The Portland daily press., 1888-01-02


cards in the parlor of the hotel, and groups
of the proverbially jolly commercial men
chatted in the corridors, and the members OF
the reception committee, Messrs. Jos. II.
Dow, A. E. Perry, Thos. E. Foster, L. b.
Roberts, Chas. Mcleod, and A. K. Snowman,
made themselves exceedingly agreeable to
all.
AT twenty minutes past o'clock, Presi-
dent Dow. with Mayor Chapman on his arm,
led the way to the dining hall, to the inspir-
ing music of Chambers orchestra, which
was stationed in the little reception room.
President Dow sat at the center of the first
table, and on his rightsand left were seated
the following invited guests: Mayor Charles
j. Chapman, Hon. d. j. McGilllcuddy, Hon.
]. w. Deering, Hon. William Henry Clifford,
J. w. Parker, Esq, Frank w. Robinson,
Esq, Rev. A. w. Little, Joseph E.iBlabon,
f. II. Elwell, and III. III. Shaw. Opposite
the President, with the directors on either
side of them, sat the two vice presidents Of
the association, Messrs. G. b. Belknap and
(. j. Hall.
The dinner was delicious one, and the
manner in which it was served reflects great
credit upon Mr.. James Butler and his eff
cient corps of gentlemanly walters. The
menu was an elaborate one, and made beau
tiful souvenir of the occasion. The cover
was of heavy white parchment, and enclosed
the menu proper, printed in two colors, a
dainty six-page affair." On the front page
was represented railroad station, with nine
drummers, and a pile Of sample cases and
grips, apparently waiting for the train. The
second page bore the names of the reception
committee. The fifth page was crnamented
with striking portrait of the president, and
a realistic engraving of the Preble House oc-
cupied page six. In the centre of the fold
was the bill of fare printed on satin. The
whole was Hastily tied with ribbon. Mr..
Fred Smith did the designing, which was
greatly admired, and the printing was done
by Owen, Strout & Co.
The following was the menu:
Blue Points.
Mock Turtle Soup.
Boiled Salmon, Lobster Sauce.
Small Potatoes.
Celery. Lettuce. Olives.
Saddle of Mutton.
Turkey, Cranberry Sauce.
Sweet Potatoes. French Peas.
Pineapple Fritters.
Tenderloin Of Beef with Mushrooms.
Baked Mashed Potatoes. String Beans.
Roman Punch.
Cigarettes.
Saddle of venison, with Jelly.
Saratoga Potatoes.
Chicken. Lobster. ..,...
Cake. Coffee. Fruit.
Cigars.
During the dinner, Chambers orchestra
played several pleasing selections, among
them many of the best Mikado airs.-----
The post-prandial exercises opened with
the reading of letters of regre. from those
not able 20 be present. These were from
Hon. S. J. Anderson. Payson- Tucker, Esq,
Geo. E. johnson of Burlington. w. L. Bur-
nett of Burlington, and Col. Taylor, of the
Boston Globe.
The greeting of the Maine Association was
then sent to the Commercial Travellers As
ISOLATION of Burlington, vt, who also cele-
brated their anniversary last night.
Then, amid long applause, President Dow
rose to deliver an address, which was as fol-
lows:
Gentlemen of the Association-It is my
pleasant privilege to once again greet you
and bid you welcome to this our second an
nual dinner. 1t is pleasure to see so many
of the Commercial Travellers of Portland
gathered here tonight, and in their name
and In behalf of the Association do extend
to our invited guests travelling mans warm
welcome. Gentlemen, we are indeed glad
that you are able to be with us this evening,
and trust that you will have pleasant rec
objections of the evening spent with the
travelling men of this city.
"While sitting at this table L could not
keep from comparing the repast with some
that we have all had in many of the back
towns in Maine, New Hampshire and Yer
mont The travelling mans life is not all
ease and sunshine. Oh, mol When one
drives for whole day, arriving at his DIES.
tination weary and hungry, and Is usnered
into the dining loom of some OF the so-called
hotels, being seated at the table before d.
lapidated beefsteak that looks as II 1t had
been put through course Of training to get
il down to certain degree of thinness, two
of last years eggs, and coffee kept over for
week, then does one feel thatif he could only
be transported to the tender care of our host
Gibson that life would be worth living.
"Gentlemen-We are about to enter upon
the third year of our existence as an
association, and at this time. while so many
are present. desire to review the dolngs of
our association, and In so doing beg to ask
your indulgence for short time.
"At our last annual meeting, held Monday
evening, January 8, 1887, the report Of the
secretary and treasurer showed that we had
115 members, that we had received in cash
during the year $S06.45, and had paid out