New Britain herald., 1926-03-19
U. s. CALLED LAND
 OF OPPORTUNITY
Patriotism Keynote at Assyrian.
 American Club Banquet

huSOI A h' l-uOlltasd NIlpoc un- nouncemcnt of candidacy for re- election Is expected shortly and ex- Mayor George A. Quigley, who is in the midst of campaign for the re- publican nomination, appeared on the same speaking platform last night, but politics and campaigning were forgotten out of deference to the purpose of the gathering--a re- ception by the Assyrlan-Amorican Citizens club to its assistant secre- tary. Zoya Oshana, and his bride who recently arrived from overseas.
 The affair was held at tho Burritt hotel with moro than 75 in attend ance. President B. Georges, who acted as toastmaster, presented Mrs. Oshana with q string of pearls, the wedding gift of the club.
 Mayor Paoncssa told of his person. al experiences as q newcomer 10 the shores of the United States and of the difficulties he had been called upon to overcome. He urged m ac- tive interest in public affairs. The mayor stressed the importance of be- coming citizens and exercising the electors voting privileges.
 EX-Mayor Quigley told inspiring stories of the loyalty 10 the flag demonstrated by Assyrians both here and in their own country and advised the club members to emu late the deeds of Americans who have made history. He declared it was the American flag that inspired tho Assyrians to withstand tho at lacks of tho Kurds and said Assyrian principles cannot be separated from tho American flag and what it repre- sents.
 James F. O'Brien. who organized the club five years ago, told Of his work as director of Americanization. He urged interest in federal lcgisla- ton pertaining to immigration and criticized the movement directed against laws which would permit the union of families in America whose members are now separated by the seas.
 Rev. F. Shumoon, g now arrival in the United States, urged as keys to success, industry, religion and good citizenship.
 Peter George, father o4e clubs president. and at one tiiRe a pro fossor of languages in Assyria, told intimate stories of his life as an m- structor in tho families of some Of the worlds most noted generals, and of his trip 10 the United States which was followed by financial reversal to bis employers and left him an im- migrant. rcnniless and jobleSs, He secured work for $t q day and when his nay was raised forty cents he de- tormincd to have his family brought here 10 the land of opportunity. Since that time he has been favored with success and is now recognized as ono of the leaders in the Assyrian colony here.
 Rev ScrEis Soremus. connected with thu Hartford diocese, said America is the only country'of the .issyrians and for the Assyrians. He traced the history of the race and their suhiection by the more power fulf tribes and said only in America haze they found freedom and equal fly,
 His talk was followed hv a short Spocch on the importance of Aneri- caniHa'on. by Rev. Saul David. q Nestorian minister. He advised that American citizens arc willing to help tho newcomers to the shores nHi warned that the helping hand will be extended only when thC .Aysyriars have convinced America that they arc willing 10 help them selves.
 Vicc-Prcsilcnt Jack David of thC club compIimoNted tl,e organization on Is progress and said it was so' cietv worthy of the city'S pride. Ne" rrilain is inc only city having su"] aDsorganizaiion, he said. and he pre- dictcd other cities would follow New HriNin's example in the near future
 Secretary Darius Miller told of the war record of New Britan's Assyr' ian colony. Ho pointed out thai from the president down, inc clul Ind given it's services either in thr military bodies or in the work Dc Hind the lines.
 Taba Y. Jones. q former president urged the Assyrians to exercise thcil faculties. declaring America is | prosperous country because it's peo' rle arc thinkers, not because it i' an industrious land, for, he declared Turopcan countries with great indus tries hrvr not made the progress America has.
 Fred Georges, violinist, and Mrs Eddy Johanna, pianist. entertained with vocal numbers. A the Conclu' eion nf thc banquet and speaking rroyrom an exhibition of Orienta daNning w0s given for tho benefit o' inc rnc2ts.
 1Er6 nYGyrIT VIVIAN nm