Los Angeles daily herald., 1889-05-01
THE BA NQUET.
several Magnificent Speeches o
Patriotic Subjects.

The Metropolitan Opera House wal
tonight the scene of the second chic
event OF the great Centennial celebration
and the thea,er of the great est banquet
possibly, ever held within the recollec-
ton OF man. The interior decoration Of
the now historical building, excelled
even the splendor and display of the
ball celebration of the previous night.
The stage and auditorium, connected in
one single floor, was the foundation OF
over quarter of hundred tables ar
ranged in double horseshoe fash
ion with a seating capacity for
500. Nearly 5000 wine glasses glittered
at intervals along the array OF tables, and
200 walters, as we'll drilled as 30 many
soldiers, stood ready to respond to the
slightest wink Of the diners. The tables
were deliberately decorated. The ex-
pense of the dinner is said to have been
1856 900, the wine alone causing an ex-
penditure Of nearly &c., 900. The bill OF
fare in print was eight inces long and OF
French construction, being wound up
with twelve varieties Of wine and three
cordiale. Over the Presidents seat,
surrounded by flowing American flags,
was suspended huge picture OF the
face and bust of Washington.
1t was little after s o'clock when the
President, escorted by Governor Hill
and Mayor Grant entered the great din
| ing room. They were followed by Vice.
President Morton and Lieutenant Cover
nor Jones of New York, and other dis
tiuguished guests at the Mayors table.
AS the party walked down the main
aisle of the auditorium, all the assembled
diners stood up in recognition of the
Presidents arrival, and the band played,
"Hail to the Chief" The Presidents
party stood back of their chairs with
bowed heads while Bishop Potter made
the opening prayer of grace, and dinner
was begun at signal from the banquet
directors.
1t was announced that Secretary
| Blaine was unable to be present and
President Harrison's address which was
at the end of the list was scheduled to
replace Secretary B'aine's which was
half way down the toast list. At the
conclusion of the invocation Mayor Grant
rose and read the list of toasts. Gov
ernor Hill was introdut ed as the first
SPEAKER and rose and welcomed the
guests. In closing mis- address, he said
"The sentiments of every true American
are expressed in the hope that fac
ton may not destroy, that pride
may not injure, that corruption may moi
undermine aud that sectionalism may
not divide this fair Republic. but that 1T
borders may be still further extended
its commerce float upon every sea, the
stars upon its flag be trebled, its free in
situations live on and flourish and 1T
liberty-loving people continue to worl
out the problem of government 81
long as freedom itself exists and unit
time ehall be no more"
President Harrison resp onded to 9TH
United States of America" as folio VS.
Mr. PRESIDENT AND FELLow-CITIZENs-
should be unjust to myself, and what IS NOR
serious, l should be unjust to you, il | did Nc
take this first and last opportunity. tn expires
to you the deep sense OF obligation and tbanl
fuiuess which feel for those many persons
and official courteses which have been e.
tended to me, since came to take part in thi
great cele bration. The official representative
city, have attended me with most courteou
! kindness, emitting no attention that coul
make my stay among you pleasant and CRATE
! ful From you and at the hands OF those VIII
dny I have received the most cordi,
expressions OF good will. l would not, HOY
| ever understand that the loud acc'aims hay
been in any sense appropriated as persons
tribute to myself. nave reallzed tnat tnei
. was hat in this occasion and In all these inc
dents which have made 1t SO profoundly in
presslye to my MUD, which was above an
greater than any living man (applause), nav
| realized that that tribute OF cordlal inteve
which you have manifested was rendered
that crest office, which BY favor OF the create
ole, now exercise rather than 70 me A.
| plaus. The occasion 10 all its tuclden