Waterbury Evening Democrat

CIVIL WAR MEET

Notable Gathering of Patriots Who Have Been Awarded Medals By Congress

CONNECTICUT HAS HER SHARE
Acts of Bravery Which the United States Deemed Worthy of Recognition

Winsted, Sept 24. One of the most notable gatherings of men seen in Connecticut in a long time, men who have been officially recognized by congress for acts of great heroism during the civil war, the Spanish war and at other times, assembled here to-day for the opening meeting of the 17th annual convention of the Medal of Honor Legion of the United States, over one hundred members attending from all parts of the country. The members of this legion who are residents of Connecticut are Major George E. Albee of New Haven, Colonel John Calvin Curtiss of Bridgeport; Colonel Samuel B. Horne, of Winsted, and Alexander Mack, and Wallace A. Beckwith, of New London. Noted fighters from many parts of the country are here among them being General O. O. Howard and General Horace Porter.

Each one of the members attending wears a decoration voted to him by congress for some extraordinary exhibition of gallantry on the battlefield and while the gathering is not as largely attended as was expected, it doubtless will be a most successful one.

The first meeting was called to order at 10 o'clock in the Town hall, Mayor George L. Foskett extending a welcome to the guests in behalf of the town. This short address was responded to by Commanding J. C. Julius Langbein of New York, who presided over the meeting. Commander Langbein, Adjutant Henry Thorn of Brooklyn, Quartermaster N. D. Preston of Philadelphia and Judge Advocate S. B. Horne of this place presented reports showing the condition of the society at the present time and the work of the last year. Commander Langbein reported that since the meeting last September in Asbury Park, there had been 18 deaths of members of the legion and he especially commented on the careers of Past Commander Charles M. Betts and Junior Vice-Commander Erastus W. Jewett who are included in the last.

Adjutant Thorn reported on the number of members in the different classes of the legion and showed during which was the men distinguished themselves to be awarded later by a membership in the legion.