The Evening critic., 1883-01-17
A WASHINGTON BOY
Who is Not without Honor I'm His
Native f,ffv

Mr. Herndon Morsell, native OF this city,
who is member of the Boston Ideal Opera
Company, made his appearance In "The Mus
keteers," at Ford's Opera House, last evening,
and received welcome most hattering and
encouraging. Not only did the muslc.loving
and cultured class turn out en- masse to hear
him, but Washington Lodge of Elks, of which
he is a member. were present In strong num-
bers to extend their brother a cordial well
come and reception. They also gave him a
surprise typical of beauty and affection.
When II became definitely ascertained that
hand 10 meet him and present their brother
with floral Offering. 1t was thought that the
most appropriate thing would be the head and
antlers Of the elk wrought out In flowers. Mr..
John Small, the florist, was consulted and de-
clded to undertake the difficult task of making
this floral tribute. He succeeded admirably,
and before the house opened 1t was taken to
In the lles In the first entrance. In the school
scene of the second act, after Mr.. Morsell had
finished singing solo, 'the Elks" applauded
to the echo, others In the auditorium took 1t
up and as he stepped forward to respond to
the hearty encore down before him
came the immense Eoral head and antlers.
He halted minute, then stepped forward and
lifted a neat bouquet from between the antlers
and the latter was then lifted above the stage
and there hung suspended until the close of
the act. The head was 1lled out with about
SEQ violets, the eyes studded with roses, and
the antlers, over four feet In length, were one
neat piacard bearing the Inscription: $50
Merndon Morsell, from his Brother Elks of
Washington Lodge"
The appropriateness of the gift was deeply
appreciated, and the beauty of 1t was gem
orally spoken of by the visitors to the theatre.
Later In the evening 1t was transferred to and
occupied a prominent position ON the banquet
table at the National Hotel.
The Banquet.
At the close Of the last act the Elks and their
guests formed. by twos In front OF the Opera =
House, and with the genial Frank Ward at
their head marched down TO the National
where a table, extending the entire length of
the room, awaited to receive the guest
OF the evening and his fellow.c;tlzens
who had turned out to welcome
the part Of the association, but as business
called him 10 Philadelphia Dr.. Frank L.
Howe, gf the National Republican, was called
upon to preside. The Doctor accepted the
office, and in calling the assembly to order. in
neat and appropriate. speech, paid a high
tribute TO Mr.. Morsell, who he said, al.
though only 81 years old, ranked with the
first tenors OF the land. AT ono end of tho
table sat Mr.. Morsell, surrounded by the
members of the Washington operate Asso-
Ideal Company, while at the other end
were seated the Elks, Mr.. william
Dickson presiding. There were 100 men
present. Tho floral decorations were very
beautiful, the large elk's head and antlers,
which bad been presented TO Mr. Morsell at
the theatre, occupying space in the centre Of
the table. Speeches were made by Mr.. VIM.
Dickson, Dr.. Frank II. Howe, l.. i. Cannon, IL.
L. Barnabee, NJ. w. Whitney and Colonel John
j. Joyce, while the party were enlivened by
Donald and Mr.. Barnabee, all of the Ideal
Company. Colonel Joyce also rendered a
pretty little song. 1t was 2 O'Clock this morn
ing when "Auld Lang syne was sung.