The Origin and Services of the 3rd (Montreal)

"""In 1886 the Montreal Field Battery performed one of those little acts of international courtesy which have had so much to do towards drawing closer togetherthe two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon family, which are working out in theirown way the problem of developing the resources of the North American Continent. Mr. Grover Cleveland, then President of the United States, was married inJune, and Lieut.-Col. Stevenson conceived the idea that it would be a courteousthing to fire a salute in honour of the occasion. So he communicated with Headquarters and obtained the necessary permission on the afternoon of the day of thewedding. The salute was fired on Dominion Square, at seven o clock, the hour atwhich the ceremony took place. An American, who was at Montreal at the time,wrote to one of the local papers expressing the gratitude of his fellow countrymenin the following words "When I heard the salvo of cannon at the moment of:Mr. Cleveland s marriage, a feeling of deep pleasure, a sentiment of gratitude tothe Montreal Field Battery for its graceful act, stirred my blood ;and I am surethat it was the same with every American resident in Montreal. Honours are easy ;for I venture to say, nay I proudly assert that the heart of Britain throbs not morewarmly than that of every true American with sentiments of profound respectand deep admiration for the incomparable Lady who, during many years, has sograced the throne of Great Britain and it would;gratify us all to prove by deed, aswe would fain express by word, our homage for Her."The Battery fired another salute upon the occasion of another historical eventin 1886. The despatching of the firstthrough train to the Pacific over the justcompleted Canadian Pacific Railway, June 28, was attended with considerable ceremony. A guard of honour from the Victoria Rifles was in attendance at the oldstation on Dalhousie Square, and the Mayor, aldermen, members of parliament, andrepresentatives of various religious, business and public bodies gathered at thestation. At 8 the p. in., Mayor, Mr. Beaugrand, gave the order for the train tostart, and as itslowly pulled out of the station the Battery fired a salute.Two distinct organizations existed for some time within the ranks of theMontreal Field Battery, and had much to do during several years with the maintenance of the spirit of esprit de corps and camaraderie, which has alwaysdistinguished the corps. The Montreal Field Battery Association was organizedin 1885, its objects being, according to the constitution :(a)The promotion and maintenance of the efficiency of the Battery, and anesprit de corps amongits members.The formation of a fund to assist the(l>)Battery in carrying on its work.(c) Organizing and carrying on sports, games, athletic exercises, militarycompetitions, and entertainments of any kind, and provision for a band whenrequired."In 1888, when winter sports were boomingas a result of the series of wintercarnivals, the Montreal Field Battery Snowshoe Club was organized, and duringthat winter and for several following, the club held a prominent place among the66