New Britain herald., 1925-06-20
Bolshevists, Economy Extremists And Paci- fists Denounced By National Commander of Organization.
Praise for Theodore John son of This City Voiced at First Session of Boys of '98 Convention.

Any person who in any way whatsoever attempts to obstruct the path of or oppose any program of preparedness that the United States government deems necessary of in- auguration Is a traitor and moe certainly and more dangerous a traitor than Benedict Arnold ever was, declared Commander-in- Chief Chauncey w. Herrick of Washington D. C., addressing a hall full of dele gates at the opening session of the 22nd annual encampment of the department of Connecticut, United Spanish War Veterans, last night in Odd Fellows hall.
 The commander-in-c -chief cancelled a tour of encampments in the mid. dlewest in order to be present ir New Britain last night, having been again and again urged to come both by Department Commander Theo- dore Johnson and a member of the national officers from the east. With him as guests of honor were past Commander-in-Chief William Jones of New York at past Commander-in- Chief Charles W. Newton of Hart ford.
 The department of Connecticut also held It's first session last night in Vega hall and was addressed by Wilhelmina Bergmeyer of Chicago, president general of the national organization, and Mary V. Gill or New York city, state department president of the New York auxiliary. This was also a spirited meeting and the hall here too was thronged. Snakes Midnight Crawl
 When both sessions ended about midnight, the snakes began to crawl, and one of the shortest, weirdest and most fantastic parades that ever wound it's way up and down Arch street was presented for the ap. proval of those who had the patience to stay till midnight and witness it. It was the beginning Of the grand crawl of the Grand Lair Province of Connecticut, Military Order of the Serpent, and the great Gu Gu and every other leader of this strange Philippine absurdity took part. This parade wound up at the armory where limitations and other rituals of the order were performed
 The convention hall was filled with veterans and the guests of the en- campment for the opening session had been escorted to the stage when Commander William D. Massey of A. G. Hammond Camp, No. 5, took up the gavel and called the meeting to order shortly after o'clock. Commander Massey welcomed the encampment to New Britain and after a short speech turned the meeting over to State Department Commander Theodore Johnson. De- pertinent Chaplain Seth Leslie Cheney then read the invocation, after which all stood at attention for the singing of the national an- thep. Vi
 Commander-in-C Chief Herrick and Past Commander-in-Chief Jones were then escorted from the rear of the hall to the stage. Past Com mander-in-Chief Newton was later noticed by Commander Johnson at the back of the hall and he too was escorted to the stage. Mayor Pao- nessa was the first speaker,
 The mayor was given a tremen- dous ovation and 1t was several min utes before it became quiet enough for him to proceed.
 Mayor Paonessa's Welcome.
 Mayor Paonessa's address of wsl' come follows:
 "The city of New Britain is pleased to have the United Spanish War Vet erans as Its guests in this annua encampment. We feel our city de, rives great benefit through associa tion, even though it be for but 1; brief period, with delegates repre- senting the veterans of 1898. w have observed the work of A. c Hammond Camp in this city, ant know the caliber Of the men wh, make up its membership. For thi reason. if for no other, we are glaC 70 extend 10 you the hand Of wei come.
 "In the same spirit as you marched forth to defend the flag more thai quarter of a century ago, your or ganization is today upholding in principles Of equality. Minus racia political or religious bars you hay mustered a large membership, Yoi have kept alive the principles o fraternity and service. The work vol have undertaken is indeed grea one and worthy of commendation,
 Tn the World War, just passed there were a number of your mem bers who formed the nucleus of strong offense and defense in th active service. To them the coun try's gratitude must be expressed But it was to organizations such a the United Spanish War Veteran
 and kindred groups that the morale
 So great a factor in our success
 was maintained.
 Through the years of peace yo 5 have kept alive interest in militar Q and love of flag and country. Wit F the inspiration furnished by the boy Q of 1898 still fresh in the minds c