Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-02-11
Grand Banquet in Washington of the Beta
Theta Pi.
In Special Honor of Justice Harlan OF
the Supreme Court.

the Supreme Court.
HARRY TUCKER NOMINATED BY THE
BETAs FOR VICE PRESIDENT.
The Washington Post of Saturday gives
a long account of the Grand Banquet given
in that city on Friday night in honor of
Justice Harlan, one of its many distinguish
ed members.
Elk Gov. Jas. A. Beaver CT Pennsylvania
acted as toast-master.
The first toast was, Our guest, and the
Supreme Court of the UAited States"
which was appropriately responded to By
Justice Harlan. The Post says:-
"The remarks of Mr. 1stice Harlan we're
heartily applguded during their delivery
and at the close. Hon. William Springer
was next introduced to respond to the sen
timent, "The Betasss i'm public life." Mr..
Springer, who delivered speech replete
With wit and humorous illusions, opened
with the remark that he felt more at home
amid the associations in which he found
himself than in the body of which he was a
member. s'You don't move the previous
question here" ne said, 'and feel at lib
erty to speak as long as desire-a privi
lege have not enjoyed daring the past
two years." Mr.. Springer then remarked,
in native manner, that Detas had never
sought public position, but had always hon,
ored public station when forced into it, and
enumerated the long list Of members of the
fraternity who have been elevated to posts
of honor and distinction.
Passing on, he said he proposed to nomi-
1ota al iaGo 20 ha fxr,r
cal parties from among the distinguished
members of the fraternity present. For
the Republicans he would suggest as Presi-
dent Mr.. Justice Harlan, and for Vice
President he would name Mr.. Townsend, of
Colorado. To the committee on platform
hs would offer as an appropriate sentiment,
''1n gold we trust, on eilger We bust" For
his Democratic friends he would suggest
his distinguished friend, Nh. Bynum, of
Indiana, for President, and Mr.. FL. st. G.
Tucker, of Virginia, for Vice-President,
with a platform demanding 'farmers'
rights" and as campaign motto, Give
the young men chance" With similar
humorous illusions Mr.. Springer kept his
audience in laughter, and closed with 8
tribute to the fraternity.
Mr.. Justice Brewer. responding to the
toast, 1.-THE Mystical Seven" was the next
speaker, and opened in q similar strain as
did Mr.. Springer. He referred to his dis
tinguished associate, Mr.. Justice Harlan,
WHOSE noble head was rapidly becoming
very like Heaven-no parting or dying
there" aud declared that the last word OF
the rame of the fraternity was the attrac.
ton which had induced his venerable
friend to attach himself to it. The speak
er, continuing, spoke of his own connection
during college days with the fraternity and
dwelt on the beneffcient influence Of col
lege orders.
The "Beia Dinner" the next toast, was
responded to with poem by Chambers
Baird, of Ripley, Ohio, read by Prof. J. G.
Gordon.
Hon. John W.Herrcn responded so''The
National Fraternity" in appropriate terms.
The various chapters of the fraternity, he
said, strengthened the whole as the joining
of the States made strong the Union. He
sketched briefly the growth of the fraterni-
ty and spoke of the many members who
had achieved greatness.
Rev. A. W. Pitzsr, in response to the
sentiment, "The Silver GroYs, "spoke next,
and was followed by Rev. Geo. L. Spinning,
of New York, in reply tosClasped Hands,"
to which toast Hon. John s. Wise, who wac
unable to attend, had first been assigned.
Hon. H. St. G. Tucker made a very elo-
quens response to the toast, "Fraternal
Virginians," referring to the large numbrs
of distinguished men produced by that
State and dwelling with evident pridssupon
the characteristics of her people,"
A number of other toasts were given and
responded TO. The Post says
s'The fe stivites continued until long aft
er midnig BIT, ard the whole affair passed off
most pleasantly and successfully. It is sell
dom, even il Washington, that SO many
distinguished msp are gathered about the
banquet tt BILE as met at last evenings Beka
banquet"