Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-01-01

ders some idea Of the hall and 10 spien-
did decorations-but we fsetccrtain
that. any written description cannot DO
Justice to the taste and elegance which
were displayed on the occasion. It is
proper to remark, that it is only short
time since this property was taken by
Mr.. D. Barnum as an appendage to his
extensive hotel-and that in the hands
pitts new proprietor it has undergone
thorough and costly repair, including
new furniture, hangings, sc.
The tables, four in number, ranged
the whole length of the hall from west
to east, and at the latter extremity ter
minated in an elevated table which
crossed the hall from north to south.
In the centre of the east end OF the
hall was placed a beautiful marble bust
ofthe father of his country-one OF the
brightest ornaments of the Masonic
Fraternity. 1t rested on pedestal OF
dark polished marble. Suspended
over the bust were the golden square
and compass, and surmounting the
whole was a rich crimson canopy, the
summit of which was crowned by the
American eagle.
Athe south east angle of the hall was
placed an elevated, full length transpa-
rent portrait of gen. Lafayette In militia
ry dress. The surmounting motto was
inscribed.
"YORKTOWN, 18Th October, 1891"
Attic north east angle was a cores
ponding transparent painting Of Wash
ington, as commander in chief OF the
armies of the United States-also sur
mounted by motto,
eWAsHINGTON CoLUMBIA's BOAST"
AT the north east angle ofthe hall was
a similar portrait ofgen. Andrew Jack
son. In the centre Of the east end OF
the hall was splendid colossal marble
bust of Washington in the Roman cos
tune, a finely executed copy from the
celebrated Canova. Immediately over
it were placed crossed banners OF the
Grand Royal arch Chapter, surmount-
ed by the grand banner OF the Grand
Lodge of Maryland.
In recess allotted for the purpose at
the centre of the north side of the hall,
was placed an upright grand piano,
which was used to accompany the in
strumental performers which contribu-
ted so much to the pleasure and salts
faction of the company throughout the
evening.
The r. w. Grand Master of Mary
land, Benz. c. Howard presided at the
entertainment, taking his seat at the
centre Of. the elevated table in the east.
On his right, was seated the Guest
whom all hearts delight to honor, and
on either side were John Montgomery
esq. klsyor Of the city, his excellency,
M. Rebello, charge des affairs OF the
Brazilian government, col. Peter Lit
tie, Past G. Master of the Grand Lodge
ofs<Maryland, and others. The breth-
rem to the number of nearly three hun
dred, took their seats at the other Ia
bles, in the order designated by the
excellent arrangements OF the commit
tee.
The entertainment Itself we venture
to assert, has never been excelled in
this country. The tables were decora-
ted in splendid and tasteful manner
with appropriate Masonic emblems
and fancy devises..snd presented every
thing which could tempt the palate or
delight the eye. 1t was evident at a
glance that nothing had been spared
either in the provision or preparation
for the entertainment-and corress
ponding expression of appreciation and;
praise was elected in behalf Of the, spir1l
it, libsraIity and taste Of the host.
In the centre of thsssouthern table
was beautifully executed silken ban
ner representing Hope, and at each end
of the elevated cable were disposed 81
milar Banners; emblematic of Faith and
Charity. e..
After the sumptuousrepast had been
concluded and the cloth removed, the
following regular toasts were drank,
interpersed with excellent instrument
tai and vocal music from professional
gentlemen and amateurs -
roAsrs.
/. Our Country-Supported by wis
dom, strength and beauty: established
in the West, initiated in the South, re-
spected and admired in the East.
2. The memory of the Master-Work-
man of his age-GEoReE WASHING
TON.
ON offering the following toast, the
w. G. Master, in short but eloquent
address, alluded to the many and sig
nal services which had been rendered
to this country, during its struggle for
liberty, by general Lafayette-
8. Our illustrious brother, LArAY-
ErrE-he relinquished the honors Of
the East, to assist in the labors Of the
West.
General Lafayette now arose, and in