^ .*.^% IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) % ^P 1.0 I.I l:i|2i 12.5 |io "^™ HUH ^ Uii 12.2 1^ VS. 112.0 I llllim 1 1.25 11.4 IIIIM.6 I Ta ■s^ m Photograidiic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STMET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)873-4503 '^>^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHiS/l/ICIVIH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Instituta for Historical Microraproductions / Institut Canadian da microraproductions hittoriquaa Technical and Bibliographic Notoa/Notat tachniquaa at bibliosraphiquaa Tha Inatituta haa attamptad to obtain tha baat original copy availabia for filming. Faaturaa of thia copy which may ba bibliographically uniqua. ¥vhich may altar any of tha imagaa in tha raproduction, or which may aignif icantly changa tha uaual mathod of filming, ara chackad balow. □ Colourad covara/ Couvartura da coulaur r~n Covars damagad/ Couvartura andommagAa □ Covara raatorad and/or laminatad/ Couvartura raataurte at/ou palliculAa 0Covar titia miaaing/ La titra da couvartura manqua □ Colourad mapa/ Cartaa gAographiquaa an coulaur D Colourad init (i.a. othar than blua or black)/ Encra da coulaur (i.a. autra qua blaua ou noira) r~n Colourad plataa and/or illuatrationa/ 0- D D Planchaa at/ou illuatrationa an coulaur Bound with othar matarial/ Rail* avac d'autraa documanta Tight binding may cauaa ahadowa or diatortion along intarior margin/ La re liura aarrie paut cauaar da I'ombra ou da la diatortion la long da la marga intAriaura Blank laavaa addad during raatoration may appaar within tha taxt. Whanavar poaaibla. thaaa hava baen omittad from filming/ II aa paut qua cartainaa pagaa blanchaa ajouttea lora d'una raatauration apparaiaaant dana la taxta. maia, loraqua cala Atait poaaibla. caa pagaa n'ont paa M filmAaa. Additional commanta:/ Commantairaa auppltmantairaa: L'Inatitut a microfilm* la maiilaur axamplaira qu'il lui a At* poaaibla da aa procurer. Laa dAtaila da cat axamplaira qui aont paut-Atra uniquaa du point da vua bibliographiqua, qui pauvant modifiar una imaga raprodulta, ou qui pauvant axigar una modification dana la mAthoda normala da filmaga aont indiquAa ci-daaaoua. Tha toti D r~n Pagaa damagad/ I I Pagaa raatorad and/or laminatad/ I I Pagaa diacolourad. atainod or foxad/ I I Pagaa datachad/ ryf Showthrough/ I I Quality of print variaa/ r I Includaa aupplamantary matarial/ r~n Only adition availabia/ Colourad pagaa/ Pagaa da coulaur Pagaa damagad/ Pagaa andommagAaa Pagaa raatorad and/oi Pagaa raataurAaa at/ou pallicuMaa Pagaa diacolourad. atainod or foxat Pagaa dAcolorAaa, tachatAas ou piquAes Pagaa datachad/ Pagaa ditachAas Showthrough/ Tranaparanca Quality of prir Qualit* in6gala da I'impreaaion Includaa aupplamantary matarii Comprand du material aupplAmantaira Only adition availabia/ Saula Adition diaponibia Tha poai ofti filml Orig bagi thai aion otha firat aion or ill D Pagaa wholly or partially obacurad by errata alips, tiaaues, ate, hava baan refilmed to enaure the beat poaaibla image/ Laa pagaa totalamant ou partiailamant obacurciaa par un fauillat d'errata, una pelure, etc.. ont At A fiimAea A nouveau da fapon A obtanir la meilleure imaga poaaibla. Tha ahall TIN! whif Map diff« antii bagii righl raqu mati Thia itam la filmad at tha reduction ratio chackad balow/ Ca document eat fllmA au taux da rAduction indlquA ci-daaaoua 10X 14X 18X /hx 26X 30X L V 12X 16X 20X MX 28X 32X \ Th« copy filmmi h«r* hat b««n r«produc«d thanks to tha o«narotity of: Thomas FMmt Rart Book Library, Univartity off Toronto Library L'axamplaira film* fut raproduit grAca A la gAnAroait* da: Thomai Fiihar Rara Book Library. Univanity of Toronto Library Tha imagaa appaaring hara ara tha baat quality posaibia considaring tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and in kaaping with tha filming contract apaeiflcationa. Original coplaa in printad papar covars ara f ilmad baginning with tha front covar and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or liluatratad impras- aion, or tha back covar whan approprlata. All othar original coplaa ara filmad baginning on tha f irat paga with a printad or liluatratad impraa- alon. and anding on tha laat paga with a printad or liluatratad Impraaalon. Las imagaa suivantas ont 6ta reproduites «vac la plus grand soin, compta tenu da la condition et da la nattat* da l'axamplaira film*, et an conformit* avac las conditions du contrat da ffiimaga. Laa axamplairas originaux dont la couvarture en papiar est imprimis sont film*s en commnnpant par la premier plat et en terminant soit par la darniAre paga qui comporte une empreinte d'imprassion ou d'illustration. soit par la socond plat, salon le cas. Tous las autras axemplairas originaux sont ffilmAs en commenpant par la pramiAre paga qui comporte une empreinta d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la darniAre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Tha last recorded frame on each microfiche ahall contain tha aymbol "-^ (meaning "CON- TINUED '), or tha aymbol ▼ (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la darniAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols — »> signifis "A SUIVRE ". le symbols V signifie "FIN". Mapa, plataa, charta, etc.. may be filmad at diffarant reduction ratioa. Thoaa too large to be entirely included in one axpoaura ara filmad baginning in tha upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, aa many frames aa required. The following diagrama illuatrata the method: Las cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent A\tre filmAs A dss taux de rAduction diffArents. Lorsque ie document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un soul clichA, il est filmA A partir da I'angie supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite. et de haut en bas. en prenant le nombre d'imeges nAcess&ire. Los diagrammes suivant; illustrant ia rr^Athode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 f O.'X, ( '* / ,1 <^' ^vl^*"''' it. twrge'^ « f^/; »/> REPORT OF THE FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION, HELD AT September 12th, 13th and 14th, 1877. PRINTED BY OilDER OF CONVENTION. BUIDGEPOBT: FABMKR OFFICE STE^M JOB PBX8B, COB. WAJJli AND WATEU BTS. 1877. i PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS. Tuesday Evening, September 11th, 1877. The delegates to the fifth annual Convention of the North America St. George's Union assembled at St. George's Hall, in the city of Philadelphia, at 8 o'clock p. m. The beautiful room was handsomely decorated with flags, the English and American predominating. On each side of the statue of St. George and the dragon, which surmounts the building, were respectively the Amer- ican and English flags. The meeting was called to order by the venerable President, Lewis Thompson, Esq., who, in the name of the ''Sons of St. George" of Philadelphia, cordially welcomed them to the City of " Brotherly Love," at the same time introducing Wm. Waterall, Esq., Vice-President of the " Sons of St. George," who, in an elo- quent address, tendered a hearty welcome to the " North America St. George's Union." He was followed by W. T. Wilkins, Esq., who also delivered an address of welcome. Responses to these addresses were delivered by the following delegates : D. Batche- lor, of Utica, N. Y. ; C. E. Peirce, of Hamilton, Ont. ; J. A. H. St. Andrew, of Va. ; and G. W. Longstaff, of Bridgeport, Conn. After the singing of " God Save the Queen," the meeting ad- journed to the lower hall, and resolving itself into a social body, had a real enjoyable time. (The addresses of welcome, responses, inaugural address and papers read, will be found in full in the Addenda.) »!&• FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. Wednesday, September 12th, 1877. MORNIKO SESSION. Tbe Convention met at 10 o'clock a. a.; the Hon. Lewis Thompson, President, occupied the chair, Th6 proceedings were opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. Suddards, Chaplain to the Union and the Philadelphia Society of the Sons of St. George. Tbe Vice-President of the Sons. of St. George of Philadelphia, Wni. Waterall, Esq., at the request of the President, (who was suffering from indisposition), read the inaugural address. On motion of Mr. G. Lindley, of Brantford, Ont., the thanks of the Convention were returned to Mr. Thompson for his admir- able address. The following gentlemen were appointed as secretaries: Rev. W. D'OrviUe Doty, of Waterloo, N. Y.; S. C. Collis, of Philadel- phia; C. E. Peirce, of Hamilton, Ont.; and S. Trees, of Toronto, Ont. Messrs. D. Batchelor, of Utica; F. R. Price, of Virginia; John Pennie, Jr., of Albany ; 0. Chase, of Guelph, Ont. ; and G. Lind- ley, of Brantford, Ont., were appointed a Committee on Credentials. Mr. Alfred Green, of Hamilton, Ont., was appointed Sergeant- at-Arms, and Mr. W. T. Wilkins, of Philadelphia^ Assistant. Mr. Wm. Tomlin, of Bridgeport, Conn., Secretary to the Exec- utive Committee, then read the annual report. On motion, it was adopted. ANNUAL BEPOBT OF THE EXEOUTTVE COMMITl'EE. GeiUkmm of the St. Gewg^s Union: In presenting a record of the proceedings of the North America St. G«orge's Union during the past year, your Committee, as a matter of justice, feel callml on, in the first place, to express their •deep sense of the generous reception given to the Convention at its last meeting in the beautiful city of Hamilton, in Canada. To the warm-hearted members of the St. George'^ Society, and to the public-spirited citizens of Hamilton, is due the credit of the success which attended our last Convention, and which will make it mem- orable in the annals of the Union. « BEGIKTER AND STATISTICS OF THE ST. OEOROE'S SOCIETIES. One of the first official acts undertaken by Mr. William Tomlin, Corresponding Secretary, on behalf of your Committee, was the is- suance of a circular to the St. George's Societies of the United States and the Dominion of Canada, asking for statistics as to membership, income, expenditures, etc. Sixty-two societies were applied to, and replies were received from thirty-four, of which eighteen belonged to the United States and sixteen to Canada. These thirty-four societies possess upwards of «5,000 members. Their funded capital amounts to $115,794. From twenty of these societies it was reported that 14,500 persons had been relieved during the last fiscal year, at an outlay of $15,800. A calcnlation based on these returns, shows that the St. George's Societies of North America expend, in the aggregate, not less than Fifty Thousand Dollars per aunum in charitable relief. Your Committee have made up the following list of existing so- cieties, viz. : The Sons of St George and Albion Society, Philadel- phia ; Albion Society and St. George's Society, New York city ; the St. George's Societies of Utica, Buffalo, Albany, Skaneateles, Waterloo, Oswego, Schenectady, Cohoes, Syracuse, Little Falls, Auburn and Rochester, in New York State ; Bridgeport, Connecti- cut; Newark and Patterson, New Jersey; Worcester and Fall River, Massachusetts; Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan ; Indianapolis, Indiana ; Chicago and Peoria, Illinois ; Augusta, Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina ; St. Louis and St. Joseph, Missouri ; Memphis, Tennes- SGG ; Pittsbu^h, Pennsylvania ; Omaha, Nebraska ; San Antonio, Texas; San Francisco, California; Baltimore, Maryland ; and Fred- ericksburg, Virginia. Also, the British Association of Vir^nia, British Society of Farmville, Virginia, and the Cockney, Anglo- American and Britannia Societies of Brooklyn ; the British Provi- dent Society of New York, and the Alfredians of Boston and Providence. In Canada, there are St. George's Societies in Ham- ilton, Kingston, Guelph, Bellville, Peterborough, Strathroy, Clif- ton, St. Catharine's, London, Ottawa, Toronto, Gait, Brantford, Coburg, Pfescott, Quebec, Montreal and Halifax. It is probable that some societies may have been omitted from this list, and your Committee will be glad to receive information in respect to any such. From this register of the St. George's Societies, it will be seen that they constitute a great power, and properly united in the work of this Union, none can measure the amount of good which they are capable of accomplishing throughout the length and breadth of this great continent. ST. oboboe's day and our patron saint. St. George's Day— our great anniversary— is becoming year by year more generally observed throughout the United Statets and the Dominion of Canada. To tens of thousands of Anglo-Ameri- cans, the 23d of April is the red-letter day in their calendar. Meeting in this splendid St. George's Hall, surmounted by the no- blest statue of St. George which genius has ever designed or fash- ioned, a few words respecting our patror saint may not be out of place. There is some doubt about the legendary history of St. George. Butler, a very reliable historian, maintains that St. George was bom of Christian parents in Cappadocia, obtained high 'distinction in the army, and was beheaded for his faith, under the Emperor Dio- cletian. A thousand heroic achievements have been accredited to St. George. He slew an immense and ferocious dragon, and is said to have saved a king's daughter as the monster was about to devour her. It is in the perfonnance of this chivalric deed that he is represented on horseback, armed with a lance and piercing the dragon. St. George was the patron saint of Genoa as well as of England, and he is particularly honored in Russia. In ancient times, in England, when knighthood was conferred, the sovereign, addressing the knight, used to say, " God and St. George make thee a good knight." Whatever may have been the real character of the saint, he has been held in the highest honor in England from a very early period. In the calendars of both the Greek and Latin Churches, he shared the 23d of April in common with other saints. A Saxon martyrology, however, declares that the day was dedicated to him alone ; and ever since the time of the Nonnan conquest, the day has been celebrated by Englishmen in the most approved manner. In 1344, the feast was made memorable by the creation of the Order of the Garter, of which St. George is patron, and the knights of which have their stalls in St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The Order of St. Michael and St. George has been more recently instituted. Among our forefathers, by both feast and tournament, the day became the occasion of great rejoic- ing throughout the nation. Many of the old customs have become obsolete, but the day is still honored by Englishmen in all parts of the world; and through the instrumentality of the St. George's Societies, the name of the saint is perpetuated, and a large amount of chanty 18 dispensed. According to tradition, St. George was brave, gallant, noble and chivalrous, and to those who have ranged themselves under his banner and cheriBh his memory, he is not .only the ideal hero of romance, bnt the source of inspiration to benevolence and Chris- tian 1(»ve towards their fellow man. Let us strive to be worthy of St. George, and our societies everywhere will have to complain neither of lack of numbers nor of funds. PROPOSALS FOR THE INCREASED USEFULNESS OF THE UNION. Your Committee have carefully considered the best means of adding interest and usefulness to the annual Conventions of the Union. Many new features will be introduced during our present sessions, with, it is hoped, great advantage. The papers to be read by Messrs. Batchelor, Underdown and Tomlin, will, it is believed, awaken and renew enthusiasm for the good work which is being accomplished by our St. George's Societies. There is plenty of latent energy in our societies, but it needs to bd aroused and stimulated, and this is precisely the vocation of the St. George's Union. Your Executive Committee also believe that when the Union is in full working order, it will become a valua- ble means of aiding members of the various societies who may desire to change their residences from one part of the United States and Canada to another, and generally will prove highly useful to members. With this view, the subject of visiting cards for members of the Union has been carefully considered by your Committee, and such cards are now ready and will be supplied to affiliated societies by the Corresponding Secretary, at a cost of $2 per hundred. To prevent imposition, your Committee recommend that each affiliated society be requested to report to the Secretary of the Union all cases of fraud on the part of applicants for relief, and that such information be circulated among the societies gener- ally, for the prevention of further fraud. It is to be desirea that all affiliating societies forward to the Secretary of the Union, an- nually, their list of officers and reports. ■COMMON SEAL. At the last annual Convention, Capt. C. S. Sanlt, on behalf of the Cohoes St. George's Society, kindly offered to present to the Union a common seal. The promise thus made has been faithful- ly carried out, and the thanks of the. Union are due to the Cohoes Society for their generous donation. PROPOSED NEW CONSTITUTION. Mr. St. Andrew,, of Virginia, at the last annual Convention, moved the following resolutions, which were referred to the Exec- utive Committee, to report thereon At this meeting : " 1 . That while the North American St. George's Union is only an advisory body and cannot claim jurisdiction over the charters and oonutitutioiiH of St. George's SocieticB already exiHting, it is nevertheless important that the Union should, as the central au- thority, secure powers whereby persons who may henceforth desire to form St. George's Societies, can secure charters from this Union. "2. That the executive officers of this Union be instructed to procure an act of incorporation from the Congress of the United Stotes and the Dominion Parliament, conferring the necessarv powers for the issuing of charters to subordinate societies and such other purposes as they raav deem needful for the good of the Union.^' Your Executive Committee have duly deliberated on the above resolutions, and respectfully recommend — 1. That the Union be incorporated under the laws of Pennsyl- vania. 2. That the chief offices of the Union be permanently located in Philadelphia. With a view to further carrying out the spirit of these resolu- tions, the Executive Committee have prepared a new Constitution, which will be submitted to the Convention, and which, if adopted, will enable the Union to— 1. Issue charters for new St.. George's Societies, wherever four or more qualified persons may desire to establish a society. 2. To issue charters of confirmation to existing societies desirous of joining the Union. It is to be hoped that the adoption of this Constitution may enable the Union to become a great federation of societies, while the Union will also directly encoiu-age and foster the formation of new societies. BADGES OF MEMBERSHIP. ^ The subject of badges of membership, upon which your Execu- tive Committee were instructed at the last Convention to take definite measures, awaits the action of local societies.* The ex- pense of producing the badges selected, was such that your Com- mittee deferred ordering the same until they were guaranteed that a sufficient number would be taken by the members to warrant them in so doing. t THE INTERNATIONAL BRITISH CELEBRATION. At the last annual Convention, an invitation was extended to and accepted by the Union, to take part in the International Brit- ish Celebration, in Petersburg, Virginia, on Queen Victoria's birth- day, in May last. The Convention appointed Messrs. C. E. Pierce, of Hamilton; Wm. Underdown, of Philadelphia: 0. S. Sault, of Cohoes, and Wm. Tomlin, of Connecticut, a mecikl com- raittee to cooperate with the British Association of Virginia in the 9 arrangementH tor the International Celebration. In discharge of the duties thus imposed, Mr. Wm. Tomlin, in March last, visited Petersburg for the purpose of conferring with the British Associa- tion. During this visit to Virginia, Mr. Tomlin was the recipient of many honors and hospitalities, wliich evidenced the high regard felt f(»r our St. George's Union in the Old Dominion. As Secreta- ry of the Union, Mr. Tomlin appended his signature to addresses to Her Most Gracious Majestv Queen Victoria, and to His Royal Highness Pnnco Leopold, which elicited from those distinguished personages wann expressions of interost in the International Cele- bration. Mr. Tomhn was also presented with an "Address of Welc(mie," signed by the Hon. D. B. Tennant, President of the British Association, and by the Hon. Wm. E. Cameron, Mayor of Petersburg. Mr. Tomlin was fuither entertained at a compliment- ary banquet, and his visit to Virginia was favorably commented on by the press in all parts of that State. Returning home with a strong determination to make the Inter- national CeleViration a great success, Mr. Tomlin corresponded with every St. George's Society in the United States and Canada, and conducted an immense correspondence with railroad compa- nies, in order to secure reduced fares for members of the various societies attending the celebration. The results of the joint labors of the special committee of the Union and of the British Associa- tion, are known to all. The International British Celebration was a magnificent success. It extended over four days, and the festiv- ities included a grand military display, civic and societarial pro- cessions, religious services, excursions, a grand banquet and numerous social gatherings and other public and private festivities on the most elaborate and costly scale. Her Majesty Queen Vic- toria, His Excellency the President of the United States and His Excellency the Governor-General of Canada, forwarded special messages of sympathy and congratulation. Altogether, the Cele- bration was a unique and glorious event. The fame of it has extended throughout the habitable world. The American press everywhere noticed it with approval. The English papers, from the Land's End to John O'Groats, published cablegrams and lead- ing articles on the celebration, and combined to give Old Virginia and the hospitable Cockade City noble reco^ition, which cannot fail to be of lasting good to the gallant and chivalric people of the Ancient Dominion. The Canadian papers, from end to end of the New Dominion, published reports and eulogies on the celebration. INTERNATIONAL COURTESIES. As a conspicuous proof of the good done by the International British Celebration, your Committee have pleasure in mentioning that the municipal address presented to Ex-President Grant in 10 Manchester, and rgad by Sir Joseph Heron thejown Clerk, con- tained the following direct reference to th. Celebration : « We feel that vour visit, coinciding as it does with the Kina expressions which the birthday of onr beloved sovereign recently evoked in the United States, is likely to do mnch to increase the good feeling which happily now exists, and which a common lan- guage, kindred and descent ought to render permanent. A leading English paper, remarking on Ex-President ferants visit to England, said editorially : mu- • • "General Grant has been cordially welcomed. This is as it should be. Americans, the other day, celebrated the birthday of Queen Victoria. Such a compliment well deserves a cordial re- turn."* , , ^ In view of these facts, your Committee feel that the great Inter- national gathering in Petersburg, Virginia, last May, has directly tended to promote " peao^ on earth and good will towards men," and has very largely increased the friendship now so happily sub- sisting between the United Kingdom and the United States. THE HISTORY OF THE CELEBRATION. Long and interesting accounts of the Celebration have been SubUshed in the press, from the accomplished pens of Alderman [cLellan, President of the St. Andrew's Society of Hamilton ; C. E. Peirce, Esq., of the Hamilton St. George's Society ; the Hon. W. B. McMurrich, President of the Toronto St. Andrew's Society, and the Rev. Canon Street, D. D., of the Chicago St. George's Society, all of whom attended the Celebration. Your Committee have pleasure in announcing that Mr. John J. Campbell, the tal- ented Assistant Secretary of the British Association of Virginia, is preparing for publication a full and complete account of the festiv- ities in connection with the International British Celebration. This work, which will be published under the auspices of the North America St. George's Union and of the British Association of Virginia, will be of great and permanent value. Whatever the St. George's Societies can do to extend its circulation will, un- doubtedly, tend to promote peace and friendship between England and America. The contents of Mr. Campbell's book will be divid- ed under the following heads : Reception Meetings of Visitors from United States and Canada, viz: Delegates from the North America St. George's Union. Delegates from North America United Caledonian Association. The Press Association of Virginia. Speeches by Mayor Cameron, the President of the British Asso- ciation of Vir^nia and Visitors. Siieoial Religious Service at St. Paul's Church. b d; E £ n \ a b a ♦; m Annual Address on a British Farmer's Experience in Virginia, by J. W. Hebditch, Esq., author of " Three Yeare in Virginia." . Annual Meeting of the British Association of Virginia. Grand Banquet in honor of Her Majesty Queen Victoria's Birth- day. Toasts and Sentiments. Speeches and Responses in full. One hundred Telegi'ams and Letters of Congratulation from Royalty and eminent and distinguished persons in the United Kingdom, the Dominion of Canada and the United States. Excursions, Visits to the Lines around Petersburg. Compli- mentary Concert at the Academy of Music. Closing Festivities at the Rooms of the British Association, of Virginia. Comments of the Press of three Countries. * The Results. Every Englishman in the United States and United Kingdom, and every Canadian, may well be proud to secure a copy of a book which will tell, for years to come, the story of brotherly love amorig Anglo-Saxons all the world over. ACTION OF ST. GEORGE's SOCIETIES. The Society of the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia, the St. George's Society of London, Canada, and many other St. George's Societies have, by appropriate resolutions, acknowledged the gen- eroiis hospitality shown to their representatives by the good people of Virginia. In view of the important part taken by the North America St. George's Union in the International British Celebra- tion, your Committee suggest that the Convention should adopt some suitable means of recording the satisfaction of the Union at the entire success of the Celebration. QUEEN victoria's BIRTHDAY. Many of the St. George's Societies of Canada took a prominent part in the public celebrations of Queen Victoria's birthday in the Dominion, and your Committee are glad to state that the day was also marked by festivities in several par's of the United States, in addit'on to those of the International Celebration in Virginia. The Onondaga County St. George's Society had a most agreeable celebration in Syracuse. These proofs of the love and esteem with which Queen Victoria is regarded in the United States, have more than ever endeared to Anglo-Americans the land of their adoption, and these events, one .and all, testify to the fact that Englishmen and Americans are determined, henceforth, to make their kinship as much a matter of heart and mind as it is inde- structibly of race, language and religion. 12 • ST. GEORGE'S HOUSB, PHILADELPHIA. Enfflish visitors to the Centennial Exposition last year, cannot faifSavo noticed the beautiful St. Georges House erected by- the British Government. To the great g-^tificat.o" of y^^^^^ mittee, St. George's House has been presented by Hei Maje8t,v« Government to the United States, and will remain a «tandi"& memorial of international friendship and an object of peculiar pleasure to the brethren of St. George. ARBITRATION Af A MEANS OF SETTLING DISPUTES BETWEEN CAPITAL AND LABOR. While your Executive Committee were in session in Philadel- phia, in July last, J. Harper Morris, Esq., an English gentlemap, occasionally resident in this city, directed their attention to the great good which might be accomplished by the adoption of arbi- tration as a means of settlement in the great strikes then agitating the country. Methods of arbitration in disputes between capital and labor, 'have hme been popular in England, and have received the support of Lord Beaconsfield, Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Bright and other great statesmen. Your Committee, after long and anxi»>iis consideration, came to the conclusion that they would be justified in taking action, and on the 25th of July, they adopted the fol- lowing Memorandum. 1. That the members of the St. George's Societies of the United States, among whom are many thousands of adopted citizens and sons of adopted citizens, view with grave anxiety the present in- dustrial crisis in which their interests, public and private, in com- mon with those of their fellow citizens throughout the republic, are directly involved. 2. That experience in Europe has demonstrated beyond doubt, that the only hope of satisfactorily closing disputes between capi- tal and labor is to be found in wisely conceived and judiciously carried out methods of arbitration between the contending parties. 3. That the advantages of arbitration as a means of settlement for international and national disputes, have been abundantly man- ifested by the peaceful and happy arrangement of the Alabama claims between Great Britain and the United States, and by the solving of numerous industrial problems on both sides of the At- lantic. 4. That the present Government of the United States, having already earned the gratitude of fhe nation by a policy of domestic peace, would, by the initiation of proposals for arbitration between the laihroad companies and the men now on strike, confer immense . Ilf>. 13 •ip benefits on the trade and commerce of the country, on the laboring classes and on the people at lar^e, while any suggestions emanat- ing from so high authority would be likely to give equal satisfa^;- tion to the contending parties, and would probably be gladly accepted by both as a sure and certain means of extrication fr^m further loss and disaster. 5. That it be respectfully suggested by this Committee that if the United States Government would take the lead in establishing a joint commission of masters and men, with some leading states- man designated by the President, as chairman thereof, all questions now in dispute could be speedily settled by arbitration, and that the confidence of the workmen in such a tribunal would probably induce them to resume work until a fair and equitable adjustment could be reached. * 6. That Mr. St. Andrew be appointed to convey this memoran- dum to the Hon. W. M. Evajts, Secretary of State, Washington. (Signed) Lewis Thompson, President. Wm. Undbrdown, Secretary. In accordance with the above, Mr. St. Andrew visited Washing- ton on July 26th, and sought an interview with Mr. Evarts. It happened that the day was a Thursday, which had consequently been reserved by the Secretary of State for the reception of foreign ambassadors only. Notwithstanding that it was a violation of offi- cial eiiquette, Mr. Evarts, in the kindest possible manner, at once accorded an interview to your representative. In presenting the memorandum, Mr. St. Andrew, on behalf of the Committee, inform- ed Mr. Secretary Evarts that our Union was a body which, to a large extent, represented both capital and labor among its mem- bership, and that many of our members had seen strikes satisfacto- rily settled by arbitration in Europe; also, that in England, during a great strike, the Government had appointed a royal commission, composed partly of both masters and men, and the results had been highly gratifying. Mr. St. Andrew further said that as citizens of the United States, the members of the St. Geo^e's Societies were deeply con- cerned in the then condition of affairs, and anxious to discover some means of permanent settlement, which they believed arbitra- tration would afford. Even if the riote were suppressed, the busi- ness interests of the country would suffer so long as the strikes continued ; hence, the necessity for adopting arbitration as soon as public order was restored. Mr. Evarts, in reply, expressed his general approval of the principle of arbitration, and kindly promised to give the matter due consideration. OEKEBA.L APPBOVAL OF ABBITBATION. Your Committee trust that the course they adopted in seeking to 14 Mcure a peaceful settlement of the terrible troubles then afflicting the country, will be approved by the Convention. The >iew York Herald pronounced the idea of arbitration, as suggested by your Committee, "a sensible one," and it met with general approbation among both employers and employed, and very largely in the newspaper press. It may yet prove of lasting benefit to the nation. , . , .^ 'j. The following resolution, endorsing the action of your Commit- tee, was passed at a regular meeting of the St. George's Society of Bridgeport, Conn., held on Monday, August 6th, 1877 : " Resolved, That we fully endorse the action of the Executive Committee of the North America St. George's Union, with regard to arbitration as a means of preventing strikes. * Attest : G. Kingston, Secretary." Your Committee having been the first to suggest voluntary arbi- tration as a means of preventing strikes, rejoice to record the gen- eral favor with which the idea nas been received. A remarkable proof of this is found in the fact that in Ohio and other States, the great political parties of the republic have cordially endorsed the su^estions of your Committee. Further proofs of the correctness of the views of your Committee have been furnished by the propipt settlement, during last month, of the great strikes in Scotland by means of voluntary arbitration. The siu)jeot of arbitration has already been considered by the Cab- inet at Washington, and is now one of the leading questions of the day in America. Your Committee desire that it should be remembered that they confined their suggestions to methods of vclutUartf arbitration, an^ that they have never contemplated com- pAlsory measures calculated to interfere with the free development of the great principles of political economy in relation to capital and lal^r. Society is strong enough to demand that arbitration shall be tested fairly, and that is what your Committee have sought to promote. That arbitration may ultimately harmonize the rela- tions between capital and labor and thus prevent strikes, with their multiform and multitudinous evils, is earnestly to be desired by all good citizens. THB ENGLISH ARBITRATION SYSTEM. Following the suggestions of your Committee, the subject of arbitration between capital and labor has been very extensively and favorably considered by the American newspaper press. Your Committee would in particular refer to an exhaustive resume of the English system, which has appeared in the Baltimore Sun. Arbitration was, it apoears, first advocated in England more than half a century ago, although not very widely known or adopted untU withm recent years. Provision for the arbitration of disputes t IB between masters and workmen, was made in England by statute as early as the reign of George IV., and by subsequent statutes passed in the early part of the reign of the present Queen. Wifh- out repealing any of these former laws, Parliament, in 1867, by statute 30 and 31 Vict., c. 105, commonly known as " The Coun- cils of Conciliation Act," established the more modem system, which has since been somewhat amended. The " Councils of Con- ciliation Act " provides that any number of masters and workmen belonging to the same trade and residing in the same town, etc., may, upon petition, and after due publication, etc., obtain a license from the Secretary of State for the Home Office, for the formation of a Council of Conciliation — the first council to be elected by the petitioners, and afterwards to be elected annually by masters and workmen, who may register and qualify as voters for thtt purpose. The council consists of an equal number of masters and workmen — not less than two nor more than ten of each, besides a chairman elected by the council. A quorum consists of not less than three, viz. : A master, a workman and the chairman. The chairman must be a person unconnected with the trade, and votes only in case of a tie. No counsel, solicitors or attorneys are allowed to attend, except by the consent of both parties, and no member of , the council can act in any case in which he or any relation of his is plaintiff or defendant. Provision is further made for the appointment of sub-committees, called •Committees of Conciliation, consisting of one master and one workingman, whose business it is to endeavor to reconcile all disputes and obviate the necessity of a formal reference to the council for award. The council are clothed with the usual powers of arbitrators in reference to any matters submitted to them — which power does not extend, however, to establishing a rate of wages or price of labor or workmanship at which workmen shall in future be paid — and their award is made final and conclusive between the parties, without being subject to review by any court. Subse- quently, in 1872, (35 and 36 Vict., c. 76,) Parliament passed another act, amendatory of the previous one, and known as " The Arbitration (masters and workmen) Act." This act provides that any master and workman may enter into an agreement, by which they shall be mutually bound, to submit to such arbitration as they may designate, any questions which may arise between them during the term of the workman's employ- ment. The agreement may provide that the parties, during its continuance, shall be bound by any rules contained in the agree- ment, or made by the arbitrators, as to the rate of wages to be paid, the hours or quantities of work to be performed, or the condi- tions or regulations under which work is to be done. It will be seen that there is nothing whatever of a socialistic or communistic character in the plans of arbitration which have been 16 so BUCceBsfnlly carried out in Great Britain. In recommending similar methods of averting strikes in the United States, your Committee feel that they have initiated what is bound to become a great moral and social reform. MOBB INTBRNATIOIIAL AMENITIES. The visit to the United States of the British Rifle Team, under th'e leadership of Sir Henry Halford, for friendly competition with American rinemen, has already done great good. At Bridgeport, on Augns* 30th, the St. George's Society took a prominent part in welcoming Sir Henry and his comrades. On that occasion, Mr. Wm. Tomlin, as President of the Bridgeport St. George's Society, said: "On behalf of the St. George's Society of Bridgeport, Connecti- cut, we beg to assure you of the great pleasure with which we greet your presence among us. We cannot but feel that your visit to this country to take part in a peaceful trial of skill, is likely to do much to increase the good feeling which happily now exists be- tween England and America, and which a common language, kin- dred and descent ought to render permanent." Your Committee feel assured that the St. George's Societies throughout the United States will fully endorse these sentiments. COKCLUSION. In conclusion, your Committee believe that if the recommenda- tions embodied in this report are carried out by the Convention, the North America St. George's Union, already a successful and useful institution, has a 'great and prosperous future before it. Respectfully submitted by the Executive Committee of the North America St. George's Union. Lewis Thompsok. President. J. A. H. St. AyoBEW, First Vice-President. Daniel Batchelor, Treasurer. William Underdown, \ „ ^ • William Tomlin, J Secretaries. On motion. Resolved that the thanks of the Convention be pre- sented to the Coho3s Society for the presentation of seal. On motion. Resolved that the financial statement of the Treasurer of the Union be received at the evening session. The Convention uere took a recess of one hour, to visit the Masonic Temple. On reassembling, the Chairman of the Committee on Creden- tials reported the credentials of the delegates in attendance, cor- rect. 17 LIST OF DELEGATES. St. George's Society, Albany, N. Y. — Marshall Tebbutt, J. Pennie, Jr., Thomas Mayes. St. George's Society, Auburn, N. Y. — G. J. Bunting, G. F. Hague. St. George's Society, Bridgeport, Conn. — W. Tomlin, G. W. Longstaff, J. H. Eyre, G. Kingston. St. Ge^ge's Society, Brantford, Ont. — G. Lindley. St. George's Society, Cohoes, N. Y. — Gapt. 0. Sault. British Society, Farmville, Va. — J. A. H. St. Andrew. St. George's Society, Guelph, Ont. — C. Chase. St. George's Society, Hamilton, Ont. — A. Green, C. E. Peirce. St. George's Society, Norfolk, Va. — Col. I. S. Pagaud. St. George's Society, Oswego, N. Y. — .T. Phillips, J. Neill. Sons of St. George, Philadelphia, Pa. — L. Thompson, Wm. Massey, Rev. Dr. Suddards, J. H. Pilley, Wm. Waterall, H. Nelms, Wm. Underdowi., J. Smith, S. C. Collis, W. King, W. F. Wilkins, T. P. Rhodes, J. B. Willian, H. Jones,, J. N. Willian, W. H. and John Lucas, John, Samuel and Joseph Lees. St. George's Society, Toronto, Ont. — C. Riley, S. Trees, J. E. Pell. St. George's Society, Utica, N. Y.— D. Batchelor, I. Whiffen. British Association, Virginia. — W. Hunter, F. U. Price, W. 1). Rice, Thomas Knock, Col. W. Townes, Jr. St. George's Society, Waterloo, N. Y.— Rev. W. D'Oi-ville Doty. And as a guest of the Convention, Mr. Thomas Coiuu>lly, of London, England. SYNOPSIS OF BIKTHPLACE OF DELEGATES PRESENT. London, Middlesex, 7 ; Lancashire, 1 1 ; Staffordshire, 6 ; York- shire, 4 ; Glostershire, 3 ; Derbyshire, 3 ; Norfolk, 3 ; Hampsliire, 2 ; Kent, 2 ; Leicestershire, 2 ; Wiltshire, 1 j Surrey, 1 ; Hertford- shire, 1 ; Westmoreland, 1 ; Suffolk, 1 ; and Bedfordshire, 1. Sixteen counties represented. The draft of the new constitution was then taken up ; after some discuseion, it was, on motion, referred to a committee composed of one delegate from each society represented. 2 ■ , 18 The following gentlemen were appointed on said committee : Auburn, N. Y., G. J. Bunting. Albany, N. Y., Marshall Tebbutt. Cohoes, N. Y., Capt. C. Sault. Brantford, Ont., G. Lindley. Bridgeport, Conn., G. W. Longstaff. * British Association of Virginia, F. R. Price. Farmville, Va., J. A. H. St. Andrew. Guelph, Ont., C. Chase. Hamilton, Ont., C. E. Peirce. Oswego, N. Y., J. Phillips. Philadelphia, Pa., Wni. Waterall. Toronto, Ont., J. E. Pell. Utica, N. Y., I. Whiffen. Waterloo, N. Y., Rev. W. D'Orville Doty. Mr. D. Batchelor, of Utica, N. Y., then read a paper on the " General Objects of the Union," and a vote of thanks was cordial- ly tendered h[m. Invitations were read from the Permanent Exhibition Company, the Presidents of both railways leading to Atlantic City, the Philadelphia and Reading Railway, to visit their coal-yards; Pres- ident and Board of Directors of Academy of Fine Arts, Northern Home for Friendless Children, Reform Club, and Mr. Joseph Smith, to visit his residence on the Wissahickon, and partake of an old-fashioned English lunch. A recess was taken till 3:30 1-. M. AFTEBKOOK SESSION. On reassembling, the Vice-President, Mr. J. A. H. St. Andrew, in the chair, Mr. Wm. Underdown read a paper on the " Society of the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia, its Usefulness and Success." On motion, the thank p of the Co;ivention were tendered Mr. Underdown for his interesting paper. Brief addresses, reviewing the charitable works of various socie- ties, were made by Messrs. Peirce, Tebbutts, Batchelor, Longstaff, and Thomas Connolly, of London, Englaad. The Convention then adjourned till 7:30 P. m. 19 rf. ' ^ EVENING SESSION. The Convention assembled as per adjournment, the President in the chair. On badges of membership, Mr. Tonilin reported the procuring of them awaits the action of local societies. On motion, a committee was appointed to record the satisfaction of the Union at the entire success of the Virginian Celebration ; Messrs. Collis, Tomlin and Wilkins were appointed by the chair. The report of the Committee on Constitution being in order, the Chairman, Mr. Waterall, presented the draft, which had been unanimously passed by the Committee. On motion, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth articles were severally and unanimously adopted as read. The ninth and tenth articles — amended to read " the Exec> utive Committee " in place of " the Union " — were also severally and unanimously adopted. On motion, the eleventh article was adopted and was ordered to be placed as article second in the Con- stitution, the other articles following in regular order. On motion of Mr. Daniel Batchelor, this Constitution as a whole, was unanimously adopted. On motion, the thanks of the Convention wore tendered tt) the Committee for the report. The following is the ^ CONSTITUTION AS AMENDED. Article 1. The name of this association shall be the ''North America St. George's Union." Art. 2. It is hereby declared that the objects of this Union are open and undisguised, and such as are entitled to the sympathy of all good citizens of Canada (ind the United States, the purposes of the organization being solely to promote social intercourse, benev- olence and mutual assistance among the membei's of the affiliated societies; to encourage the formation of new St. George's Societies, and for the advancement of friendship and amity between the English speaking nations. Art. 3. Its meetings shall be annual, the election of its officers annual, and each meeting shall designate the next place of assem- blage. Art. 4. Each annual meeting hereafter, shall be composed of delegates from such St. George's Societies in the United States and British America as may choose to affiliate with the Union, io and delegates from such other British organizations as may be admitted to affiliation with the Union by the vote of a Convention. Art. a. Each affiliating w>ciety shall be entitled to send not more than three (3) delegates to the annual Conventions of the Union, and said delegates shall bring with them letters credential from their respective societies. Art. 6. The Executive Committee shall consist of .the Presi- dent, First Vice-President, Treasurer, General Secretary, Corres- ponding Secretary and two other members, any three of whom shall form a quorum ; and the Presidents of the affiliating societies shall be ex-officio Vice-Presidents of the Union. Art. 7. A Chaplain to the Union shall be elected at each annual Convention. Art. 8. The Union shall be governed by the usually recogniz- ed parliamentary rules and by the Constitution now adopted. Art. 9. Each society affiliating with the Union shall subscribe annually to the funds, to cover the expenses of the Union. Art. 10. The Executive Committee of the Union shall furnish to any number of respectable Englishmen who may so desire, the necessary information for the formation and working of St. George's Societies. Art. 11. The Executive Committee of the Union shall publish and furnish to each affiliated society an annual report of the pro- ceedings at each Convention, a full report of the Executive Com- mittee during the year, and also a list of the various affiliated societies, giving the location of them and the names and addresses of the President and Secretary of each. On motion, the thanks of the Convention were tendered to the Grand Tyler of the Masonic fraternity, for his kindness in conduct- ing this Convention through the Masonic Temple, and the Corres- ponding Secretary was ordered to notify him of the same. A vote of thanks was also ordered to Professor Allen, for con- ducting the members of tt ' Convention through Girard College. Mr. S. C. Collis read a paper bearing on the usefulness and objects of the various St. George's Societies, in their sentimental, charitable and practical aspects. The report of the Executive Committee and Treasurer, for the past year, was then read by the Treasurer, and the report was, on motion, accepted. 21 REPORT OP EXECUTIVE COMMirTEE AND TREASURER. BALANCE SHEET. Dr. 1S77. Jan. 1. Postage and stationery, Feb. 25. " " " " Printing report, " " Vtadges, Aug. 1. Envelopes, " Circulars, - Sept. Bridgeport Printing Co., " J. B. Ege, printing, " Postage stamps, <* Cut of seal, Ck. 1876. Sept. 6. Balance on hand, 1877. Sept. Traveling cards. Balance due. The following subscriptions were received ; Albany, N. Y., - Auburn, N. Y., - - Bridgeport, Conn., ... Brantford, Ont., British Association of Virginia, - Cohoes, N. Y., - - - ■ Farmville British Society, Hamilton, Ont., . . . . Oswego, N. Y., - - - ^ - Philadelphia, . . . . Toronto, Ont., - - - - Utica, N. Y., $ 1 87 2 25 25 00 2 00 1 10 2 00 22 00 16 76 2 75 20 05 S95 77 $ 6 25 1 00 88 52 $95 77 $10 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 20 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 2 00 397 00 88 52 38 48 Waterloo, N. Y,, Ottawa, Ont., Treas., Oaelpb, Ont., " London, Ont., Treas., Amonnt dne Treasnrer, - Balance in hand, . • • • The Corresponding Secretary, Mr. W. Tomlin, then read letters from the President of the United States, the British Charged d*Af £ures, the Governors of South Carolina and Virginia, Secretary of the British Rifle Team and others. On motion, Resolved that Mr. Wm. Tomlin be requested to prepare and publish a full report of this Convention, with the various papers read to the Convention. On motion. Resolved that the Convention proceed to 'select the next place of meeting, invitations being received from the St. (George's Societies of Brantford and Guelph, Canada. The claims of the two conflicting, the Canadian delegation were excused for deliberation, and finally reported in favor of Guelph. On motion, the invitation of the St. George's Society of Guelph was accepted. The Canadian delegation was, on motion of the Convention, em- powered to nominate a President for the ensuing year. Mr. Peirce accordingly nominated Mr. Roach, of Hamilton, who was then duly elected. Convention adjourned till Thursday morning, 9 o'clock. 4 98 SECOND DAYS PROCEEDINGS. Thnnday; September 18th. A The Convention assembled at 10 o'clock a. m. The President, Hon. Lewis Thompson, occupied the chair, and the meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Suddards. Mr. W. Tomlin, of Bridgeport, Conn., read an interesting paper on the " Importance of establishing homes for impoverished mem- bers of the St. George's Societies, and Asylums for children of English parents, left orphans in this country." On motion, the thanks of the Convention were tendered to Mr. Tomlin for his able paper, which was ordered to be printed in the journal.. On motion, the. subject of the above paper was laid over for consideration at next Convention. On motion, the election for officers for the ensuing year was now ordered. On motion, one member of each delegation was appointed a Nominating Committee. The Committee brought in the following nominees, who were duly elected : President — George Roach, of HamiltcMi, Canada. First Vice-P/esident — Samuel Lees, >f Pliiladelphia. Treasurer — Daniel Batchelor, of Utica, N, Y. Corresponding Secretary — William Tomlin, of Bridgeport Conn. General Secretary — C. E. Peirce, of Hamilton, Cnmida. Chaplain— Hex. W. D'Orville Doty, of Waterloo, N. Y. Executive Committee — The above officers and J. E. Pell, of To- ronto, and C. Chase, of Guelph, Ontario. Thanks were tendered by the newly elected officers for the hon- or conferred upon them. On motion, a unanimous vote of thanks was given to the retiring President and Executive Committee. 24 On motion, a unanimous vote of tlu',nks ^as given to the mem- bers of the Philadelphia press, for the able manner in which they have reported the proceedings of this Convention. Dr. Jaraieson, late of Virginia, was introduced to the Conven- tion by Mr. St. Andrew. On motion, the last Tuesday in August, 1878, was appointed for the meeting of the next Convention, at Guelph, Ontario. Mr. St. Andrew presented the following resolution : At a meeting of the Virginian Delegation, held this 13th day of September, 1877, Mr. J. A. H. St. Andrew in the chair, it was moved by Mr. F. R. Price, seconded by Colonel W. Townes, Jr., supported by Mr. W. Hunter, and was unanimously Besdved, That the wannest thanks of this delegation be present- ed to the President, Secretary and members of the Society of the Sons of St. George of Philadelphia, for their generous and warm- hearted hospitality to the members of the Virginian Delegation, in common with the other delegates to the Convention. J. A. H. St. Andrew, Chairman. The following resolution was presented by Mr. Tomlin : The delegates of the North America St. George's Union in Convention assembled, beg to extend their congratulations to the British Association of Virginia and the St. George's Societies of the United States and Canada, at the immense success attending the International Celebration of Queen Victoria's Birthday, last May ; also, to express their thanks to the individual members of the Association and to the citizens of Petersburg, for the unbound- ed hospitality extended to the committee appointed at the last Convention in Hamilton, to cooperate with the Association, and other members of St. George's Societies who were present on that occasion. W. Tomlin, Chairman. On motion, the Convention adjourned to 9 o'clock a. m., on Friday, the 14th. 25 FINAL SESSION. Friday, September 14th, 1877. The Convention assembled at 9 o'clock A. M., Vice-President J. A. H. St. Andrew in the chair. The minutes of Convention were read and approved. The President having arrived, he was loudly cheered on taking the chair. The following resolutions were offered and unanimously adopted : Resolved, First, that the design of the common seal s>f the North Aujerica St. George's Union be adopted as the permanent badge of membership of the Union. Second, that the various affiliated societies be authorized to pro- cure badges of membership ofi such material as they may deem fit. Resolved, That the Britisn Association of Virginia and the Farm- ville British Society be admitted to permanent affiliation with the Union, in accordance with the Constitution. A vote of thanks was presented to John Lucas, Esq., for his kind invitation to the delegates to visit Atlantic City ; also, for his generous gift of grapes and wine. A vote of thanks was also given to the Secretaries, Messrs. Peirce, Collis, Doty and Trees, for the able and efficient manner in which they had attended to their duties. A vote of thanks was also passed to the Sergeant-at-Arms, Mr. A. Green, and Deputy, Mr. Wilkins, and Mr. Muff, janitor of thfe hall, for services rendered. On motion, the thanks of the delegates from abroad were tender- ed to their kind hosts and hostesses in the city of Philadelphia. On motion, the Convention adjourned sine die. Attest: S. C. Collis, C. E. Peirce, S. Trees. Secretaries. Rev. Wm. D'Orville Doty, 86 THE GRAND BANQUET. St. George's Hall, Thnnday, September 18th, 1877. A little after 6 o'clock p. m., the delegates to the Convention and a number of invited guests assembled in the committee rooms, and were soon after conducted to the magnificent hall, which bore a very imposing aspect ; the beautifully arranged tables, laden with the good things of this life, and lavishly decorated with flowers ; the display of bunting surrounding the beautiful centen- nial banner of the Sons of St. George ; and the artistic life-size picture of Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, flanked on either side with the silken banners of America and Old England, formed a tout ensemble not easily *to be forgotten. Three long tables extended nearly the length of the noble room. There was also a table extending across, at which was seated Hon. Lewis Thompson, the presiding officer, on his right being General Pat- terson and on his left, John Lucas, Esq., President of the Camden and Atlantic Railroad. There were also seated at this table sev- eral Presidents of the St. George's Societies represented at the Convention. In the centre of this table, was a beautiful represen- tation of a ship, in flowers, the Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes flying from her masts. There were about one hundred and fifty persons seated at the tables, and the divine blessing was in- voked by Rev. Dr. Suddards. After those assembled had partaken of the recherche viands, the following toasts were drank : "The Queen," followed by singing "God Save the Queen." "The President of the United States," followed by ringing " The Star Spangled Banner." " The Governor-General of Canada." Responded to by S. Trees, Esq., President of the St. George's Society of Toronto, Ontario, who said Lord Dufferin, though not 27 a son of St. George, is a witty, eluqiiont and popular gentleman, who most worthily represents Her Majesty in Canada. He is a Governor-General of whom we are justly proud ; who fully enters into the wants and wishes of the people, and also by personal observation, is thoroughly acquainted with the resources and re- quirements of this vast Dominion, sympathizing with the humblest and least lovely of them. Last year, we found him on the slopes of Bintish Columbia and Vancouver's Island ; this year, we find him in Manitoba, sailing over its vast lakes and traversing its prairies, so that on his return to the capital, he can better legis- late. I am uttering the sentiment of every true Canadian when I wish his reappointment as Governor-General, and that His Excel- lency may enjoy prosperity, happiness and length of days. " England, the land of our birth-, the pioneer of civilization, the bulwark of civil and religious liberty." Responded to. by Mr. G. W. LongstafF, First Vice-President of the St. George's Society of Bridgeport, Conn., as follows : Mr. President and Gentlemen: I feel proud of the honor which the committee has conferred upon the Bridgeport delegation by selecting me to respond to the toast of " England," the land where our heart's affections are cen- tred, the land where our fathers lived and died. What tender memories crowd upon us as we think of her busy cities, her peace- ful valleys, t|,nd in imagination, listen to the music of her rippling streams. How our hearts swell and exult when we remember that out of that little island springs a power and an influence that, like the vast horizon, encircles the world, and everywhere it is felt to be a power for good, a power to forward civilization, to free the oppressed, to help the needy and suffering, and, above all, a power that has planted the standard of religious liberty and tolera- tion on almost every soil ; and she receives for these things not onh' the homage and loyalty of her sons, but also the respect and admiration of the nations. What a glorious record have we as Englishmen to look back upon when reviewing the history of our nation ! How the pages teem with gr^at events and greater men ! And as the mind's eye glances back through the rolling centuries, we are dazzled and awe struck by the glittering phalanx, and to- day, our nation stands, as she ever has done, first, in all that pertains to the social, political and religious welfare of the world. At times, her sky has been obscured by passing clouds. There are some blots on her escutcheon, and her fair fields have been the scene of many a bitter and deadly conflict for the ri^ht, but always out of the obscurity she has emerged, brighter and better and with 28 renewed energy, and while we recognize with all due humility her many mistakeH, yet we would with Cowper, our sweet poet, exult- ingly cry : " England, with all thy faults, we love thee still, our country ; and while yet a nook is left where English minds and manners may be found, shall be constrained to love thee." Mr. W. Tomlin then sang with patriotic fervor, the song of " England." " The United States, the land of our adoption, cosmopolitan in character : may her moral forces be conuuensurato with the devel- opment of her boundless material resomces." Responded to by Mr. Wm. Waterall, Vice-President of the Sons of St. George, Philadelphia, who said he trusted his heart was large enough to take in his mother country and his adopted coun- try. The best part of his life had been spent in the United States, and his children w jre bom here. There is an underlying thought in the toast, and they hope to have a country equal to the mother country. He wished the Yankees would invent some machine to tow over here the little island of England. It might have been asked twenty years ago. Who uses American tools and reads American books? Now, the question may be asked, Who does not read American books and use American tools ? As the two flags are the symbols of power and strength, may the two coun- • tries ever stand together as the defenders of civil and religious liberty, and of the rights of man. * Mr. G. Lindley of Brantford, Ontario, recited "John Bull's Ad- dress to Jonathan." " Her Majesty's Representatives." Responded to by General Patterson, who said we could never pay Great Britain the debt we owe her. Not only did Great Brit- ain send a magnificent contribution to the Centennial Exposition, but such wajB also the case with her colonies. He thanked God that Philadelphia alone, with Great Britain, Canada and Australia, made a fine display at the Exhibition. The song, "John Anderson, my Joe," was so effectively render- ed by Mr. Bishop that a repetition was demanded. " The City of Philadelphia, great in her manufactories, blest in her homes, noble in her charities." Responded to by MacGregor J. Mitcheson, Esq., who deemed it a great privUege to be able to join in the festive concluBion of a yo convention of Englishmen whose watchword is benevolence, and whose philanthropic results cannot be computed in poundb, shil- lings and pence. We have in our city some eight thousand manu- facturing establishments, vastly more departments of industry than any city in the world can produce. These manufactories represent a capital of over $500,000,000. Philadelphia has, too, institutions unlimited in extent. " The armies and navies of Great Britain and the United States : may they ever be united in defense of liberty and the rights of mankind." Responded to by General Patterson, who trusted in God they would never be arrayed against one another. Mr. G. W. Longstaff, of Bridgeport, Conn., recited Tennyson's " Charge of the Light Brigade," with thrilling effect. " The St. George's Union." Responded to by Hon. D. Batchelor, of Utica, N. Y., Treasurer to the North America St. George's Union. Mr. Batchelor spoke rapidly of the objects of the Union and of the incentive which had brought the convention together. Alluding to the glory and grandeur of England, he said that her sons and descendants ought to be proud of her mighty achievements, and that every true Brit- on, at the mere mention of the names that shine on her historic scrolls, must feel a glow of manly pride. The speaker said that no man who was not proud of the fame of England, had a right to belong to the St. George's Union. For himself, when he heard or read the name of any illustrious Briton, who, by word or deed, had adorned the history of his native land, he was thrilled through and through. It had been eloquently said that "the sun never sets on Her Majesty's dominions;" that in her garrisons, "the morning drum-beat belted the globe with one continuous strain of the mar- tial glories of England." So, too, was there never a day in the calendar but was the date of a birth, or a deed done, which added to the renown of Old England. This September month, from first to last, is full of anniversary days ; not the least are the battle of IViitiers and the birth of Lord Nelson. The first day of this con- vention was the date on which John Churchill, Duke of Marlboro, won the great battle of Malplaquet. This very day, my Canadian friends, is the anniversary of that victorious morning, " When Wolfe was olimbine Abraham's Heights, To snatch the Bourbon Uues." 30 " Our Guests, they are welcome." Responded to by J. A. H. St. Andrew, Esq., of the Farmville Mercury, Farmville, Virginia, who said that those who had come from a distance, had reason to say the Sons of St. George had got up a magnificent demonstration. He was glad so many persons were gathered together from the United States and Canada, to testify their love for their native land. Mr. M. P. Neal, of Oswego, N. Y., also made some remarks. He said that such conventions or reunions as the present, he could not but think are conducive to the general interest and welfare of the societies participating in such. The fertile territory of the United States stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and be- neath the ample and starry folds of its flag, the oppressed of all nations may find a home. Mr. Tomlin gave the song of " Old Simon, the Cellarer," in his peculiar, inimitable style. The other toasts were as follows : " The Sons of St. George in the United States and Canada, and their work." Responded to by Messrs. J. E. Pell, of Toronto, Ont., and Mar- shall Tebbutt, of Albany, N. Y. 'f The Clergy." Responded to by Rev. Dr. D. Otis Kellogg, of Philadelphia. " The Press, a mighty force in our civilization, only to be fol- lowed when its teachings are in harmony with the precepts of Christianity." Responded to in a most happy manner by Mr. Thomas Connol- ly, of the London Times, who, by his witty remarks, tinged with satire, kept the guests in a perfect roar of laughter. The last toast on the programme was "Woman: man was not satisfied till he had her; is not alto- gether satisfied with her, yet would as soon think of parting with her as with the sunshine and flowers." Responded to in a humorous strain by Messrs. C. E. Peirce of Hamilton, Ontario, and W. T. Wilkins, of Philadelphia. 31 COMMUNICATIONS. London, 32 St. George's Square, S. W., \ 17th March, 1877. } To the St. George^s Union: Dear Brethren : — As the yearly meeting and gathering on St. George's Day is nigh at hand, I send a few words of greeting. Of my stewardship as a Corresponding Secretary, I can say but little. All my endeavors to get together a meeting on St. George's Day have met with good wishes, but have come to no good end in England, where St. George's Day is no longer kept nor St. George's Gross unfurled, unless, so tar as I know, at the dinner of the Ver- ulam Club, in St. John's Gate, Smithfield, to keep the birth and death-days of Shakspeare. At Smyrna, in Asia, in the birthplace of Homer, I was happier, for I there set up a St. George's Guild. Nevertheless, there is a great ^^wakening of true feeling. This is seen in the nearer knitting of ties ^/ith our kinsfolk in New England, answering to their warmer feeling; in the growth of more thorough English in writing and speaking; in the better teaching, as with you, of our mother-tongue and of its han J-book, in the works of Shakspeare and in poems of Wm. Morris, Tenny- son and others, grounded on our old story. How is the great work to be followed up here and elsewhere T As you have begun the work by your Union, so you must still take the lead. As I have before said, the best way is to rouse the feeling of your friends in Liverpool and in other towns here, who know and have learned from you what a St. George's gathering is. Then, too, it looks as if the time had come for greater deeds. Why should you not take heed for keeping up and spreading our tongue throughout America? How many there are of our men and childrei in Mexico, in Central America, in the towns of Bra- zil, of the Plata and of the West Coast, for whom there are not English schools. For them, such schools should be set up ; and for this, all — whether brethren of the Union or not — should be asked to give, so as to spread the work far and wide. Thus, uot only would those of our blood keep up their English, but the 38 knowledge of a tongue so useful would be more readily taken up by the natives. Tiien we could look forward to a time when St. George's Unions here, in Australia and South Africa would do their share for India and for Africa. In the hope that your wisdom may raise a. harvest from these seeds, I send you greeting, and am Yours truly, Hyde Clarke. > Hamilton, Sept. 6, 1877. W. Tomlin, Esq., Bridgeportf Conn.: Deak Sir : — Yours of the 4th ultimo came duly to hand, and should have been answered sooner only I have been away from home, and when I retunied, I was so busy I overlooked it. Ac- cept my very best thanks for your kind invitation to the Conven- tion of the N. A. St. George's Union, but as it happens on the same week our Grand Lodge of Masons meets, I will, I am sorry to say, have to forego the pleasure of seeing your happy face on that — I have no doubt — pleasant occasion. With my best wishes for the success of the Union, and that you may have a most enjoy- able meeting, believe me Yours very truly, David McLellan, President St, Andretv's Society. Toronto, 16tb August, 1877. W. Tomlin, Bridgeport, Conn.: Dear Sir : — On returning from the seaside, I found your /avor of the 4th awaiting me. If I can spare the time to get av.ay, I shall only be too happy to avail myself of your very kind invita- tion. I have especially to thank you for it as being ext nded to an outsit, but rest assured, although not a member of your Unim, yet as representing a sister society, I sympathize with the objects you have in view. I shall be delighted to renew the a«- quaintance of those kind friends I met at Petersburg in May, and cement still more the ties of friendship then formed. Thanking you again for your kindness in sending me an invitation, believe me Yours very truly, W. Barclay M'Murrich, President St. Andrew^s Society. <. 33 Syracuse, Se{»t. 6. • Greet the Itrethren, Dear Sir and Brother: — * if not with a holy kiss, at least a hearty shake. I regret exi^eed- ingly my inability to be with you. God save the Queen, and may He bless her, you, and the rest of the beloved brethren. Most fraternally yours, James Fuller. St. George's Society, I Ottawa, April 13, 1877. ) Hon. D. Batchehr, Utica, N. Y.: Dear Sir: — Having had the pleasure of corresponding with you before, I am authorized by our society to address yon with re- gard to affiliation with the North America St. George's Union. At our annual meeting, held on the 3d inr., the action recom- mended to be taken in the report of the Committee of Management was fully approved, and I have now to ask the favor of your sub- mitting the name of the St. George's Society of the city of Ottawa as a candidate for affiliation with the North America St. George's TTnion. • On my being notified of the admission of our Society into the Union, the necessary fees will be promptly forwarded. Believe me to be, dear sir, Yours faithfully, William Mills, Treasurer St. George's Socu'ty. ' St. George's Society, I Peterboro, Ont., August 27, 1877. ) W. Tomlin, Esq., Bridgeport, Conn. : Dear Sir : — I am in receipt of your circular of the 5th instant. I am directed by the President of our society to inform you that it will not be convenient to send a delegate to attend the Fifth An- nual Convention, to be held on the 11th proximo, which we regret. • * • Hoping you may have a pleasant and profitable time at Philadelphia on Uie Uth, I am, dear sir. Yours fraternally, GeOj E. Shaw, Secretary. 3 34 Bellbvillb, Ont., Sept. 5, 1877. To the Secreiary qfthe North America St. George's Union: Dear Sir:— Your circular has been placed before the St. George's Society of this towu, and after duly considering it, the conclusion we have come to is that it is not convenient for us to send any delegates to the Philadelphia St. George's Convention. Our heartiest wishes you will please accept, and we trust you will have a great success in all your British undertakings. I remain yours, etc., Wm. Alford, Secretary St. George's Society, BeUeville. ' Strathrot, Ont., August 27, 1877. Wm. Tomlin, Esq., Secretary N. A. St. Georges Union, Bridgeport, Conn.: Dear Sir : — I am directed by the St. George's Society of this place to thank you for your invitation to send delegates to the Convention, to be held at Philadelphia, September 1 1th next. T am soiTy that, on account of the position of the society and dis- taace, we cannot send delegates, although we are in accord with the objects of the Convention. I remain, Yours fraternally, Charles Greenawat, Secretary St. Georges Society, Strathroy. St. Catherine's, Ont., Aug. 28, 1877. My Dear Sir: — Onr society had again appointed me delegate to Philadelphia, on 11th proximo, and I fully expected to have been with you, but find I am prevented by business from leaving home. It is a severe disappointment to me, taking such interest in the , St. George's N. A. Union as I have, and I feel it the more, as I was obliged to omit the gathering at Petersburg. God ^ant that the meeting at Philadelphia may be the means of drawmg you all closer together. Believe me, dear sir, Yours, very fraternally, J. Frbd'k Saxon, «r m .. ^^''^^^ Si' Gao^ff^^s Society, St. Cathenw^s. Wm. Tomhn, Esq., Bndgeport. '■%■ " ■ Executive Mansion, ^ Washington, Sept. 3, 1877. J Dear Sir: — I am directed by the President to acknowledge the receipt of your kind favor of the 28th ultimo, extending to him an invitation "j be present at a banquet, to be given by the St. George's Uuloi. Society of North America, and to say in reply that while bs cordially appreciates the courtesy, he regrets his ina- bility to accept, owing to previous engtigenients. Very truly yours, W. K. Rogers, Secretary. Wm. Tomlin, Secretary, Bridgeport, Conn. British Legation, > Washington, August 30, 1877. ] Sir: — ^Your favor of the 28th reached me only this morning. I beg you will be so good as to convey to the Executive Commit- tee of the North America St. George's Union my best thanks for the invitation which they have so kindly sent me for the banquet, to be held on the 13th of September, but which, unfortunately, other engagements already made for that time, will prevent my.' availing myself of. I -have the honor to be, sir, .^^' Your obedient servant, F. W. Plunkkt. W. Tomlin, Esq., Secretary of the North America St. George's Union. British Consulate, i Baltimore, September 10, 1877. ) Sir : — I have just received, upon my return from my summer vacation, your kind letter of the 28th ultimo, inviting me to attend the banquet, to be given in Philadelphia, by the North America St. George's Union. I regret extremely that my engagements prevent me from leaving my post at present. Yours faithfully, Dennis Donohoe, H. Mh Consul. W. Tomlin, Esq., Secretary, etc., etc. Garden City Hotel, L. I., \ 6th Sept., 1877. J Dear Sir : — I am desired by Sir Henry Halford and the other members of the British Rifle Team, to thank you for your cordial 36 invitation on l.el.alf of the St. George's Union, to the banquet of the 13th inst. ^ , .n x i. i Unfortunately, the International nfle match will take place on the 13th and 14th, and the Hr8t day's shooting will only be over about the time that you sit down to dinner. ,,.,.., Though prevented by this cause from accepting the kind invita- tion of the St. George's Union, we shall reckon upon having your good wishes on that day, as you will most certainly have those of the British Rifle Team. Believe me, dear sir. Yours, very sincerely, 0. L. Pebt. State of South Carolina, Executive Chamber, ) Columbia, Sept. 6, 1877. ) Wm. T&inlin, Esq., Bridgeport, Conn.: Sir : — It would afiFord me great pleasure to attend the banquet at St. George's Hall, Philadelphia, on the 13th inst., but prior en- gagements render it impossible for me to accept your kind invita- tion. Yours very respectfully, Wade Hampton. Commonwealth of Virginia, Governor's Office, ) Richmond, 30th August, 1877. ) WiUiam TonUin, Esq., Secretary, etc. : Sir : — I return you my cordial acknowledgments for the honor of the invitation which you extend to me on behalf of the North America St. George's Union of Philadelphia. ' My public duties here will deny me the privilege and pleasure of attending the banquet, to be given at St. George's Hall, on the 13th proximo, but I send through you my hearty good wishes for the prosperity of the noble association then to be assembled. Very respectfully, your most obedient sefvant, James L. Kemper. ul N in 81 CI ir I J f Hartford, Conn., Sept. 1, 1877. Dear Sir : — I am very grateful for the compliment of an invi- tation to the banquet of the North America St. George's Union, at Philadelphia, on the evening of September 13th, and decline with regret. Engagements and duties elsewhere forbid my attendance. Again thanking you. Respectfully yours, Jos. R. Hawlst. Wm. Tomlin, Esq., Bridgeport, Conn. 87 Utica, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1877. Mt Dear Sir : — I am in receipt oT your letter of the 28th ultimo, inviting me to attend tlie banquet, to be given by the North America St. George's Union, at Pliiladelphia, on the 13th instant. It would give me great pleasure to be present, but it is not pos- sible to conmiand the time to do so, owing to a multiplicity of oc- cupations resulting from absence from home for weeks. I beg you to express my thanks to the association for their kind invitation, and to assure its members of the reluctance with which I deny myself the pleasure they propose. Your obedient servant, ROSCOE CONKLINO. FROM EX-PRESIDENT GEORGE J. BRTAN. Buffalo, Sept. 8, 1877. Daniel Batchelor, Esq.: Dear Friend : — Although my heart will be witli you in the forthcoming Convention, at the "City of Brotherly Love," yet affairs beyond my control will render it impossible for me to be present and participate in the proceedings of an organization which commands my highest regard. But I cannot forbear expressing to you. and by you- I hope, to the convention, my heartfelt wishes for the continued prosperity of the benevolent sons of St. George, not only on this continent, but throughout the world. I cannot doubt there will be a brilliant and joyous assemblage of Britons and their descendants, on the occasion of our annual meeting, on the 13th inst., at Philadelphia. Our cause is righteous and must succeed. Fraternally and heartily yours, George J. Bryan. 38 LIST OF KNOWN SOCIETIES iS THB UNITED STATES AND CANADA. ALL COMMUNICATIONS RELATIVE TO A MORE COMPLETE AND CORRECTED LIST MAY BE ADDRESSED TO W. TOMLIN, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY. TJKriTBIZ) ST-A-TE3 PBBBisKirr. W. Lacev, J. Mellor, SKOBBTABT. •Albany, N. Y., St. George's, •Auburn, N. Y., St. George's, Augusta, Ga., St. George's, Atlanta,^Ga., St. George's, •Buffiftlo, N. Y., St. George's, •Bridgeport, Ot., St. George's, Brooklyn, N. Y., Britannia, Baltimore, Md., St. George's, Bay City, Mich., St. George's, •Oohoes, N. Y., St. George's, •Chicago, III, St. George's, •Detroit, Mich., St. George's, Fred'ksburg, Va., St. George's, •Parmville, Va., British Society, Fall River, Mass., St. George's, Indianapolis, In., St. George's, LittleFalle,N.Y.,St. George's, Memphis, Tenn., St. George's, New York, N, Y., St. George's, " " « Albion, « « « Anglo-Amerio'n, J. Pennie. G. F. Hague. E. W. Peyhes, T. Hammond. G. T. Bryan, W. Tomlin, S. Darrell, G. E. Gooch, Wm. Haste, T.DiokinsonJr. G. Kingston. B. Hodgkin, J. Cowell, E. W. Evans. H. E. Pellew, H. RomiUy. T. S. Griffith. C. J. Pritohaid. 39 PRUHIDEMT. HKOBKTABT. A New York, N. Y., British Provid't, " " " Cockney, Newark, N. J., St. George's, Newburg, O., St. George's, *08wego, N. Y., St. George's, Onondaga, N.Y., Omaha, Neb., St. George's, •Philadelphia, Pa., Sons of St. Geo., " " Albion, Patterson, N. J., St. George's, Peoria, II-., St. George's, •Petersburg, Va., British Assoc'n, PortHuron,Mich.,St. George's, St. Louis, Mo., St. George's, St. Joseph, Mo., St. George's, S'n Antonio, Tex.,St. George's, S. Francisco, Cal., St. George's, Savannah, Ga., St. George's, *Skaneateles,N.Y.,St. George's, *Schenect'dy,N.Y.,St. George's, •Syracuse, N. Y., St. George's, *S'th01eveland,0.,St. George's, Toledo, O., St. George's, •Utica, N. Y., St. George's, Worcester, Mass., St. George's, •Waterloo, N. Y., St. George's, D. Goodge, A. H. Wood, J. Barratt, G. Dadd. G. Higgins. W. Mans, W. Cochrane. L. Thompson, W. Underdown. D. B. Tennant, J. Campbell. T. Lunn. R. M. Stacey, C. Weeks. W. Giles, A. Fenwick. G. Fuller, T. Lunn. H. J. Reeves, G. Higgins. G. Wilson, G. Brereton. J. Whiffin, T. Bish. •Belleville, On., •Brantford, On., •Clifton, On., Coburg, On., Gait, On., •Guelph, On., •Hamilton, On., Halifax, N. S., •Kingston, On., •London, On., J. Elliott, R. Law, o -A- isr .A. 3D -A. St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, G, Muder, Sr., A. Green, T. Heaman, D. McArthnr. J. P. Exeil. M.J.Henders'n. A.H.Blakesley. A. Burrows. A. Brunditch. R. T. Murray. A. Le Richeux. I. B. Cox. 40 PBEBIDXIIT. 8K0RBTABT. St. George's, Montreal, •Ottawa, •Peterboro, On., Prescott, On., Quebec, •Strathroy, On., St. George's, ♦St.Cath'rines,On., St. George's, •Toronto, On., St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, St. George's, J. Kerry, F. H. Reynolds. D. Sweatland, Wm. Mills. G. Bartie, G. E. Shaw. D. E. Price, A. Pope. W. H. Ewer, G. Greenaway. T. Saxon, S. Trees, J. E. Pell. Those marked with a • are affiliated with the North America St. George's Union. Information in regard to affiliation or the forming of St. George's Societies, will be cheerfully given by W. Tomlin, Corresponding Secretary, Bridgeport, Conn. There are no fixed fees, but annual subscriptions to cover the incidental expenses only are expected, the officials giving their time and services gratuitously. N. B. — The societies at Detroit, Mich., and Kingston, Ont., not being represented at the Convention, have remitted their subscrip- tions since the list was in type. ^i > 41 NAMES OF THE PAST AND PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE NORTH AMERICA ST. GEORGE'S UNION. ' ' 1872. — John Greenaway, President, Syracuse, N. Y. ; Dr. James Fuller, First Vice-President, Syracuse, N. Y. ; George T. Jones, Recording Secretary^ Syracuse, N. Y. ; Thomas P. Way, Corresponding Secretary, Albany, N. Y. ; l)r. Charles Barnes, Financial Secretary, Syracuse, N. Y. ; D. Batchelor, Treasurer, Utica, N. Y. 1873. — ^iTilliamson Spruce, President, Utica, N. Y. ; J. F. Saxon, First Vic«-President, St. Catherines, Ont.; Stracy Lake> Recording Secretary, Oswego, N. Y. ; Thomas Lunn, Cor- responding Secretary, Syracuse, N. Y.; D. Batchelor, Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Utica, N. Y. 1874.— George T. Bryan, President, Buffalo, N. Y.; J. F. Saxon, First Vice-President, St. Catherines, Ont.; Stracy Lake, Recording Secretary, Oswego, N. Y. ; Thomas Lunn, Cor- responding Secretary, Syracuse, N. Y.; D. Batchelor, Financial Secretary and Treasurer, Utica, N. Y. 1875.--George T. Bryan, President, Buffalo, N. Y.; J. F. Saxon, First Vice-President, St. Catherines, Ont.; Stracy Lake, Recording Secretary, Oswego, N. Y. ; Thomas Lunn, Cor- responding Secretary, Syracuse, N. Y.; D. Batchelor, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, Utica, N. Y.; Rev. J. M. Henderson, Chaplain, Buffalo, N. Y. 1876. — Lewis Thompson, President, Philadelphia, Pa. ; J. A. H. St. Andrew, First Vice-President, Farmville, Va.; Thom- as Lunn, Syracuse, N. Y., and C. S. Sault, Cohoes, N. Y., Recording Secretaries; Wm. Underdown, Philadelphia, 42 Pa., Win. Toiiilin, Bridgeport, Conn., Corresponding Sec- retaries ; U. Uatclielor, Treasurer and Financial Secretary, Utica, N. Y,; Rev, D. Suddards, D. D., Chaplain, rhihi- deljihia. Pa. 1877. — George Roach, Presi St. George's Society. Secretary. ) Signature Visiting Brother. These cards can be obtained by affiliated societies on application to W. Tomlin, Corresponding Secretary, Bridgeport, Conn. «!. > 44 PLACES OF INTEREST VISITED. The following places of interest were visited by the delegates. Many other invitations extended to them, could not be accepted through press of business and shortness of time. Independence Hall. Girard College. Masonic Temple. Reformatory Schools. Academy of Fine Arts. » International Exhibition. Mr. Joseph Smith's, on the Wigsahickon. Atlantic Cityt Mr. Julius Hinckes' vineyards, Egg Harbor City. AT THE EXHIBITION. The delegates were received at the music stand in the Main Building by Manager Greene and the Executive Committee of the Exhibitors' Association. Mr. W. T. Wilkins spoke on behalf of the society, and returned thanks for the kind invitation to visit the Exhibition. He said it gave them all great pleasure to be present. During their stay in Philadelphia, the delegates had received the most hospitable treatment. The kindest feelings had been evinced toward them by the people of Philadelphia, and they should carry to their homes the same kind sentiments in return. Mr. J. A. H. St. Andrew, of Virginia, said that one hundred delegated of the society were present, and that the objects of the Sons of St. George were benevolence and the promotion of peace and good will among all Engliah speaking people. He regarded the late Centennial as a forerunner of the good time coming, when Wi should turn all our swords to plowshares, and peace should A 45 reign supreme. He was glad to see the Oentennial perpetuated by the Exhibition, and hoped it would long stand an honor to Philadelphia and to the country. Mr. Charles W. Greene, on behalf of the Exhibition manage- ment, expressed pleasure in welco^ning these representative gentle- men to the Main Building. While those from all the other States were always welcome, he was particularly glad to see so many present from the Canadian Dominion. The prominent share taken in our Centennial celebration was remembered by all, and the company fully appreciated the kindly interest manifested in the recent shipment of a large exhibit of Canadian goods for the Edu- cational Department of the present Exhibition. He thanked them for the honor of the visit. He then introduced Mr. M. Erickson, Chairman of the Executive Committee, who welcomed the dele- gates on behalf of the Exhibitors' Association, and expressed the kindest feelings toward all, but particularly desired to welcome those from England and Canada, which countries were better rep- resented at the Centennial than any other except the United States. He concluded by speaking in the highest terms of fhe Society of St. George, which he pronounced an honor to Philadelphia. Mr. Peirce, of Hamilton, responded on behalf of the Canadian delegation, and S9.id they regretted that their visit would have to be brief. He could not thank Mr. Greene enough for his remarks with regard to the Canadian educational exhibit. Not only in the name of the Canadian delegates, but in that of all,* he desired to return thanks for the very kind and hospitable treatment they had received. The visitors were then shown about the building, ex- pressing themselves much pleased with the display. " God save the Queen " was sung by Mr. Tomlin in the main transept, the whole of the company present joining in the chorus. After making a somewhat hurried visit to the Art Gallery and Horticultural Hall, the party were driven out to Mr. Smith's place on the Wissahickon, where a warm and truly hospitable old Eng- lish welcome greeted them. After admiring the many curiosities manufactured from roots by the venerable proprietor, (now in bis eightieth year), and a short pull on the river by way of an appetiz- er, dinner was announced. • After partaking of the good old Eng- lish fare-— roast beef and plum pudding, washed down with nutty 46 brown ale— an adjournment to the parlor took place, where the hoars passed rapidly away in social mirth and fiin. In the gray of the evening, the party were whirled away to the city, many of the delegates having to leave for the East, West and North by the midnight train. On Saturday, the remaining delegates paid a visit to Atlantic City and the vineyards at Egg Harbor. A most enjoyable time was had, a fitting finish to the labors and enjoyments of the week. Thus ended the most enjoyable and successful Convention of the North America St. George's Union. A. ID ID E >T ID A. FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION, OF THE t ^^.l-^^^^'-^'-'-S'^f,, HELD AT St. er00i?g<5'8 IplaU, ^fhUad^lpthia, 3fa., September 11th, 12th and 18th, 1877, CONTAINING BEPORT OF THE ADDRESSES OF WELCOME, REPLIES TO SAME, INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT, AND FOUR INTERESTING PAPERS READ BEFORE THE CONVENTION. BRIDGEPORT: FABMBB OFFIOE RTEAH JOP PBEBB, OOB. WAIiIi AMD WATEB BTS. 1877. 49 ADDRESSKS OFAVELCOME, WM. WATERALL, ESQ., VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE "SONS OF ..T. GEORGE." Gentlemen : — The Society of the Sons of St. George of this city has coinmisHioned me, one of its humble members, to oflTer you, in their name, a word of cordial greeting and welcome. We feel at liberty to use earnest words of welcome to you, because the very atmosphere around us is charged with tender words and kind- ly glances that have already passed from eye to eye and ear to ear, and, we trust, taken from you the feeling of being strangers in our midst. As we bid you welcome to our City of Homes, we assure you that our desire is to maintain the fair fame of our city, won during the Centennial, for its hospitality. As we invite you to our private homes, we tell you that, although many of them are small, in this free land, like English homes, they are our castles, and from large hearts we bid you welcome to them. You will par- don us if we manifest what the Scotch call a little " dacent pride," as we bid you welcome to the stately home of our venerable socie- ty, and tell you that true British energy laid its foundations, reared its marble walls, put on its capstone, crowned it with the finest statue of St. George and the dragon, in the world, — all in the face of " hard times." With pleasure we throw wide open the doors of our St. George's Hall to greet you, gentlemen, who have come from the fair Dominion of Canada, from the far East, so prolific in ideas, and the sunny South of our adopted land, to represent your respective societies at this Convention of the N. A. St. George's Union. We are glad to know that all over this broad land, there are springing up St. George's Societies, emulating the example of the older societies in caring for the suffering and unfortunate ones, our fellow countrymen who como among us as strangers, fresh from our beautiful island home. Sons of St. George, it is our mission to dive.st the stranger of his sense of loneliness in a strange land, to smooth the rough places and ease him of the heavy burdens in his new sphere of life. Let the Caesars and Napoleons pursue the warrior's blood-stained 4 path to human glory : let us emulate the 60 virtue of charity eml)odio«i in the storied life of our nation's saint, who, after performing tlie heroic deeds we now have with us so exquisitely told in bronze, and alter liberating the fair Princess Clerodilinda, you will remember, gave the costly gifts the King presented him with, to the p<»or, and went quietly on hisNvay. Let us shape the policy of our respective societies by the same peace- loving spirit that has made the life and reign of England's Queen transcondently brighter to the moral vision of all good and true men. Victoria, the good, has ever been more ready to heal broken hearts thaii to crush them. England, under the benign influences of her reign, has gradual- ly risen from the lower plane of being the leader of the physical forces of the world, to that grander and higher plane of marshal- ing and leading its moral and intellectual forces, thus helping on- ward that better time that England's gifted poet sings of in such lofty strains : "When the war drum throbb'd no longer, And the battle flags were furled, In the parliament of man, The federation of the world." Gentlemen, again we renew our hearty welcome, and will you pardon us for saying, as we are about to meet in convention to deliberate on questions pertaining to the well-being of our country- men, that if the hearts and energies of Lord Nelson's men were fired when he uttered that famous war note, ♦' England this day expects that every man will do his duty," so, in this age of light, a greater than Nelson, Christ, expects that every man hearing His name will be faithful to God and duty. WM. T. WILKINS, ESQ. OF THE SONS OF ST. GEORGE. Sir and Brothers:— It has fallen to my lot to say a few words of welcome to you as Sons of St. George and delegates of Jib Umon Brethren, 1 am free to say that I feel my inability to fiilfill so pleasant a task. But then, we know that a generous. is wT!,' * *""! \°^"'^ ^^^^""S, is not to be expressed in words, but deeds; and those not so much by their magnificence, ^Jl fl "**r^ simplicity, not throwing around ySu the re' stramts of formal society, but the freedom of home. e«m! Zli^^' ^T^J ""^ ^et you as those who claim noble, gen- erous, truth-lovmg, freedom-planting, law-abiding ancestors, wEose 51 illustrioug line runs back to pro-luHtonc tiiauH, and for the latit one thouHand years, have ever l>een fureinost as Briton h, to take tlieir stand for the rights of man, those natural and those acquired, and ever having an undying love for their native isle, lifting it from a barbarous state to one of superior civilization ; that, to-day, among all the nations of the earth, to be born a Briton will carry with it respect and protection — all that a man has a right in this world to claim. The Roman citizen was protected because the tread of its armies made the nations tremble, and that citizen soon hail his re- venge by the fleet-footed justice of tlie Roman tribunal, if his right was invaded. In that respect, a Briton stands on a par with the " most noble Roman of them all." But, add to all tliat, a Briton has the moral power to sustain him, which is more powerful than the tread of armed men and serried host, proud to claim such a heritage and so strong an individual character, that to day, the English nation is substantially the same as before the Conquest, and while other conquered nations have lost their individuality and have become absorbed by the conquerors, Englaml has maintained against all forces, her language, customs, laws, and absorbed into herself her conquerors, Roman, Norman, Pict, and Scot, and Dane, and fused them into one mass, known as the English nation, not Anglo-Saxon. Let us then be careful of the fundamental princi- ples that lay as the bottom rock of our glorious nation, against which the storms of centuries have been beating in vain, ever keeping in mind that to whatever clime we may be transplanted, we must be English so far as our principles and duty to our fellow men, of whatever station, or color, or nationality; for, of all men, an Englishman should be cosmopolitan, for he is found a Hweller in every part of the habitable globe, leading commerce, planting colonies, ruling empires, formulating laws for nations just emerging from barbarism, making discoveries in the earth and heavens, building schools, establishing colleges, founding hospitals, driving back heathenism into the night of the past, and bringing forth Christianity as the light of the morning. So we welcome you of Canada to this, our adopted land and city, with all its beauties, the City of Brotherly Love, so fully carrietl out by the number of its noble charities, more than any other city, of greater diversity, and the Sons of St. George not the least among them, with its generous heart and open hands, and its beautiful, chaste marble hall standing in the midst of our city, an enduring monument to the aesthetic taste and liberality of Englishmen, in a city more English than any other. And if it was not a city of America, it would be an English city. Hoping that before you return to your homes, we shall be able to prove all this to you by actual observa- tion, and add so much to your happiness while you dwell in our midst. As delegates, then, to this noble Union of the Sons of St. George, coming from different parts of this mighty land and Cana- 52 da, we welcome yoo to its duties, and they are of no trivial kind, for to you is committed the welfare of man, " a creature dear to God," and not man in his prosperity only, but more especially man in need, at a time when to advise and counsel, and to help, i^t to prove your nationality and brotherhood, as well as to carry out that divine injunction of Him who was always ready to help the needy : " The poor ye have with you always, and when ye will, you can do them good," and then the reflect influence is blessing on those that give. It enlarges our hearts, widens our sympathies and gives us a better understanding of the human character ; and when charity is given with sincerity and without ostentation or un- kiud f»rutiny, it will have its reward in this life and in tlie life to oomc. Then, brother delegates, let us address ourselves to the work with all>our energies and directness of purpose, having a for- bearance with each other, so that, when we separate, we may feel that it has not been in vain that we have met, not only as Eng- lishmen and delegates, representing our different societies, but as brothers, having one common object, bound by the common ties of blood, which is thicker than water and will tell, as we who had the great pleasure of meeting in Old Virginia, can testify, where all was done for comfort and happiness. " The fatted calf was killed, and we were merry." The remembrance of such kindness and generous hospitality will never be removed as long as memoir holds her sway. As far as we can, we will try and emulate such brotherly kindness. Come, then, brothers, to our festive board, and while we meet around our table and together partake of the good things that God has provided for his creatures, we ctt:^. rejoice and feel the joys of brotherhood afresh, which will help to bring on the good time coming, when " all the world shall brothers be, and our intercourse, I trust, will instruct and improve us, intellect- ually and morally. And we will know each other better hh'^ gather fresh knowledge, all tending to round out our livcd and make us more useful m this world, to dry the tear, ease the bur- den, cheer the downcast, instruct the child, plant flowers, not thorns, in the pathway of men, and perform the duty of the pass- ing hour with all our might, for life is short and opportunity is fleeting, and we are warned by its transitoiy character to make the most of it. One of the great German poets has said, " Only the want of habit to do something good, is the cause why many men find pleasure in what is silly and absurt'. One ought, every day, at least, to hear a little song, read a goc d poem, see an excellent picture, and, if it could be done, say something sensible." Let us, then, try to imitate the excellent of the earth ; let us look for duty with the same earnestness that we look for pleasure. I know, brothers, the height charms us, but the steps to it do not, and with the snnny summit of our expectation in our eye, we love to walk along the plain. Let us not grow weary in well-doin^r ; we shall 4 53 4- reap if we faint not, ever keeping in mind, if we fulfill our duty, we are agents of God, instruments in His hand to work out His purpose for tbe elevation of man, and prepare him for greater revelations of His power and goodness. How great the honor conferred on us, to be co-workers with God in some humble sphere, and, broth- ers, if any plan is brought before us for enlarging our work, and thereby increasing our opportunities for doing good, let us give it attention and thought, so that we may plan wisely, execute speedi- ly, and with perseverance cairy out such plans to their desired end, for the future is ours, as well as the presenx. Other men, a hun- dred years ago, planted for us, and we must plant for coming gen- erations; for one of the highest objects of man's life is to be remembered when that life is fled and the green grass shall cover the mortal. The spirit will live in his deeds, and will become an influence for good. Knowing that this is the object of our gather- ing, and when we go again to our homes and become an atom in the great mountain of humanity, and perhaps to the bustling world and money grabbers^ little and unknown, do not think that your 1 abor is in vain. Keep heart, for no event of life, no good deed, no kind word is lost. All are treasured up and watched over by Him who said that a cup of cold water shall not lose its reward. Never mind disappointments; let them nerve you to jjreater deeds, and if you do not get the applause of men, and a shade of sadndss should come over your spirit, and you should say — < ■•''-■-_ What shall I do lest life in silence pass ? And if it do, . / And never prompt the bray of noisy brass, What needst thou rue ? Remember aye the ocean deeps are mnte, .; ;,;, The shallows roar : '* Worth is the ocean ; fame is but the bruit Along the shore. What shall I do to be forever known? ,,,, i Thy duty ever. This did full many who yet slept unknown ; O, never, never. Thinkost thou, perchance, that they remain unknown Whom thou knowest not? By angels' trump in Heaven, their praise is blown ; Divine their lot -,. What shall I do, an heir of endless life ? Discharge aright ■:T iv - The simple dues with \mioh each day is rife- Yes, with thy might. One perfect scheme of action then devise, Wm life be fled; While he who ever acts as conscience cries, Shall live, though dead. 54 RESPONSES. D. BATOHELOE, ESQ., OF UTIOA, NEW YORK. He responded to the words of welcome, and said he knew they were not mere empty words. He hale-souled President of • ■ \ >3ociation, and many other of the appointed delegates from Virginia are absent to-night from unavoidable causes. Their hearts are with us, and your words of welcome will be as gratifying to them as to us. On behalf of Old Virginia, I may remind you that when the " late unpleasantness " was ended, our State was the first to chiv- alrously surrender the sword, and the first to extend a warm invi- tation to Nbrthern and British settlers to locate within her borders. Southside Virginia, in which portion of the State I reside, has taken the lead in the immigration movement. In the region south of the James River, of which Petersburg may be said to be the metropolis, we have numerous Northern and British colonies. I am informed by Dr. Whitehead and Capt. Grifiin, who have made this subject peculiarly their own, that within twenty miles of Pe- tersburg, there are whole townships which have been bought up by Northern men, and which are making excellent returns on investments of Northern capital and industry. The country be- tween Richmond and Petersburg will probably, ere long, be main- ly owned by Northern settlers. In Mecklenburg County, the memory of the lamented Chief Justice Chase is perpetuated by the building up of "a Nort.hern city in a Southern State," and Chase City, with its four or five churches, its tobacco warehouses, its weekly newspaper, its numerous stores and other evidences of thrift and enterprise, is a conclusive proof of what Northern energy can accomplish in the South when wisely directed. In Charlotte County, there are upwards of three hundred Northern families. In Lunenburg, Nottoway and Cumberland, there are Northern colo- nies. In Amelia, Mr. Murray M. Blacker, a Deputy Lord Lieu- tenant and Comity Magistrate from the Old Country, has success- fully located a large British colony, appropriately designated " the Abercorn Colony," in honor of His Grace, the Duke of Aberconi. In Prince Edward County, at Farmville, the British colonists have established an "English and American Bank," (which, by the way, passed through the panic of 1873 with open doors and credit 66 unimpaired), while the principal hotel and the local newspaper are conducted by Anglo- Virginians. . To these facts I could add many more, shoinng that smco the war, millions of dollars of Northern and Britisli capital have been attracted to Southside Virginia. Of course, there have been fail- ures as well as successes, but, on the whole, the results have been highly encouraging, and it has been clearly demonstrated that Northerners and Englishmen can settle in the South, with advan- tage to themselves and benefit to the country, 'i'he vast mineral wealth of Virginia will, ere long, be developed j her immense water power is certain to find employment ; her wafete places will bloom again, and in " the good time coming," the ancient Com- monwealth will once more uplift her head among the Union of States, second to none in the wealth and enterprise, as she has ever been in the chivalry and nobility of her people. To promote these grand results, we gladly welcome settlers, whether from the East, the West, the North, or from Europe. Under the beneficent re- gime of President Hayes and Governor Kemper, political animosi- ties are dying out everywhere ; but as a matter of fact, we never had much of that sort of thing in Virginia. Settlers iu our State have never heard of a real or imaginary Ku-Klux. They can vote as they please, advocate whatever opinions they choose, and will be respected by everybody, irrespective of politics, if they conduct themselves as gentlemen and bona-fide citizens. On behalf of Anglo-Virginians, what can I say more than that we love our adopted State with a devotion equal to that with which we always remember the land of our birth ? The love of Old Virginia for Old England is shown in a thousand ways which are gratifying to the heart of the British settler. The Ancient Dominion is the most essentially British portion of this gi'eat re- public. The mother of States and of statesmen is also the mother of adopted citizens. Of Virginians it has well been said that they are " The knighUiest of the knightly race. Who, since the days of old, Have kei>t the lamp of chivalry Alight in hearts of gold." In years to come, the Union, " one and indivisible," will have reason to rejoice, not so much perhaps in the victories of war, as in the tiact that this gallant people of the genial Southern clime have been preserved to the nation, whose grandeur and glories they have done so much to create, and will yet do more to extend. After the civil war, Pennsylvania nobly came forward with the sublime greeting to the South of "let brotherly love continue," and I am tore to tell you that this message of peace was accepted, and that Virginia and Pennsylvania stand united for all time. Gentlemen, we have long heard of your great St. George's So- 57 ciety and of your magnificent St. George's Hall. Your good deeds and grand achievements have stimulated us to strive, however humbly, to follow in your footsteps. While we can never hope to attain the success which has crowned your efforts, we are nevMthe- less encouraged thereby to do what little we can in the same good cause. Your society is a glorioub exemplar to similar organiza- tions elsewhere. We will gladly follow your lead. Our presence at this Convention will but serve to strengthen our resolves that the British Association of Virginia shall yet be made a credit to Old Virginia and a permanent blessing to our British settlers. May the smile of Heaven rest on all your undertaVings, and may the friendships formed in Virginia and strengthened in Philadel- phia, grow with our years and extend with our wisdom. G. W. LONGSTAFF, ESQ., BRIDGEPORT, CT. <■> Being the recipients of such a truly generous British welcome, and listening to the hearty expressions of fellowship and good feeling, we realize the truth of the words of the old song : " "Tis a rich, rough gem, deny it who can ; f^nd this is the heart of an Eng- lishman." We have come here, Mr. President, to Ub« our best efforts for the purpose of extending among our fellow countrymen this same bond of unity, until it shall embrace all honest Englishmen on this side of the Atlantic, an^l we trust the characteristic, energy, pluck and perseverance of my countrymen will accomplish this result. For our own little society, I will say a few words by way of defining our present position. We nirmber about one hundred members, and have been organized about four years. At first, its objects were more social and convivial than benevolent ; but the earnest, thinking men soon became dissatisfied with this, and re- solved to build up a society that should be a credit and honor to Englii^hmen ; a society that should relieve the distressed, feed the hungry, and care for the widow and orphan. I am proud to say that in these respects, our society is a success, and we feel that we shall go back from this Convention with renewed strength and vigor for the good work. On behalf of the Bridgeport delegation, I beg to thank you Leartily for the kind v.'elcome you have ex- tended to us. ( /I 58 INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF LEWIS THOMPSON, PRESIDENT NORTH AMERICA ST. GEORGE'S UNION, AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE ANNUAL CONVENTION, IN ST. GEORGE'S HALL, PHILADELPHIA, ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH, 1877. \ Gentlemen qf the Convention : Once more, we are assembled in what we may term the Annual Parliament of Englishmen in the United Slates and Canada. On this occasion, it first becomes my pleasing duty, on behalf of the members of the ancient and prosperous Society of the Sons of St. George, to welcome you, one and all, to the hospitable city of Philadelphia. Sons of St. George, our hearts, our homes, and our hospitality respond to your presence with delight, and we hope to make your visit to Philadelphia at once agreeable and useful. All we ask is, that you will make your wants known, that they may be supplied, and that you will accept what we have to offer, as unreservedly as we tender the same. Our esteemed Secretary, Mr. Underdown, will place before the Convention some account of the success and usefulness of the Phil- adelphia Sons of St. George. I will, therefore, only say, respect- ing it, that it worthily maintains the great name it has recoived, by what I may term charitable succession — surely a genuine apos- tolic succession — from those heroes of the past, Benjamin Franklin, good Bishop White, Governor Penn and Mr. Thornton (the father of onr beloved Sir Edward Thornton, the British Ambassador at Washington) — all of whom were identified with its early history. This society is not only older than the American Union, but is also, I believe, the oldest St. George's Society in this country. In Philadelphia, the delegates will find a city which, in many respects, is essentially English. As " every Englishman's house is his castle," so you will discover it to be here. This is a home- loving people, and more than in any other American city are there homes for all, from the humble laborer to the merchant prince. 59 PhiladolpliiaiiB of all clasHeB are like Englishmen, and believe that : — *' Be it ever so humble, There is no place like home." They live in genuine homes, and do not affect the giogarious hab- its of their fellow-citizens in some other cities. They live at home, and do not board out. To these homes, then, you are welcome. In viewing many of our public buildings, you will be reminded of Old England. Independence Hall is a quaint and perfect spe- cimen of English architecture in the reigns of Queen Anne and the earlier Georges. This grand old historic building is rich in memories which, like the inspirations of Shakespeare and of Mil- ton, belong now to all the English-speaking nations. The great- ness of Washington and of the fathers of the republic descends, as a noble heritage, to the Anglo-Saxon race, and is limited to no mere division of that race. Passing along our streets, you may yet catch glimpses of members of that " Society of Friends " who helped William Penn to lay the foundations of Pennsylvania in peace and righteousness. " The Quaker of the olden time," im- mortalized by Whittier, still survives in this city : The Quaker of the Olden Time ! How calm and firm and true. Unspotted by its wrong and crime. He walked the dark earth through." Meeting in this city, which the peaceful Quakers dedicated to Brotherly Love, we may well hope that the blessing of the God of Peace and Lovi9 may follow our deliberations. That Englishmen have largely contributed to the growth and extension of the trade and commerce of oui city, is beyond dispute. Many of our merchant princes are of English origin, and in every department of business enterprise there are Anglo-Americans, whose careers are honorable to themselves and creditable to the countries of both their birth and adoption. Gentlemen, you meet in Philadelphia, not only in the most appropriate place in the United States, but also under circum- stances of a peculiarly auspicious character. A year ago, the first Centennial of American Independence was here celebrated, amid international festivities of peace. Old England and Young Amer- ica then gi'asped hands in friendship, for all time. The magnifi- cent Centennial Exposition owed no small portion of its unparal- leled success to the hearty sympathy and cooperation of Great Britain and her colonies. The young, vigorous and go-a-head Dominion of Canada, so ably represented by gentlemen I see be- fore me, was admitted, by all fair-minded observers, to have occu- pied a foremost place in the displays of the industries of the world ; 60 and once mive, in this assemblage, Beautiful Columbia and tair Canada lock arms in a sisterly embrace. This Convention, under the banner of St. George, has assenit)led for no ulterior purposes of private gain or political advantage. Anglo-Americans do not trade on their nationality. They do not seek to win political positions and soft places under Government, by race combinations. Ours is purely an association of brotherly love. Those of us who reside in the United States, seek only to become good citizens, to obey the laws, succeed in business, pay our taxes, and in every respect prove wortliy of the land of our adoption. We desire to appropriate to ourselves no public spoils, and our platform is one of philanthropy and not of politics. Eng- lishmen in the United States seldom seek and rarely accept public ofiice ; and hence the influence they exert, is quiet and useful rath- er than noisy and self-assertive. And yet, from the very begin- ning of the republic, Anglo-Americans have contributed as largely, perhap], as any class of citizens, to its success and- prosperity. Within the past few years, a perceptible change has come over the native American niiind with regard to English Americans. Time was when England was hated and Englishmen were dis- liked by the leading politicians of this country. In those days, it seemed as if Americans cared only for those citizens of foreign birth of whom it could be said : •' True patriots they, for be it understood, They left their country for their coimtry's good," It is gratifying, hpwever, to note that during recent years. Eng- lishmen and Americans have been brought into closer friendship. The satisfactory adjustment of all matters in dispute by the noble and Christian methods of arbitration ; the heartiness with which John Bull assisted Brother Jonathan in the Centennial Exposition last year; the International British Celebration in Virginia, and the enthusiasm with whic^ ^.x President Grant has been received in England, as a rep- est 76 American, all illustrate the genu- ine affection which binds tL. tv,'o greatest nations of the world to- gether. In many respects, the true mission of the Englishman in the United States is to advance the sacred cause of peace. Our efforts aim at peace between the English-speaking nations of every clime. Ma^ I not add, that our labors may also be useful in healing the di^rences which once divided our fellow-citizens? This, at all events, is my belief. I do most firmly believe that such gather- ings as the Petersburg Celebration and the Annual Conventions of this Union are, under Divine Providence, becoming powerful agencies of peace and reconciliation. We of rhe North, have been to the South, and have seen with our own eyes the good order and Christian progress which characterize Southern communities. You, 61 gentlemen of the South, as you mingle among the ^ ?ople of the Northern States, will be able to return to your homes and friends, to testify that the dead past is buried and the living present means " no North, no South, but one Union." It cannot but be gratifying to the Hon. George J. Bryan, of fiuffalo; the Hon. Daniel Batchelor, of Utica; Joseph Mellor, Esq., Auburn, N. Y. ; Dr. James Fuller, Syracuse, N. Y. ; and the other public-spirited gentlemen, who, four or five years ago, founded the North America St. George's Union, to see that, in so shoi-t a time, it has accomplished so much good. It has brought Canada and the United States closer together, not with any fool- ish idea of establishing a united autonomy, but as kindred nations, living side by side in peace and friendship, and emulous only of doing good deeds, the one to the other. As I have remarked, this Union has been also a messenger of peace between the Northern and Southern sections of the United States. More than all, the Union has benefited Englishmen, resident in the United States, everywhere. If, within the past few years, Anglo-Americans have made their influence known and widely acknowledged — ^and always for good ; if the American press and people have at length recog- nized the fact that Anglo-Americans form an enterprising, philan- '^ ropic and patriotic portion of the nation ; then, sirs, the quiet, >i3tentatious and useful labors of this St. George's Union have •,goly assisted in accomplishing these happy results. Loyal Can- axemplifying the good it does and the work it often performs which cannot be shown by figures, was that of a poor man, who, but for the quick and detenuined inter- position of the stewards, would have been not only cheated out of the money that had been collected to enable him to return to Eng- land, but would have been compelled thereby to seek refuge in the almshouse. Many instances could be given to illustrate the character of the work, as well as the unwritten amount of pecuni- ary aid that is so often rendered by individual menibers of the society, of which no record is made upon their books. " The following is a summary of the amount expended during the quarter : Cash paid to three hundred and thirty-two applicants, - $262 60 Cash paid for lodging and maals to three hundred and nine homeless ones, - . - . - 123 50 Meals, - - - .,. . 9 10 Twenty passes to New York, - - - - 20 00 S|f $415 20 " Of this amount, fcixty-eight dollars was contributed by individ- ual members, for special cases. We can also state from personal 71 knowledge, that some sixty to rtevouty-five dollars in'tditioiiiil were contributed by members of the society, not recorded in the stew- ards' book. We would suggest hereafter that all perst)nal relief be erit9red in the contingent book, so that the society may show at least the pecuniaiy good it does." This, gentlemen, is the work of a summer quarter. Let me give you the figures for a winter quarter. I have selected the one immediately after the failure cf Jay Cooke & Co. The distress witnessed that winter, was perhaps unparalleled in the history of our society. Our stewards met dai^y at our room. No. 30 Mer- chants' Exchange, at four o'clock, and were frequently engaged until seven o'clock, hearing the tales of suffering of so many appli- cants. The stewards made eight hundred and nineteen entries on their book for that quarter, representing from three to four thou- sand persons relieved, as follows : Cash given to applicants, .... $495 98 Cash paid for six hundred and seventy-three nights' lodging and meals to homeless ones, Cash paid for coal, .... groceries, meals, . . . . shoes and sundries. ti u il (I 269 25 93 72 108 50 21 25 53 74 $1,042 44 180 00 200 00 80 00 To which W8 may add the amount saved by reduction on passages to England, .... Estimated value of clothing distributed, - Amount contributed by members, for a library at the institution where wo send our applicants for lodging. $1,502 44 If time would permit me to detail the many distressing cases that were personally visited by the stewards and their wives and other ladies, during that quarte •, the stoutest heart here, to-night, would be melted to teai's. Wa will mention but two. The first was that of a poor woman, near her confinement, who came to the room in great pain, having been at the Continental Hotel, to pur- chase ten cents' worth of pieces. While standing in line, waiting her turn, she was kicked in the stomach by a colored woman, to make her fall back and lose her place. We hurried her home. She was, soon after, visiter! by one of the ladies and two of the officeit,. We found her, with the new-born babe at her breast, without any bed or bed-clothes. All she had to cover them was a piece of old rag-carpet. We immediately purchased a conifort- able, soft mattrass and proper bed-clothes, and made the poor woman comfortable. Our second case was a family of about 72 • >: ': ' i\ twelve porson: including tlie grandmother. The le were males and feii.ales, all living— or r.-ither, existing— in a pmall bm;k fourth-storv room ; and the landing of that same floor !— such a eight I never a\ ^h to witness again. This family ah Mthout em- ployment and almost sfurved, having parted with almost ovrny article before thov iiiade their wants known. These cases gentle- men, will illu8tie foelino" of:— " How can man die better Than by facing fearful odds, For the ashes of his fathers And the temple of his gods." Casual observers ave apt to see the points of difference between Englishmen and Americans, but the longer I live on this side of the Atlantic, the more I am impressed with the fact that practical- ly England is America and America is England. As Judge Sto- ry told Lord Morpeth, it is English law which rules throughout the broad domains of the great republic. English names, English faces, English fashions, English customs, English manufactures, abound everywhere. Of all the Presidents, only one. Van Buren, had a name which was not English ; and he made up for that by the possession of a character which would have made him the model of an old English squire. American progress reminds us of the gigantic strides that England has made in our own day ; while American sluggishness — and there is plenty of that, too, — is quite in accordance with English traditions. England may criticise America, and America may criticise^ England ; and that again re- minds us of home. Did you never hear of the great dispute be- ' tweed Leeds and Bradford, as to wliether the description ought to be " Leeds near Bradford," or " Bradford near Leeds'?" This was as hotly debated as were the Alabama claims. Did you never know that " Manchester men " and " Liverpool gentlemen " were anxious upon questions of precedence ? Are you not awi're that " the men of Kent " used to contest the supremacy of their county with the "Kentish men?" Thus England used to be divided by sentiment, but the men of Leeds and Bradford, of Manchester and Liverpool, and of Kent, were all Englishmen. So, my friends, it matters not in the future that we have minor differences, or wheth- er America is stronger than Engk nd, or England than America — we are all Anglo-Saxons. The grandeur and glories of the impe- rial race to which we belong, will only gain in refulgence and power, now that the last bone of contention has been forever buried out of sight, and Anglo-Saxons — friends and brethren — stand shoulder to shoulder in the grand march of Christian civilization, and there shall be " peace on earth, good will towards man, and glory to God in the highest." Copies of the Addenda, for distribution among Englishmen, can be obtained acparaie from the business report of tlie Convention, by applying to W. Tomlin, Corresponding Secretary, P. 0. Box 300, Bridgeport, Conn.