presence OF the
General Comman nding. Gen. John k'
Ritter Of San Francisco. who succeeds
Gen. Stocker. and to him. in behalf OF
this Department I extend a fraternal
welcome. Gen. Ritter is we'll quallned'
by years Of service in our Army to take
I'm the work where Gen. Stocker leaves
IT. and we believe he will not only hold
II up to its present high standard. out
under his wise leadership it Will reach
n still greater degree of eihclency
surely such will bc the result If love
LOYALTY and devotion to our principles
will accomplish it.
It has been said that blessings never
come singly, in proof of this MAXIM
Gen. Ritter brings with him, his Chlei
Of STAFF Mai Gen. Ernest w. Bradford
Of Washington. n. c., who comes PACK
TO the State of his nativity. 1t is a
pleasure to welcome both of these dis
tinguished officers at this time not
alone fer what they represent, but Tor
what they are. 1t Is also a pleasure to
have with us the Department Com
mander of Massachusetts,. Maj. Gen
Daniel S. Knowles whom I feel sure
YOU will all be glad to know.