Pages 44-45

Pages 44-45

44 NOTEWORTHY EVENTS NOTEWORTHY EVENTS 4$


at " The Ledges" was thoroughly enjoyed, and many


of the legislators incidentally had a chance to see the


real Hopedale, and note the pleasant conditions of


life surrounding the employees of the Draper Company.


It is significant to note that after this visit of inspec­tion


by legislators of both parties, not even in the


most heated moments of subsequent political cam­paigns


was the old slogan of " Hopelessdale" used by


the opposition.


In 1909, also, the Governor entertained the General


Court, the judiciary and members of the State militia,


at his home on Beacon Street in Boston.


In 1910 the Governor inaugurated the practice of


holding this latter reception in the Hall of the Flags,


which with its beautiful marbles and subdued tones


lends itself so well to such a function. A buffet lunch


was served at the Bellevue Hotel. The press described


the reception as the most brilliant State function


ever held in Massachusetts.


Governor Draper entertained comparatively few


official or unofficial delegations from foreign countries.


In 1910 His Excellency lunched the officers of the


Duke of Cornwall's Own Rifles, and dined the naval


officers of the Argentine Republic, which country had


placed large orders with the Fore River Shipbuilding


Company at Quincy and elsewhere throughout this


country for the construction of ships of war.


On March 4,19° 9, Governor Draper, as Commander­in-


chief, rode at the head of the Massachusetts troops


at the inauguration of President Taft in Washington.


The press of the country agreed that the showing made


on this occasion by the Old Bay State was second to


none.


Governor Draper manifested at all times a very


keen interest in the naval and the military forces of


the Commonwealth. On two very important occa­sions


His Excellency demonstrated that interest.


The great manreuvres held in Plymouth County in the


month of August, 1909, attracted attention through­out


the country. Notwithstanding the inclemency


of the weather the militiamen of Massachusetts, ma­nreuvring


for the first time with the militia of other


States, made a splendid showing. Major- General


Leonard Wood, U. S. A., had sought a place for this


great military experiment, and through the hearty


co- operation of Governor Draper found it in Massa­chusetts.


The governor was a real Commander- in­Chief


during these manreuvres. He. did not receive


" advices \ rom the front" in his office at the State


House, nor did he simply pay the men a perfunctory


visit. In khaki uniform, he was with the men from


start to finish, and this active co- operation both pleased


and edified the militiamen.


In 1910 the Governor, in the role of Admiral and