The Re-union

Wednesday, the first day of the reunión of the Army of tbe Potornac opened with a drizzling rain, but a sun ny sky gladdened all hearts before nine o'clock. Large numbers of ex-soldiers -the battle-scarred veterans of a world renowned army - had come in with the trains of the previous evening, and the city had welcomed them in her best holiday garb. The streets and pnblic places were thronged with the boys in blue, aud the friends who had come to enjoy the spectacle with them, and particípate in the work of re-lighting their camp lires. The people had not f orgotten the men who went to the fronl when the blast of war sounded the ilarm, who faced death at the cannou's mouth and in the haunts of pestilence, and at last return ed, crowned with the victor's wreath ; but were glad to extend the hand and open the house of welcome, to quicken the memory of their brave deeds, and to see them flght "their battles o'er again." WEDNESDAY. The morning found the streets crowded and the enthusiasm already at holiday pitch. It was evident that, what Gen. Sicklea declared at one of the corps meeting, was to be a fact, that this was to be the most successf ui reunión the army had ever had. The Generáis and celebrities kept their rooms pretty closely, or held receptions üiere. At the Kussell House, Gen. Slieridan, Gen. Sickles, and ex-President Hayes received friends, as alsodid Mrs. Grant, and Mrs Sheridan, while Gen. Grant, and Col. Fred Grant had an n formal reception at No. 15, the Mayor, Governor, and others, introducing citizens. The various corps of the army, held their business meetings in the anemoon, each at aome hall or room )reviously designated, choosing their iffloers for the ensuing year. At the meeting of the Cavalry corps in Mer■11 Hall, Gen. Sheridan was received with the wildest enthusiasm by the 500 present; The Artillery corpa inaugurated an attempt to fortn an artilery society tobe composed of Michigan men, without reference to state, corps, or battery. At the meeting of the risoners of war, an old rebel flag taken from the "Florida" waíi exhibited y the President, who had suiïered and almost starved, which called forth lowls and shouts from many who had anguished and almost starved, in rebel )risous, over which had floated the ïated rebel flag. The business meeting of the Society of the Army of the Poomac, was held at 3 o'clock, Gen A. A. Humphrey's, of Washington, was hosen President for the ensuing year, and Washington was decided upon as he place of meeting for next year. At ,he meeting of the third Michigan Regmental Reunión, Capt. Quackenbush of Plymouth, was chosen President and esplutions werepassed on the death of lajor Iludson. Maj. Wilcox was chosn orator for the next meeting. J. R. irosvenor, of Monroe, was elected 'resident of the Seventh Michigan. One of the excursions enjoyedbyGen. Grant, and a few ethers, was a ride round Belle Isle, In the yacht Lillie by he favor of Mr. Brufh, WEDNESDAY EVENING. At 7:45 p. M. the society took the line f march from the Russell House to Music Hall, which was soon densely acked. Marvellousjtaste and skill had een displayed in the decoration of the ïall. ïhe walls, stage, ceiling and pilars were draped or disguised with )uuting, festoons and flowers, as if by airy hands, and abrilliant illumination made the acene a movidg picture of admiration to the vast audience. General Devens the President of the society, alled lhe meeting to order, in a clear nd resonant voice, which was heard in 11 parts of the hall. His allusions to iie names of Grant, Hayes and Burnide called f orth applause ; and when he poke of another whose name can never e forgotten - Garfleld - who, at the meeting in Harrisburg, responded to the oast to the President of the United tates, with a charm and eloquence all his own, the audience was moved with nthusiasrn, restrained by deep emotion. Ne'er to the chambars wbere the mighty rest, Smce their foundations, cam a nobler guest; And nn'er were to the realins ol hliss conveyed A sweeter spirit, or a holier shade." Chaplain George Taylor was called upon to offer prayer, after which Governor Jerorne read au appropriate address of welcome, followed by an eloquent address of welceme to Detroit by Mayor Thompson. To these Gen. Devens responded in terms befltting the occasion. John Boyle O'Reilly then read a poem which elicited admiration and applause. It reviewed the part of the grand army in the recent conflict, spoke of the blessed results we witness to-day, and anticipated the time when Europe's thirteen monarchies will be states without a throne - parts "Or one erand confederaüon, tike our own." Gen. Bragg began his oration about huif past nine. lts reading occupied uearly an hour. It was a production of much merit, and every soldier who heard it must have feit in his heart to say, "I am proud that I was of the army of the Potomac," but all would not accept his estitnate of McClellan. After him, Gen. Grant was called for, who, alter the cheering ceased, spoke a few moments of the record of the army of the Potomac. He endorsed Gen. Bragg's remark, that the volunteer soldiers were a machine with a thinking attachment. Gen. Sheridan was called for, and his rising awoke the wildest enthusiasm, and the band struck up, "Hail to the Chief." He thanked the boys for their greeting. Ex-President Hayes being called, paid a timely and beautiful tribute to Burnside. After ? brief bat felicitous speech by Gen. Sickles, the audience toroke up. T1IURSDAY. ïhursday came in, glowing with Virginia heat, fanned by a stift Potomac breeze. But the grand parade was not to be put off. The column formed at Campus Martius at 9 o'clock, and its course was down Lafayette ave. to Tliird street, thence to Griswold, to and up Jefferson ave. to Russell, termarching toWoodward ave.,passing the Grand Stand on Campu3 Martius, wliere Gen. Grant, seated with other military chieftains, the Governor o: Michigan, &c, reviewed the Infantry Thence the procession passed up to Adams ave., where the parade ended The column was in three divisions: The first under Gen. L. S. Trowbridge, the second under Gen. J. H. Kidd, the tbird under Col. John Atkinson. The prjcession was witnessed by such a crowd of spectators as is seldom seen in the most populous cities. Woodward ave. from Grand Circus park to Jefferson ave., was a compact mass of humanity; and so also were the Windows and house-tops. The veterans cheered their generáis lustily as they passed the grand stand on the Campus. After the parade the portion of the column that was to take part in the drill and sham flght proceeded on the march to the State Fair Grounds, and the rpst were left to their commanders. A large nurnber of the veterans e:ijoyed a ride on the Detroit river during the afternoon. Conspicious among thenun.ber on the "Fortune," were Gen's. Deven3, and Sicliles, who were surrounded by old comrades and soldies. The yacht "Truant," containing Gen's. Grant, Sheridan, ex-President Hayes, and other notables swept past, and awakened cheers and enthusiasm scarcely ever witnessed on Detroit river. The Fort Wayne Band f urnished the musie, and every detail was pronounced to have been most perfect in planning and execution. DECORATION OF MUSIG HALL. Music Hall was most beautifully and appropriately decorated. The large aank ot seats on the stage was transformed by the paiuter's art aud the decorator's skill into a romantic scène on the Pütomac. The background showed portions of the river with hills in the distance and the trees and verdure of its banks peacefully resting in the moonlight, while here and there were real tents. The painting was draped above and on either side with American tiags, and in front the scène was brought away from the canvas by an ingenious disposal of grass mats and Diactical shelter tents flxed upon the leats from the painting to the rail in ïont. The auditorium was canopied by a mainmoth drapery of red, white and blue which completely overhung the main floor, depend ing gracefully f rom a common center to the galleries. ïhis centre was held by a p'ainting of an American eagle flying earthward with he olive brancü in its beak. Ihe sides of the canopy were draped n pretty f estoons held by rosettes at egular intervals around the hall, and at the sides of each section of draping were crossed svvords, forming a most ppropriate ornament over each bracket f gas jets. Between these brackets were portraits, mammoth size, of famous representatives of the army and navy, Gens. Sherman, Sheridan, Custer, tfcDowell, McClellan, Burnside, Pope, Ialleck, lieade, Hancock, Grant and Admiral Farragut, with portraits also f the late. Gen. A. S. Williams, flanked n the right by a portrait of the late 'resident Garñeld and on the left by Jen. Hancock. Upon the walls beneath the galleries were a series of large paintings repreenting important events in the history of the United States since the time of he Revolution, while each post suporting the gallery had upon its four ides the names of prominent battles luring the war of the rebellion and the names of deceased soldiers selected without reference to rank, regiment or nationality. The masterpiece of the entire system of decoration, however, was a 'floral epresentation of the old war frigate, ' Conbiitution." The model of the mll was perfect, with the spars and rigging correct. The ewtire structure, ave the standing and running rigging, was made of roses, with keel, fan-tail and bowsprit fringed with lilies of the valley. An invisible wire leading to one of he tables enabled an attendant to keep ihe frigate in a constantly rocking molonjas if; plowing the wavesof a rough ea. THE BANQUET was largely attended in the evening, he galleries being well filled with adies. Gen Charles Devens, President of the society, sat in the center of the main table, with ex-President Grant on his right, and ex -President Hajes, on his leit. Gen. Saeridan sat next to Gen. Grant, Gov. Jerome was next to ex-President Hayes, Mayor Thompson iccupied a seat between Gen's. Sneridan and Bragg. By the side of Gov. Jerome was Gen Sickles, and next carne ïov. Beveridge, and next, Hon. Aujtin Jlair, John Boyle O'Reilly poet of the eunion, Gov. Jerome's staff and anumer of prominent citizens. Tha exercises opened with music by ;he band of the Tenth United States nfantry, and a brief invocation by the Chaplain. Gen Devens introducedthe peaking by briefly alluding to the great services to the country of the Army of the Potomac. Two-thirds of hose who feil in the war of the rebelion were of that army. He then announced as the first toast of the even ng: "The President of the United States;" Gov. Beveridge of Ilinois, responded. He spoke of the great services of jincoln and Grant, whose memory will never die. To these illustrious names would ever be added the name of the murdered Garfleld; his dauntless will o overeóme obstacles; his great ability n the halls of Congress and upon the ield of battle; the forti tude with which he bore his sufferings and his martyred death. At this time Mr. Beveridge was seizl d with a sudden vértigo and ceased speaking. Eaising a glass of water to his Ups it dropped from his nerveless grasp and he sank to his seat. He was borne half fainting to an ante-room, but a few moments later Gen. Devens announced that the attack was only verligo and would soon pass off. The announcement was received with cheers. EX-PRESIDENT IIAYES. The band played "God Bless Our President," following which Ex-President Hayes responded to the toast "Our Country," in brief as follows: Military services are not apt to be underrated. Certainly this country does not neglect the men who have fought her battles. It will not, however, I trust, be out of phice to notice briefly some of the comment8 which are often made on warlike achievements. It is said that the pen is mightier than the sword and that peace hath her victories no less reno wned than those of war. The general facts embodied in these familiar quotations no one will cali in question. The pen, taken as the symbol of the press, the pulpit and the forum, is an agency in human progress which possesses a vast and beneScial power. Peace and the works of peace contain, carry forward and enlarge the best blessings which Providence allota to men on earth. But sellïsh ambition and gigantic crimes of oppression and despotism always rest upon and resort to forcé. They can be met and vanquished only by force. This is war! Henee it often come3 to pass in human history that liberty and justice, and the enjoyment of independence and manhoodare the results of war. I do not undertake to make even a summary of what is included in the sentiment "Our Country." Consider a few of its more obvious elements: Our country embraces within its limits more than 3,500,000 square miles - an area about as large as all Europe with its adjacent islands. More than 3,000,000 miles of this territory is compact and bound together by 100,000 miles of railway, and by interior navigable waters and telegraph lines almost beyond computation. It occupies in soil, climate and resources the best part of the best continent. lts whole vast area is open to unrestricted and untaxed commerce, and without expense of large armies and navies is dedicated to perpetual peace. It bears one name, has one destiny and one hope, and is united forever under one flag. It has more that L0,000,000 of people, with advnntages of education, employment and the means of happiness and progress more widely and justly distributed than the world has ever seen before. To this population all other civilized nations are contributing a stream of joung, vigorous and enterprising mmigrants - a stream constantly flowng and constantly increasing. It has mstitutions so free and equal that under them every man has a right to be counted on every public question, and ;he Constitution.laws and government, iQ their letter and spirit, and in their ilministration also, must in the long run be precisely sucli as the people deserve to have. Our country Is the youngest of the nations, but our history, short as it is, furnishes some of the most illustrious events in the secular history of mankind. The achievement of independence and he establishment of popular self-goverDment, of national unity and emancipation, are great events linked with noble ñames and deeds, and with a progress in solid prosperity enjoyed by no other country in any age. liincoln, the central figure of the war, at the head of the loyal armies of the Jnion, not with the pen alone, but with he pen and the sword, trusting always n God, got us out of the wilderness, and saved for us and for mankind that mmeasurable blessing - our country. It Ia your happiness, gentlemen, to have ser ved inthearmyof thePotomac luring the great and inevitable conflict. Ihat army was at the beginning of the struggle the largest army of the Union, and at the end of war it was the oldest, and still our lar,gest army. lts history s an epitome of the history of the war. During those long and anxious years it stood guard over the national capital, and over the commercial cities of Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York, oints esse&tial to oui couütry's life. At the same time it never ceased to hreaten and attack the capital of the Confederacy and the army of Virginia under Lee. The destruction of the army of the I'otomac would have been, according to human foresight, the loss of he Union cause, lts complete success was the overthrow of the Confederacy. :t suffered the first defeat, it won the ast victory. In the face of unparalleled discouragementand disaster it remained ntact with faith and spirit unbroken, flrm and confldent, as if penetrated by a consciousne3s that the good cause was n its keeping. Geltysburg is on its banners. Richmond and the surrender of Lee complete its history. I wish to thank the society for their kindness, and in closing to say that aniong my most cherished recollections of the war is the fact that it was my rivilege and good fortune in our short campaign, onthemarch and in the batle, to touch elbows with the brave men of the army of the Potomac. At the conclusión of kis remarks the ex-President waj greeted with three rousing cheers, and the band played 'America." "The Army and Navy" was responded o by Gen. Sickles, who was greeted with great cheering and long-continued applause as he aróse and supported hiinself withhiscrutches. His romarks vere enthusiastically received, closing vith the words : From Saratoga to the bloody deck and tottering masts of the "Bon Homme ïichard;" from New Orleans to the 'Constitution ;" froin Clierubuso to jake Erie ; from Vera Cruz to Winches,er ; frem Gettysburg to the Golden Iorn of the Pacific and the little "Montor" at Hampton Roads; from the sinkng batteries of the "Congress," to the midnight thunder of Vicksburg ; from he cloud-wrapped shrouds of the ■Hartford," where Farragut inspired victory, to the apple tree at Appomattox, where Grant dictated peace - the army and navy of the United States have made volumes of glorious history, and have given to the world imperishable examples of fldelity and honor. Upon concludinghe was greeted wifch wild applause. The band played "lied, White and Blue," in wliich the veterans joined in chorus. Gen. Devens said Michigan is a great and prosperous state, and referred to the soldiers of the state furnished to the war. He a3ked his comrades to join ïim in the toast, "THE STATE OF MICIIIGAN. Governor Jerome responded in brief as follows. When the war broke out the people of Michigan were divided, so far as he could recollect, into two classes, those who wanted to be soldiers and go to ;he war, and whose fathers wanted ;hem to go, and those who did not. He belonged to the latter class (laughter) and therefore feit as if he could hardly speak of the gallant deeds of the song of Michigan as well as they deserved to be spoken of. Michigan soldiers served in every battle of the Army of the Potomac frorn the first Buil Run to A.ppomattox. Not content with sending the first splendidly equipped regiment to the defense of the capital, Michigan continued to seod men at every cali that was made upon her by Father Abraham. No time was lost in sending them either, and he was proud to say that none of the 90,000 that went to the field were "scabs." The army could not subsist without good and loyal men is Congress to vote supplies to carry on the war. He was proud to say that none of the Michigan delegation in Congres were backward, in doing their whole duty, and in standing up nobly for the army. It was a matter of pride for him to say that the chief military commanders had reiterated the statement that Michigan gave the nation less trouble in filling her quota, and sent her men into the field better equiped than any other State. Maybe they exaggerated, but Michigan was will-ug to take the credit of the statement. [Cheers.] One regiment of Michigan soldiers were at one time in danger of loosing their reputation for veracity, but he believed they entirely escaped all imputation on that score. They were encamped near a farm-house and the officer in command asked the good old lady who owned it, if she was not afraid of loosing all her chickens, She replied, "No; there wasn't a chicken on the roost since Grant's old Illinois regiment passed that way." [LieutGen. Sheridan, who sat next to Gen. Grant, nudged him joeularly, and both laughed heartily at the anee dote.] Gov. Jerome concluded by expressing his acknowledgments to the Army of the Potomac for honoring the State with their presence on that festive occasion. After Gov. Jerome concluded speaking, the Glee Club sang "Michigan, My Michigan," with goed effect. Gen. Devens said he would like to preface the next toast with some remarks, but he could not do the subject justice. He expressed himself in the highest terms of the most generous welcome extended to the city, end said he could wish the society unlimited pro3perity, which it certainly now has, but it certainly could not have greater hospitality. "The City of Detroit," by Mayor "VVm. G, Thompson. THE ARMY OF THE TOTOSIAC i was responded to in brief by Gen. L. S. Trowbridge, as follows: The Army of the Potomac ! How large the themo ! AVhat volumes of eventful history lie wrapped m those few words, and at their mere mention what thrilling memories come crowding upon us ! Memories of hardships cheerfully endured, of dangers bravely met, of victories nobly won ! Were I called upon to point out the cause of some of the chief misfortunes of that army, I should say that it lay in a fundamental mistake oí' its first cotnmander. I do cot refer to that distinguished man, whose genius gathering together the hastily eollected masses of our undisciplined, inexperienced citizen soldiery ; I do not refer to that distinguished soldier, who, hastily gathering the scattered fragments of a defeated army, led them to glorious victory over an exultant enemy on the South Mountain and Antietam. The commander to which I refer was a different character. "Without military training or education he assumed to know beyond the possibility of a mistake how the war of the Union sWould be conducted. Without experience himself, he cared little for the experience of others. He made his headquarters principally in New York, but he issueel his orders from all parts of the land. His name was General Opinión, and he had General Expeetation for chiei of staff. This ncisy commander issued but one order, the only one he knew, the only one iu his opinión worth knowing, and he never found that in any book on military tactics. That order was ''on toBiehmond." The rnanner of executing that order was a matter of detail about which this commander did not greatly trouble himself. Indeed, upon that subject his own opinión varied from day to day. One day the water route was the best, and the next th8 overland route was the thing. Indeed, had he been asked the plain question how to get Richmond, he probably would have given the profound answer, "The way to get to Richinond is to go there." At all events by any route this commander had not thought of moving by the left flank. And it may be well question whether the strategie importance of Ilichmond was as great as was that of Vicksburg or greater that of Chattanooga or Atlanta, while its importance as the Confedérate capital was greatly overestimated. It is true that the Confedérate government happened to be boarding there at that time, but it could have boarded anywhere else just as well. You all remember how, when Gen. Weitzel thought, one fine April morning, that he would take up his quarters in Richmond, the Confedérate government in great disgust hastily packed its carpet bag and started out to find another boarding place. The confedérate authorities were ready for any desperate venture, and they sought every last ditch, but the last ditch had become a lost ditcb, and they could not find it though they sought it caref ully with tears. But, sir, whüe Richmond, as a capital, was of little importance, Washington, as a capital, wa3 all it. The loss of Richmond would have had but slight effect on the Confedérate cause so long as its great arrnies were in the field. The loss of Washington to the Union cause would have been a Wow well nigh fatal. And thusthe Army of the Potomac had imposed on it a duty which embarassed no other army. It must fight a defensivo as well as an aggressive campaign. It must, so to speak, face both ways. While pressing forward for the Confedérate Capital it must keep a sharp look out for the safety of its own capital, and that fact became at once an indispensable condition of all its movements; for the first three years of the war the Army of the Potomac was too much domiuated by the thought of having Richmond for its objective points. But through the murky clouds of war anew star had appeared in the military firmament. This star rose in the west. With high hopes, and throbbing hearts, wise men had followed that star, and, when it moved to the east and settled over the Army of the Potomac, they thanked God and took courage. At once a new thouglit is given to the Army of the Potomac: "My objeetive point is the Confedérate army. I prcpose to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer." And the army like a great camp-meeting shouted "Amen." General Opinión had to keep still and General Expectation had to wait. Then, indeed, was presented to the country a grand spectacle. A great army with a leader worthy of its highest hopes, and a great leader with an army worthy of his fullest confidence, marching forth to defend the nation's capital by overthrowing the nation's f oes. The army of the Potomac had laid hold upon its objeetive point. Laid hold upon it, with a grip which all the flerce blows of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg could not for one moment loosen. A grip as pitiless as death, as inexorable as fate. I need not detain you with a recital of the details of that marve.lous eampaign; how the Army of the Potomac with a vigilance which never ceased, with a watchfulness which never slumbered, stretched out its left flank like a great arm tightening its relentless grip on the heroic army of Northern Virginia. At last the day of final struggle comes, and the Army of the Potomac rises in the majesty of its power to throttle its great adversary. Before its magniücent advance the enemy gives way, and Richmond, once the great objeetive point of this grand army, lies prostrate, bleeding and deserted at its feet. But wbat is the army doing now ? Is it preparing for a grand triumphal entry into the captured city ? Oh, no. It has other work on hand. A new thought is given to it. The beginning of victory furnishes no good time for rest. Now if ever, now more than ever is the time for quick and heavy blows; now is the time to "push things." To the Army of the Potomac Richmond is nothing. Appomattox everything. Press on ye gallant men. Forward the left, forward the right, forward the wholeline. Ride, Sheridan, ride. Strike, Custer! strike! On, Hancock, on! Flash y e sabers! Blaze ye muskets. Roar and smoke ye great guns; aqd.oh, ye héroes of the rank and file, ye battle-scarred veterans of an hundred fights, push on, push on ! One day more, one more struggle for your country and the cause of human liberty. But hold! Hold! Look! Look! There comes a white flag! Hurrah! Hurrah! The day is ours. The capital is safe! The Army of the Potomac has captured its objeetive point. The Glee] Clubgsang "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" in which the vast audience joined. Ex-Gov. Austin Blair responded to the toast. "The Volunteers" closing with these forcible words: Liberty is the birth right of mankind and the volunteers are its only sure support. They are the natural foes of oppression in all lands the world over and they carry the flag of the people, which shall at last be victorious evêrywhere. Gen Bragg responded to "the oration of the Day." Prof. Warman recited "Sheridan's Ride" and Ihe General being present at each inention of his name the audience rose lo its feet and eheered enthusiastically. At the conclusión the demaud was made that "Little Phil" niount the table where all could see him. The General did as he was directed, and was given a loud ovation. Gen. Sheridan, with a smile on his countenance, returned thanks and said; "I am indebted to the State of Michigan for my travels during the war. The man is here tonight who started me on the road. [Applause] It was Gov. Blair. I remember when I started oufc and was taken up by Gen. Halleck. I made myself quite useful to him. When the Second Michigan Cavalry needed a colonel I got a dispatch from Gov. Blair appointing me. I did not meet Gov. Blair before and do not know how he happened to select me. I went to Gen. Halleck and told him, but he did not want to let me go because he had no ene else w ho knew how to pitch the tents in his headquarters and fix his mess and look after his traps. I accepted the commission from Gov. Blair and I did not know a single man in the company, except Col. R. A. Alger, the Chief Marshal of the day's parade who brought me my commission from the Governor." Gen. Sheridan then spoke of his first night's service with the regiment and his subsequent promotion to be Brigadier General and his ultimate connectiijn with the Army of the Potomac. He said that there was a good deal of talk about the products of Michigan, but the Senate furnished many brave men for the army, oue of whom was the galiant Gen. Custer. He would on ly make one point and thal was that hè was the first man to receive a white flag from Gen. Lee at the battle of Appomattox. [Great applause]. When Gen. Sheridan concluded he was given three rousing cheers and a tiger. Gen. Grant was called for and was received with enthusiasm. He stated that he was proud to relate the fact that he was a citizen of Detroit and the State of Michigan. He was stationed in Detroit from April, 1849, to 1851 and during ;that period the Conslitution of the State was ratified. He abstained from voting that year and was glad he did so as two highly respectable citizens were the nominees for Mayor, Zachariah Chandler (applause) and John R. Williams. Had heároted, the vote at the time would have been against Mr. Chandler." A touching scène then took place; A venerable g'ray haired man was escorted to the front and introduced to the guests as the. FATIIEE OF THE LAMENTED OENEHAL CUSTER. With tears rolling down his cheeks he said in faltering tones: "I raised some good boys who did good service. Three of my boys were killed for their country. This is all I can say." There was a storm of applause, in which Gens. Grant, Sheridan, Bragg and others heartily 'joined. "The Press," toast, was responded to at length by Capt. I. C. Burritt, and "The Ladies" by Col. John Atkinson. At a late hour for night or an early hour for morning the banquet Jbroke up closing with songs, reminiscences and jeneral handshaking.