National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1878-03-11
THE FRANKLIN LEGION.
Opening and Dedication Of Their Now HAIL
Saturday Nleht.

The opening OF the new hall, corner OF Sixth and
Cstreets northwest Saturday night called forth an
Immense audience, composed largely OF the print
ors, prcssmen, binders, and journalists and their
fsmilies. The hall Is what was known as the Co.
hseuin when II was occupied by Gcary as billiard
situated on the second floor Of the building and Is
reached BY an easy night Of stairs opening on Sixth
street The building Is owned by Captain r. NJ
yntc, and Inns had the walls newly frescocd so that
the entire appearance Of the sudienceroom Is neat
and attracticc: twill hold about go people. Its
the design OF the Legion TO furnish II with chairs
and tables, bookcases. and files for newspapers, all
OF which can he placed snugly away upon the oc.
The dcdcatory services Saturday night were
mighty Interesting. The arrangements were undor
the charge Of Mcssrs. Davis Towers. and Rchr who
exceeded the demands made upon them IN the
length and variety Of their programme. The chair
ives taken by the President OF the Legion, Hon.
John D. peiree,: at 7;i5 and the dedicatory prayer
was made by Rev. DR. McKendrcc Riley. Of Bail.
more. Chairman c. II. Davis made few explana.
tory remarks concerning the occupancy Of the hall
and the terms on which 1t had been secured. and
inc poetry OF the enhancement Of total abstinence
upon the ground 50 recently occupied by BacChuS.
Rev DR.. Riley made a most thrilling. effective,
aud eloquent address which was frequently inter.
ruptcd with applause and by the entrunce Of col.
Gray, Charley Nye and that veteran soldier Of toni
pcrance the venerable Geone savage, who, though
nearly eighty years Of age could not lHt this Occn
sion pass without ntteng his Joy at the enterprise
and determination OF the LcyiOn-the printers and
bookbinders and the journalist. of Washington-in
this cause Of abstnenc DR. Riley was particularly
Maryland.
piano duct was finely executed by Mise,
ProSpcri aud FOrney, followed by song from Mr..
Robert Stevens with an encore, and duet by the
Misses Weaver. which WIS also cpcored The music
was exceptionally well rendered, and the hall was
found TO be ncOnsticnlly perfect Dougherty's
orchestra executed some rare gems at intervals.
senator Ferry, OF Michigan. was then introduced.
anu made telling speech from the practical side
Of temperance. lie enlarged upon Inc force and
effect Of example, saying that men who would not
drink themselves, but would look on approyingly
were largely responsible. lie said IL the Govern
mcnt Printing Once got up and sustained such en-.
ierpriseS and furnished such audiences as'hc saw
before him ho was for giving II large appropri.
alton, aud II the House would not do Il, he would
help look out for II In the Senate and stand firmly
for IT, He spoke Of Washington
THE FOCAL CENTRE OF THE NATION,
and Of the fact that all the good or evil done here
radiatcd abroad TO all parts Of the country II was
~ with temperance. file trusted the effect on Con.
gres, and it, legislation would be good. His re.
marks were repeatedly applaudcd
Nj. Fennell rendered a sweet song and IN re.
sponse TO an encore gave another. The average
Washington audience has no mercy on the young
but insist on having. two or three This practicc
was the occasion saturday night Of an unfinished
programme although the exercises continued til
halfpast ten.
Charley Nye gave in his inmitabe style an nc.
count Of the defeat death and burial Of tho license
law IN parker'burv. lie had jnd returned from the
funeral snd aud felt good. He wasn't bit mourn.
fnl by u large 1852 nlajorty'-ast > hit
Miss Prospect at the plano and Misses Smith and
Allen rendered two beautiful duets and Mr. Moves
gave a couple OF songs with fine effect D. White
rendered viii Cartoons "0ver the Hill TO tho
the Poor. House with tear starting pathos"
Mr.. Cunningham thanked the audience and ex.
cused himself from Speaking. owing T. the lstencss
Of the hour, The choir then sang Hold the Fort +"
and the orchestra played a national air while the
audience dispersed. This hall Is IN DO sort Of
Printers aud Journalists Temperance Home and
rallying point, and people may contribute to It's
support and enjoy It's privileges who are not inein-
bers Of the society but cannot vote In It's control
The Legion win give a musical and literary on.
tertainment at twenty five cents admission, next
Saturday night In aid Of the library and furniture
fund.
Tickets, admitting gentleman and two ladies, at
iifiy cents. As this ~ q highly moral and laudable
enterprise, 1t should receive general encourage
ment
Contributions Of books and papers for the read.
Ing room are also solicited.