Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1926-10-07

CONG. JOHN {. NELSON
Speaker Of Day
Togus, Me. Oct. GA cake with so
lighted candles graced the table in the
center of Grand Army hall this eve
ming on the occasion of the birthday
party" in celebration of the 60th an
niversary of the first admission TO the
National Soldiers Home And a real
party it proved to be with many inyit-
ed guests aside from the members of
the Home assembling to honor the
event and listen to the messages
brought by Congressman John E. Nell
son of Augusta and the Maine depart
ment commanders OF the organizations
representative of the Civil War, the
Spanish War and the World War.
Owing TO the rain the military pa
rade planned for, the morning was
omitted. The days program was
opened in the afternoon with special
picture show. The officers of the
Home, the several military organiza-
tions and guests stood at retreat at
4.55 T. NJ.
were opened in the theatre promptly
at o'clock, We're presided over by
Governor Keith Ryan. Following
prayer by Chaplain Allison J. Hayes,
Governor Ryan declared that the rea-
son for the gathering and the party
were wofold: First, TO do honor to
those loyal and brave men who from
1861 to 1865 saved this Union for us.
and second. to pay tribute and thank
our government for what it has been
doing during the so long years for
those who serve the nation in war
time
Governor Ryan then introduced Con-
gresham Nelson. referring to him as
"a real friend of the Branch and a
splendid representative of the people
of Maine"
Address by Congressman Nelson
That throughout the years in this
country the veterans of the wars have
been the greatest teachers of patriot
ism, was the assertion of Congressman
John Z. Nelson in opening his remarks.
Thus it is a pleasure to visit the
Home and learn such patriotism.
He pointed out that one of the
pleasant things in the life OF a CON
gressman is to travel about and meet
the splendid men and women that he
has the honor to represent, for 1t
seems a duty for a congressman to
reflect the will of the people and this
can come only from active cooperation
between the congressman and the peo-
pie.
Whereas the National Soldiers Home
at Togus is now observing the Goth
anniversary of its establishment, the
United States is now celebrating in
Philadelphia its 150th anniversary
and during those years 1t has grown
from 100000 population to $50, 000,-
900. and from 3 states to As. We are
today the richest and most powerful
nation in the world We have social
and political equality and prosperity.
Our forefathers desiring political
and religious freedom braved the
dangers of the sea, faced the hard
ships of the New World, and found
ed a government of the people such
as the world has never seen. before
or since. They offered liberty under
the law and every man is master of
his own destiny here. The govern
ment founded recognized the good for
the greatest number.
The speaker told Of the service
rendered by the soldiers of the Civil
War, the Spanish War and the World
War to perpetuate the ideals of their
forefathers, and he expressed his be-
lief that the National has recognized
and has tried to pay its debt to the
soldiers The last session of Con-
gress enacted laws for the benefit OF
the Civil War veterans and their wi
dows. Congress corrected the great
est injustice in years, that of made
uuate pensions for the Spanish War
veterans and their widows. 1t also
passed legislation in behalf OF World
War veterans and is now paying
$3.50. 100000 a year for the support OF
veterans of the World War.
He stated that he would regret the
time when the last of the Civil war
men have passed on and the people
will lose the inspiration that their
! presence has meant He declared his
| belief that no National Home today
| has a more faithful and competent
| corns of officers than the Branch at
| Togus.
Congressman Nelson asserted that
| in Congress he introduced so or 6(
special acts for Civil War men and
| their dependents, that he had done
what he could for the men of the ClVll
War. and he wanted the veterans tc
! feel that in him they have a servant
! always ready to assist them In ob-
tanning those benefits which they de-
! serve from the Government.
Enthusiastic applause followed the
remarks of the Congressman AND
the meeting in the theater was ad-
| iourned after the singing of Am
! erica"
Party in G. A. r. Hall
The officials of the Home, the vet
Grams and their guests then assemo-
led in G. A. r. hall where the biftn
day party was staged, refreshments
were served, and the birthday cake
was brought in with ceremony. En-
iovable musical numbers were play
ed by the Togus Home Band. e. A
Berkley, leader, and Leo Andrews OF
Augusta accompanying at the piano
Governor Ryan introduced as spe-
cial guests upon the occasion August
Gagnon of Lewiston, commander OF
the Name Department Of the Spansh
War; w. I. Merrill of Freeport. com
mander of the Maine Department OF
the Veterans of the Foreign Wars;
James r. Morse of Bath, commander
of the Maine Department of World
War Veterans; and DR.. Wallace n
Price, mayor Of Gardiner. all of whom
made brief remarks, expressing their
interest and enjoyment,in being pres