The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-09
SIR MOSES MoNrEFIoRE.
Public Celebration of the NineryNinth Birth
day of a Famous Man.

Public Celebration of the Nineuy-Ninth Birth.
day of Famous Man.
LONDON, Nov. 8.-The public and official
celebration of the ninety-ninth birthday of
Sir Moses Montefore took place this evening
Ramsgate was decorated and illuminated
in honor of the occasion, and the
Queen sent a congratulatory message.
The date of his birth was, as stated by the
Jewish World, Oct "a 1884 The actual entry
in the register book of the Jewish congrega-
ton at Leghorn is as follows: 80 Heshvan
$685. "a Ottober 1884, a Joseph di NOISE
Hahn Raquel Monteiore Nacque un fglio
che chiamarano Noise Ham, which, being
translated reads: On the 9th Heshvan, 5,545,
or Oct "a, 1884, to Joseph, son of Moses
Hahn and Rachel Montefiore, there was born
son, who was named Moses Hahn. The
public celebration did not take place until
to-day, for the reason that Nov. s CORE
spends with the Jewish 9Th day of Chesvan.
The London Telegraph, of Oct. 25, said of the
event:
Yesterday Sir Moses Montefiore entered on
his one hundredth year. From all parts of
the world and from all sorts and conditions
of men, irrespective of party rank and creed,
kilograms were received during every hour
of the day. expressing the highest regard and
esteem for their recipient. Among many
other periodical hospitalities, it is the Gus
tom of Sir Moses to entertain annually some
of his co-religionists to breakfast after the
completion of the reading of the Pentateuch
1t so happened on this occasion the ceremony
was being observed yesterday, and though it
had no special reference to the birthday of
Sir Moses the guests had brought such beau
tiful bouquets, and there were SO manylaiies
i
been supposed the party had met for some
great family rejoicing. When the health of
Sir Moses Montefiore was drunk those as
sembled congratulated each other that they
had had the privilege of being present on so
memorable day. Amongst the portraits on
the walls of the dining-room was that of
very handsome lady, the mother of the ven
erable host, and it was stated by DR.. Lowy
that she also had attained very considera-
BILE age. During the afternoon the venerable
baronet had interviews with groups of his
friends, to all of whom he spoke in the most
cordial and vivacious manner. 1t was i'm
possible that all the letters and kilograms
could be perused yesterday, but there was
one from the Prince of Wales which was
read aloud in the presence of those who had
come to greet him, and this evidently gave
the deepest pleasure to the aged baronet.
The letter from his Royal Highness conveyed
his heartiest congratulations on the approach
ing birthday, After all those well-wishers
had left Sir Moses was in
formed that a gentleman had come
from London as the representative
of one of his oldest and
most valued friends. Although already
rather fatigued from seeing SO many, he in
stantly expressed wish that his visitor
should be introduced, When he entered the
room Sir Moses was seated on a couch, but,
without the slightest assistance from his at
tendants, he at once rose, and, speaking in a
firm, clear voice, said: II thank God sir
that | am able to see you-I thank God that
| am able to hear you'll thank God that I
still possess my understanding. His visitor
begged that he would be seated but Sir
Moses only drew himself gaily up to the full
height of his commanding stature, and
placing his hand upon his heart, replied
mo, no. l am delighted thus to receive
you; you come from one of my dearest
friends. I will stand until you are seated"
Then. with a smile, he said, 'They tell me
that am ninety-nine, but feel as if l were
only forty-fve. I feel, my friend as if
could yet fight for ray dear Queen and coun-
try" He would not finally be induced to
sit down until his visitor was seated.
Then he made earnest inquiry
respecting the health and happiness of his
friend, and particularly after his friends
wife, of whose indisposition he had heard.
During the conversation there was not only
no evidence of failing memory, but, judging
by the vigor which he displayed, and the
brightness of manner so pleasantly and gra-
ciously displayed, it may confidently be
hoped that Sir Moses will happily and safely
complete the century of his useful and dig
nied years. The interview was interrupted
by two or three ladies, who were anxious to
present him with lovely bouquet Sir Moses
took it with the gallantry and grace of a
courtier Having kissed the flowers and
pressed them to his heart, he turned to his
visitor, and laughingly said, pointing with
his bouquet to the ladies, They know how I
love them" The visitor having again offered
his warm congratulations, was on the point
of leaving, when Sir Moses, who had been
speaking of the British public, which had
shown him such great favors, said: II can
never thank them; but l never forget what
l owe"
FOREIGN MISCELLANY