New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-23

D. WISE AND GENERAL
WAGER swAYNE.
Heretofore, Purtans have generally foen though
of in connection with fast-days, broad brimmed
hats, stiff waistcoats, lowering eyebrows, square
jaws and severity of thought and sreech. But u
anybody had entertained suspicion that ira
dition was all wrong and Bancroft and Hildreth
at fault, and that Elder Brewster's personally
conducted party. whom King Chares's ntolerant
bishops had hounded out of England, were rather
gay blades than otherwise, prone to conviviality
and mirth and gifted with instructive connoisseur
ship of the good things of ths cellar and the
table, his suspicion would have been strengthened
by glimpse Of the scene at the eighty third
annual dinner of the New-EDgland Society In the
City of New. York, held at Delnonicos last night
For Cornelius N. Bliss. who does all things
well and who performs social function OF man.
ages campaign with equal skill. had directed the
Preparations with lofty disregard for the sumpt-
uary prescriptions embodied in the paper Of
- just and equal laws and ordinances which the
Mayaower's passengers drew up for mutual OBJ
servance soon after embarldng In fact, tho
affair not only eclipsed the efforts Of the society
in previous years, but was voted by veteran
diners-out the climax and elimination Of an ex-
ceptionally successful season.
Aside from the brilliancy Of the gathering, IL
was unique In point Of numbers and In the per-
feet working of the arrangements for seat
ing and attendance. There was orowding,
confusion delay. The large hall on the third
door which is generally found spacious enough
for the most pretentous festivities accommodated
the main body of the diners, but large contingent
made merry in snug parties In the smaller rooms
adjoining Here the descendants Of tho
able Pilgrims, who were stern by nature and SOL
for religions sake. did justice to the gener-
Gus fare provided Offset to the frugality Of
that memorable bivouac in the snow on the in-
hospitable New-England coast 26s years ago, and
discussed stewcd terrspin and other deiicacies
with a relish impaired by the delightful conscious
that they were not only enjoying themselves,
but also dischargng filial and patriotic due.
The pure Americanism of the organization was
expressed in the character Of the decorations which,
outside of the handsome blue banner OF the society,
copy Of Gilbert Stuarts famous portrait Of
Washington and that Of Daniel Webster by Hard
ing, consisted wholly Of gilded eagles the Stars
and Stripes and shields bearing the National
colors. The customary figure of Miles Standish
was superseded on the hand painted menu card by
the faithful likeness of the Maydowers cook-s red.
haired Roundhead in blue doublet and deep
starched collar, standing in defiant attitude
before bright fire and capacious
chowder-pot out of which he had just hdlcd q
shore meal for the immigrants. Sprigs Of trail
ing srbutus, Standish's platter, log-book and
mug doated in cloudy azure above his head, with
pictures of the famous pine-tree shilling
The table Of honor was left vacant until the
last course had been consumed and then the
orchestra In the gallery struck up its merriest
air as the speakers began to file into the room.
The porty and good humored Thomas
B. Reed was greeted with applause, which
became enthusiastic when there appeared the tall
and shghtly-stooping figure Of the hero of tho
March to the Sea- and which sweIled into deao
ening yolley of cheers when Mr.. Depew CANT
smilingly upon the scene, hating little In his
gait, but looking as eontented as though glass
Logging were no more Of an incumbrance thas
Cindcrela's celebrated slipper