And so, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you a thousand times for your attention. I beg that you will forgive the time that I have taken, and allow me to say, once more, that this event marks an epoch in Religious Liberty in the United States. WESTERN SOCIETY OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC BANQUET. Chicago, January 31, 1894. * Every soldier of the Army of the Potomac: remembers, the colors that for two years floated over the headquarters of Gen. Meade. Last night when one hundred and fifty men who fought in that army gathered around the banquet board at the Grand Pacific hotel a fac-simile of that flag floated over them. It was a handsome guidon, on one side a field of solferino red bearing a life-sized golden eagle surrounded by a silver wreath of laurel; on the other were the national colors with the names of the corps of the army. The fifth annual banquet of the Western Society of the Army of the Potomac will be remembered on account of the presence of many distinguished men. The cigars had not been lighted when Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, escorted by Gen. Newberry and Col. Burbanks, came in. The bald head and sparse gray hair of the famous orator were recognized by all, and he was given a mighty welcome. Save for the emblems of the Union and the fac-simile of Gen. Meade's flag the decorations were simple. There were no flowers, but the soldiers could read on little signs stuck up around the tables such names as "Petersburg," "White Oak," "Mine Run," "Cold Harbor," "Fair Oaks" and "South Mountain." The exercises began and ended with bugle call and military song, and the heroes of the Potomac showed that they still remembered the words of the songs sung in camp. Col. Freeman Connor, the retiring president, acted as toastmaster. Seated near him were Maj.-Gen. Nelson Miles, United States army; Gen. Newberry, Col. Ingersoll, Thomas B. Bryan, Col. James A.. Sexton, Maj. E. A. Blodgett, Fred W. Spink, Col. Williston and Maj. Heyle. The exercises began with the singing of "America" by all Col. Conner made a few remarks and then Col. C. S. McEntee presented the new-comer to the society. When Colonel Ingersoll was introduced, the veterans jumped up on chairs, waved their handkerchiefs and greeted him with a mighty shout. The Colonel spoke only fifteen minutes. At the conclusion of Colonel Ingersoll's speech he was again cheered for several minutes. A motion was made to make him an honorary member of the Western Society of the Army of the Potomac. The toastmaster in putting the question said: "All who are in favor will rise and yell," and every comrade yelled. --Chicago Record, February 1, 1894.