Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1895-08-17
LAST NIGHTS FEAST
THE VISITING RAILROAD MEN
WE'RE THE GUESTS.
"The Boys, of Fort worth Enter
tanned Their brothers and
the Ladies'.

The banquet rendered last night by
the local divisions OF the various
brotherhoods OF railroad men, was
great success. II was prepared under
the direct supervision OF Mr.. Bradford,
steward of the Hotel Delaware. and
was all that could have been desired
by the most exactlng taste or the most
substantial appetite. The stage OF
Greenwalls opera house Twas most
tastefully decorated with flowers,
plants and bunting, and the tables
were set 50 as to be most convenient
TO the guests. II was in the form of a
hollow square. and the viands that
covered II were such as were best cal
culated TO crafty the atalwart appe-
lite OF the healthy trainman or the
delicate requirements OF d1is fairest
companion.
of soul" A number OF the best speak
ers In the various orders were dele
gated to entertain the audience from
the time OF Its gathering at $3.50 TIL 10
o'clock, the hour announced for the
banquet. Mr. Tucker, master of cere-
monies. introduced, first, Conductor
j. e. Archer OF Houston, who made Il
happy effort to amuse the crowd. He
told In most felicltous vein the eNpo-
riences of the conductor with awkward
girls. blushlng maidens, coqueting
young ladies, helpless old ladies and
crying babies. lie was vociferously
applnuded, and took his seat after be-
ing invited to go on" He was fol-
lowed by Mr.. George W. Nroman Of
San Diego, who made a plain, good
natured and sensible address, showing
his genuine interest In the welfare Of
his fellows and his high appreciation
Of the Inequalities OF the people OF
Fort Worth.
Messrs. Cease and Hynea both made
brief speeches that were most highly
enjoyed by their hearers.
Then, despite the efforts of the or
chestra, there were calls for Coffin"
who finally came forward, though he
protested that he could not possibly
be funny, and II seemed that funny
speeches We're the order OF the occa-
sion. He said that he would doubt
less be most serious II he should try
90 be funny. After a few pleasing In
troductory remarks he said he thought
he would tell the people how he hap
pened to become Interested In the
work of railroad men, and began 10
help them to better their condition.
Before he had finished the curtains
were drawn and the table, glowing
with good cheer. doomed up behind
him and he bowed and babe every
body "come on The reporter Of the
Gazette, who was very anxious to hear
Mr.. Coffin tell the story. happens to
know II. and may be allowed to say
briefly that Mr.. Coffin was for several
years railroad commissioner of Iowa,
and that during his service there he
began TO realize the dangers TO which
railroad men were subjected, and be-
gan to work to secure safety appll-
ances and to otherwise benefit The
boys"
Almost every railroad man in the
country has since heard OF Father
Oofiin," and all who know him love
him. He is a farmer by profession"
as he puts It. but being fairly well sup
piled with the worlds goods. he gives
most OF his time and a great deal Of
his money, TO the work Of helping for
ward improvements In railroad work.
He IL about so years old. the dates say,
but he Is a young man In activity OF
body and mind, and prayers go up
daily that he may never grow older.