12.07.2015 Views

The Origin and Services of the 3rd (Montreal)

The Origin and Services of the 3rd (Montreal)

The Origin and Services of the 3rd (Montreal)

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

&quot;&quot;&quot;In 1886 <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montreal</strong> Field Battery performed one <strong>of</strong> those little acts <strong>of</strong> international courtesy which have had so much to do towards drawing closer toge<strong>the</strong>r<strong>the</strong> two great branches <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Anglo-Saxon family, which are working out in <strong>the</strong>irown way <strong>the</strong> problem <strong>of</strong> developing <strong>the</strong> resources <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> North American Continent. Mr. Grover Clevel<strong>and</strong>, <strong>the</strong>n President <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> United States, was married inJune, <strong>and</strong> Lieut.-Col. Stevenson conceived <strong>the</strong> idea that it would be a courteousthing to fire a salute in honour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> occasion. So he communicated with Headquarters <strong>and</strong> obtained <strong>the</strong> necessary permission on <strong>the</strong> afternoon <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>wedding. <strong>The</strong> salute was fired on Dominion Square, at seven o clock, <strong>the</strong> hour atwhich <strong>the</strong> ceremony took place. An American, who was at <strong>Montreal</strong> at <strong>the</strong> time,wrote to one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> local papers expressing <strong>the</strong> gratitude <strong>of</strong> his fellow countrymenin <strong>the</strong> following words &quot;When I heard <strong>the</strong> salvo <strong>of</strong> cannon at <strong>the</strong> moment <strong>of</strong>:Mr. Clevel<strong>and</strong> s marriage, a feeling <strong>of</strong> deep pleasure, a sentiment <strong>of</strong> gratitude to<strong>the</strong> <strong>Montreal</strong> Field Battery for its graceful act, stirred my blood ;<strong>and</strong> I am surethat it was <strong>the</strong> same with every American resident in <strong>Montreal</strong>. Honours are easy ;for I venture to say, nay I proudly assert that <strong>the</strong> heart <strong>of</strong> Britain throbs not morewarmly than that <strong>of</strong> every true American with sentiments <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>ound respect<strong>and</strong> deep admiration for <strong>the</strong> incomparable Lady who, during many years, has sograced <strong>the</strong> throne <strong>of</strong> Great Britain <strong>and</strong> it would;gratify us all to prove by deed, aswe would fain express by word, our homage for Her.&quot;<strong>The</strong> Battery fired ano<strong>the</strong>r salute upon <strong>the</strong> occasion <strong>of</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r historical eventin 1886. <strong>The</strong> despatching <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> firstthrough train to <strong>the</strong> Pacific over <strong>the</strong> justcompleted Canadian Pacific Railway, June 28, was attended with considerable ceremony. A guard <strong>of</strong> honour from <strong>the</strong> Victoria Rifles was in attendance at <strong>the</strong> oldstation on Dalhousie Square, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mayor, aldermen, members <strong>of</strong> parliament, <strong>and</strong>representatives <strong>of</strong> various religious, business <strong>and</strong> public bodies ga<strong>the</strong>red at <strong>the</strong>station. At 8 <strong>the</strong> p. in., Mayor, Mr. Beaugr<strong>and</strong>, gave <strong>the</strong> order for <strong>the</strong> train tostart, <strong>and</strong> as itslowly pulled out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> station <strong>the</strong> Battery fired a salute.Two distinct organizations existed for some time within <strong>the</strong> ranks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><strong>Montreal</strong> Field Battery, <strong>and</strong> had much to do during several years with <strong>the</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> spirit <strong>of</strong> esprit de corps <strong>and</strong> camaraderie, which has alwaysdistinguished <strong>the</strong> corps. <strong>The</strong> <strong>Montreal</strong> Field Battery Association was organizedin 1885, its objects being, according to <strong>the</strong> constitution :(a)<strong>The</strong> promotion <strong>and</strong> maintenance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> efficiency <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Battery, <strong>and</strong> anesprit de corps amongits members.<strong>The</strong> formation <strong>of</strong> a fund to assist <strong>the</strong>(l&amp;gt;)Battery in carrying on its work.(c) Organizing <strong>and</strong> carrying on sports, games, athletic exercises, militarycompetitions, <strong>and</strong> entertainments <strong>of</strong> any kind, <strong>and</strong> provision for a b<strong>and</strong> whenrequired.&quot;In 1888, when winter sports were boomingas a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> series <strong>of</strong> wintercarnivals, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Montreal</strong> Field Battery Snowshoe Club was organized, <strong>and</strong> duringthat winter <strong>and</strong> for several following, <strong>the</strong> club held a prominent place among <strong>the</strong>66

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!