The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-05-22
AT ANNUAL BANQUET
THE INDIANAPOLIS LITERARY CLUB
LISTENS TO TOAsTs.
James Whitcomb Riley Gives Two
.Stories-A. G. Harris Chosen Pres
ident for the Coming Year.

Sparkling satire, bubbling wit and effer-
vescence of literary fellowship flowed like
rare old wine at the annual dinner of the
Indianapolis Literary Club last night. The
event was celebrated in the dining room of
the Columbia Club, where no detail had
been overlooked in making the occasion
one of the most feicitious in point or
arrangement ever INDUCED by the club.
Evergreens and dainty, bright-hued buds
trailed the entire length of the tables. At
intervals potted palms waved gracefully
above the snowy cloth and the polished
service. Each club member wore evening
dress and a bright carnation on his lapel.
At 7:30 the gentlemen sat down TO partake
of the banquet provided by the clubs chef.
The club first proceeded to the election Of
officers for the year as follows:
Presidential c. Harris.
Secretary-Charles Martindale.
Treasurer-Dr. J. n. Hurry
Committee on Officers and Members-G
A. Christensen, Prof. George Hufford, j. A.
Finch. Albert ogle. Charles F. Williams.
Committee on Arrangements and Exer-
cises-Elmer Griffith, Louis Rowland. Prof.
Richards.
Committee on Rooms and Finances--Rev.
F. E. Dewhurst. John c. Dean, DR.. Fergu-
son. w. p. Kappes DR.. Potter.
After the disposal of the business portion
Of the programme the assembled guests
listened for two hours to the bright spon-
taneous utterances of talented and enter
tanning speakers. The toasts nearly a
dozen in all. dealt with "reminiscences OF
literary club life and the many little weak
nesses and inconsistencies of cub men,
bers.
Dr. j. L. Thompson, the retiring piesi-
dent, presided as POSTMASTER. The first
toast Of the evening was by Mr.. Evans
Wooden. one Of the youngest members of
the club. Mr.. Wooden discussed the Lit
erary Spirit and presented his views en-
tertainingly and in a manner that won
comment 1.-THE Silent Member" by Mr..
preceded the Literary Clergyman" by
Rev. F. E. Dewhurst. Mr.. ". T.. Fish
back responded to the toast Critical Arch
who know his rare talent in a literary way,
was at his best. His address was OF that
high order of literary effort of which he is
nance and Trade was discussed by Mr..
H. HI. Rowland. The paper was excellent
and was deftly handled. Mr.. a L. Mason
responded to the toast 1.-The Kings High
way"
Mr.. John A. Finch dealt with Club
Notes. and poked refined humor at his
with the thought that gentlemen of the
Indianapolis Literary Club did not chew
gum, although they wore creased trousers
and smoked cigarettes. Mr.. John L. Grit
fiths talked of ''Club Pleasures and of the
gay and grave side of literary club life
Although not on the programme of toasts
by reason of his absence from the city,
James Whitcomb Riley was present hav-
ing returned in time to be present at the
dinner last night. The poet graciously re-
sponded to the call of the POSTMASTER and
the camor of the company for a speech.
He told one or two stories in his inimita-
bly, drol way, and then recited a new poem,
I'll oil cir fnIa xfnl, ,lI
of the experience of an old Indiana soldier
who went down to Washington for the pur-
pose of enlistng the aid of an old neighbor,
a Congressman in securing a pension
Rev. j. H. Ranger, one of the active men,
bers of the club, and one who has done
much toward building up the organization
the past season, was called upon by the
presiding officer, and said many good
things in five minutes talk.