The morning call., 1891-02-19
PLEASURE REIGNED.
The Underwriters Annual Re.
union and Banquet.
Eighty Gentlemen Gathered Round the Festive
Board Make the Welkin Ring With
Songs and Laughter.

%. "Jolly good fellows and social full OF
fun, song and mirth, and not merely insur-
. ance men,"
These are the words with which Thomas
c. Van Ness, IN answering to toast, de-
scribed the gathering around the festal board
at the California Hotel last night. The &C.
casion was the annual dinner of the Fire
Underwriters Association of the Pacific.
on which eighty gentlemen, representing all
PARTS of the Coast, met together for night
of relaxation and conviviality after their
years work
From the very moment that seats were
taken to far into the small hours of the
morning did the hilarity continue. the witty
sayings of this gentleman or the comical
song Of that drawing shouts of laughter and
applause from even the most eircumspect. 1t
seemed that a whole years store of gayety,
depressed till now by stress of business, had
at last overlooked, finding vent into every
way comprehended by the term fun.
DISCUSSED THE MENU.
B. Favmonvile presided and around and
about him, filling the spacious banquetlng-
rail, gathered the banqueters, and for the
first couple of hours ample amusement was
found in discussing the menu. Brandts
Band diseoursed music in low, sweet tones,
and Is familiar air fell upon the ears OF
q. lie Teveleis the words were sung, the old
and the young Joining in the strain.
No formal toaStS had been prepared. but
when the clink of glasses and the pop of
champagne corks had at last subsidized, and
the fragrant fumes of Havanas began TO
. ascend heavenward, hanging ike canopy
over the company, President Faymonville
called upOn George w. Spencer for lew
words. When the gentleman had concluded,
MessTs. WetZler aud Hopkins sang THE
LaTboard Watch" after which informal
toasts were responded to by George Grant,
who also sang; George Tyson, Alfred Still
man, Hubert FOlger, c. Mason Kline,
Rolla Y. Watt. Richard Jockey, Thomas C.
Van Ness and j. ID. Staples.
Mr. Carpenter had prepared for the occa-
sion a song entitled Il Don't Know, an I'm
usual Confession" which he sung amid
. shouts of laughter. OF all the speeches Mr..
shout of applause burst from the company,
and it seemed as though the roof would
surely raise. Mr.. Kline was silent.
FATHER OF INSURANCE"
As J. d. Staples arose to speak a respect
full silence fell upon the jewellers. On the
CleaTest sky may be found cloud. and as
the gentleman, the father OF insurance,
as they called him, racOunted his business
. experiences and at last ended with the wish
that, alt ough, lie felt that hencefOrth his
e. declini. years wenld forbid his joining
their annual reunion, success and happi-
he saw gathered about him, a touch of sad
ness was felt by every one present. When
he resumed his seat no shout of hes jolly
good fellow" with which the others had
been greeted. fell from their lips, but re-
spectful hand-clapping attested the telling
effect OF his words. But when three cheers
were proposed. then the hall rang again.
Alter this the elderly gentlemen retired,
but the festivities were not over, for far
into the night and along toward morning the
Teyelry continued.
THE MENU.
Following is the menu:
Huitres de California sur CoquIle.
PoTAeE.
~ ConSomme Printanier Soubise
. HoRs D'EUyREs.
:; Raids. Cauapes de Caviar. Sardines.
Celery olives.
Fust de Sole a a NOrmande.
l. Pommes Ho1sndaise.
RELIEVE
. Fnet de bRuf a la Duchesse.
ESrRkE.
-. Terrapin la Baltimore
; = .Sorbet, Chateau la Rose.
ROTL
= SaIade de Laitue.
LEsUNE.
Haricots Ytrts. Petit Pols a Ia Franchise.
!: Glaze, f9'''' f00''' 'f SsaP6iitaIu.