Surprised By His Comrades

Surprised by His Comrades.

On Tuesday evening about 150 members of Welch Post and the W. R. C., with their invited guests, assembled in G. A. R. hall for the purpose of holding a social, but really to "get even" with one of their number who has been instrumental in the success of Welch Post and is now honored with the position of Department Commander of Michigan G. A. R., Col. H. S. Dean. After a light lunch had been served, W. K. Childs arose and presented Col. Dean with a handsome past commander's jewel on behalf of the members and comrades of Welch Post. The jewel is a beautiful example of the jeweler's art. It is of fine gold and consists of the regular G. A. R. badge of the army of the Tennessee, to which Col. Dean belonged. On each of the five points of the star is found a handsome diamond. On the back is the inscription: "Presented by Welch Post, G. A. R., No. 137, to Comrade Henry S. Dean."

The remarks of Comrade Childs in making the presentation were very appropriate and told full well the esteem in which the present department commander is held by his comrades of Welch Post. In closing he said: "In behalf of Welch Post, I present you this badge, knowing full well that it will be worn over a true and noble heart, a heart as true as the steel its owner drew in defence of his beloved country, a heart as tender as that of a child and as full of loyalty as on the day he marched forth under the folds of the old flag to fight for humanity and liberty."

The presentation was a complete surprise to Col. Dean and for once he found himself embarrassed and short of words as he arose to respond to the cordial words to which he had listened. He thanked his comrades heartily for their token of love. "I have numerous other badges and articles which I shall prize highly as this badge, coming from those I love. I shall wear this badge with more real pride than any badge I ever wore, and in wearing it, the motto of our order shall be uppermost. 'Fraternity among ourselves; charity for those who need it; loyalty to the old flag.'"

Col. C. V. R. Pond, Dr. W. F. Breakey, Conrad Noll and others made appropriate remarks and the evening was one of pleasure and enjoyment.