The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-12-08
IT WAS THEIR NIGHT OFF,
A Gathering Of Montana Newspaper
Men at the Boston Dining
Hall.
Guests of William Mellen and the
Last Chance Copy
Club.
Thirty-fiye Good FelIdws Meet in Social
Gathering and Enjoy Royal
Spread.

The Boston was a scene OF anlmatlol
from 10 O clock last night until an earl!
hour this morning. The occasion was tn
banquet rendered to the members OF thu
press of Montana by William Mellen, the
well-known and whole-souled proprietor o.
the Bon Ton restaurant on Main street
Some time ago he decided that he. woult
give the newspaper men feast. He called
to his assistance Mr.. James b. Walker
president of the Last Chance Copy club
who gave Mr.. Mellen few pointers. L
was decided to have representative from
every paper in the state present at thu
table but this it was found for various rea
sons would not be satisfactory, as a mum
Der of the press people could not be on
hand. Nevertheless the invitations were
sent, and to make up for any de-
ficiency an additional number were
Some of the guests present last night
were not members of the press but they &C.
cupy very close relations to the newspa-
pers and of course had seats with the men
to whom they have given many items. A
number who were unable to attend sent
their regrets.
As the guests arrived during the day they
were met by the reception committee of the
Last Chance club and entertained in the
fashion that only newspaper men and q few
others are familiar with. At about ten the
large dining hall of the Boston was bril-
liantly illuminated with lights
table running the entire length of the room.
The guests were received by Mr.. Mellen
and his attendants who escorted each
one to the seat reserved for him. At the
head of the table was President Walker Of
each side of the table were all filled with
the following: Editor j. M. Quinn and
special correspondent Joe Bush of the Butte
Miner, Editor John B. Reed and City
Editor 7. M. Miller. of the Butte Inter
Mountain, Ex-United States Marshal
Anderson, of the Avant Courier, Editor II.
O. Collins and City Editor E. B. Bradley,
of the Missoula Gazette, Editor Alex. II.
Rhone, of the Meagher County News, Edi-
tor J. G. Robertson, of the Jefferson County
Sentinel, H. j. Koppendahal, editor of the
Norwegian yolks Blatt, Editor Jerry Collins,
Of the Great Falls Tribune, Maj. \. 5. Walker
Col. Alex. Botkin, Editor A. B. Keith of the
Montana Live Stock Journal; Associate
Editor j. w. Pace, City Editor Mock, j. D.
Whelpley, F. r. Bowie. of the Helena
journal; Victor II. Beckman, telegraph edi-
tor of the Herald; United States Marshal
w. F. Furay, City Marshal Thomas j.
Cronin, Treasurer Geo. L. Boos of the
Journal, Col. David Marks, business mana
ger of The INDEPENDENT; Editor Il. +. Fisk.
James b. Walker and j. D. Ruff, of the
Herald; Managing Editor Louis DeLestrey
of the Fraternal Review; Editor A. S.
Douglas of the Saturday Graphic, Col. II.
A. Wilkinson and George w. Skies, John
McMurray, Jesse Wilson and III. g. Sultzer
and NJ. j. Hutchinson. of The INDEPENDENT
staff; Major Anderson of the Avant Courier
Sir Hugh McQuaid. s
The table, covered with snowy linen. was
handsomely and tastefully decorated with
several pieces which vera triumphs of the
pastry cooks skill. The most striking
feature was massive center piece, made
of sugar, in the shape of cabin, which
attracted the attention of all eyes when the
guests were seated. From it's interior flut-
tered three white carrier pigeons bearing
missives. The birds flew about the room
dazzled by the bright lights and strange
sounds, producing unique effect
which was much admired. At each plate was
large hand painted menu card fastened
with white silk ribbons. The design upon
the covers was quill and shears crossed,
bearing the monogram in a circle, b. T.,
Bon ION.
The following is list of what they ate
for several hours: