So BANQUET TO THE 



The Hon. Charles R. Train, a Director of the Home 

 Savings Bank, responded as follows : — 



Mr. President, — When Lafayette visited New 

 England, and assisted in laying the corner-stone of 

 the Bunker Hill Monument, I was present, a child in 

 my father's arms. Young as I was, I well remember 

 the appearance of the nation's guest, and the aston- 

 ishing enthusiasm with which he was greeted, as at 

 the bidding of the matchless orator of the occasion 

 he arose and bowed his emotions to that vast con- 

 gregation. It was a lesson never to be forgotten, 

 teaching the measure of a people's appreciation of 

 great public service, and the value of a manhood 

 compacted with usefulness, integrity, and honor. 



Our guest to-night was at that time in the early 

 blossom of a vigorous manhood, and now bears with 

 him substantially the memories of this century. His 

 growth, to borrow an idea, has not been like that of 

 the poplar and other rapidly growing trees, but like 

 that of the oak, in a period of eighty-five years 

 outstripping them all, maintaining its dignity, and 

 dispensing its blessings to a grateful nation. 



For thirty years I have enjoyed his society and 

 been benefited by his counsels, and in common with 

 all our people have learned to love and venerate him as 

 a friend, to esteem him as a public benefactor, to feel 



