New Britain herald., 1918-09-16
WYE LA FRANCE, WELCOME OF THIS CITY TO FRENCH BAND
Famous Veterans of World War Greeted With Wealth of Old Glory and Tri-Color Flown in Center

' With the city hall, munitions fac tories, business houses and private dwellings decorated with the Red, White and Blue of America and the 1'ri-colors. of France. New Britain extended a hearty welcome this after noon to the famous Trench Military band which is to give a concert this evening in ToXs theater, the pro- ceeds from which will go to the French organization which is to the poilu as is the Y. M. C, A. to the Yankee doughboy.
 The musicians arrived about the middle of the afternoon, having been , brought here by automobile from Hartford. Practically every member of this band has been on the actual firing line in France, one or two have been given the French War Cross and all are regarded as the best musical talent that the ssister re- public has ever produced. Upon ar irving in this city the musicians were rendered an informal reception by the large committee, headed by Mayor ! George A. Quigley. This took place at the Elks' club which has been especially decorated for the occasion. Later in the afternoon the distin-- guished visitors will be taken on a tour of inspection of the city and among other points of interest will ,vist several of the large factories where munitions and other army supplies for the Allies are being made.
 In order that all may have an opportunity of seeing and hearing ioia been made for them to give a short concert in Central Park at 6:15 o'clock. The Soldiers monument is lavishly decorated and flying from the halyards of the flag pole in the centre of the park are the intertwned Allied colors, with the Stars and Stripes and Tri-color predominating. The concert will last about half hour after which the band will re- tire to the Elks club where dinner will be served. The concert, at Foxs theater, will begin at 8:30 o'clock, instead of S:15 D. m., and the opening numbers will be America and the Marseillaise. At the theaters young women will act as ushers and will also sell programs and flowers.
 Chairman w. w. Leland of the general committee desires to have it understood that the banquet this eve ming is to be an enirely inform al affair. This is in the spirit of the times and dress suits are tabooed.
 EIihu Burritt Friend of France.
 Those sons of France who are the guests of New Britain today have no idea perhaps, that approximately hi scarcely had begun to grow, it's most renowned citizen, Elihu Burritt, travelled across the seas as delegate to a series of international peace conferences held at Brussels, Paris and Frankfort and made what is con- sidered his best address in the French capital in the year 1849.
 MT. Burritt may be considered the pioneer in the movement to which he devoted the best years of his life, and his plea for a High Court of Nations, made at the conferences mentioned, is familiar to many per sons who have since, and are still in favor of the Interparliame entary Union and other agencies for a bet ter understanding between civilized nations. Half a century before the first Hague conference was called, this native of New Britain advocated B permanent International Tribunal fas the only adequate substitute for and preventive of war.
 Residents of New Britain need not be told again of MT. Burritt's services in behalf of popular education, of the emancipation of slaves, and of his efforts to bring the nations of the world into closer relationship by means of a cheaper ocean postage sand the establishment of 8 Congress of Nations His fellow townsmen, in the year 1907, laid the foundations of lasting memorial to the international character of his services, and it was particularly hitting that those Of French extraction In New Britain, aS well as all others representing the various nations of the universe in the city contributed gladly and gener- ously to commem orase the work of this champion of internationalism.
 Older residents will recall MT, Burritts wonderful speech on the oc- casion of his return. in 1849. to his
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