Evening star., 1895-10-25
Banquet Of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite.
GATHERING PRESENT
Eloquent Replies Given to Many
Inspiring Toasts.
AN ENJOYABLE OCCASION

Twice every year the Supreme Council Of
the 33d Degree of the Ancient and Accepted
Scottish Rite. Southern Jurisdiction. meet
in regular session. Before the members
who come from all parts Of the United
States, return to their homes, the Supreme
Council gives a grand banquet and invites
its members and their wives to be present.
1t Is one of the few chances the ladies
have to participate in Masonic celebrations.
Last night at the Raleigh was the scene
of the banquet, and it is no exaggeration
to say it was the most successful from
every standpoint ever held.
Promptly at half-past 8, headed by the
grand commander. Thos. H. Caswell. and
wife, and followed, according to rank, by
the other members of the Supreme Council
with their wives. the procession moved to
the banquet hall. Covers were laid for lib.
This included the members of the Supreme
Council. their wives and daughters and the
honorary SD degree Masons with their
wives and lady friends. The banquet hall
was tastefully decorated with garlands of
green smilaX. while the tables were re-
splendent with great punches of American
beauty roses and maidenhair fern. The
menu cards were artistic efforts. The
double eagle of the Scottish Rite. inclosed
in panel of gold, SurmCunted the whole,
the card being tied with purple and white
ribbons, the colors of the order. On the fly
leaf was a handsome photogravure of the
late Gen. Albert Pike. who for so many
years was grand commander of the order,
and from whose pen much of the beautiful
ritual of the order sprung. Then followed
a list of the present officers of the Scottish
Rite, the opposite page containing we'll
executed likeness of the new commander,
Thomas H. Caswell
The TOasts and Replies.
tor ha6
concluded the POSTMASTER raped for order
and announced the first toast, 1.-The Presi-
dent of the United States" response by In
spector j. d. Richardson Of Tennessee. Mr..
Richardson is one of the most popular men,
bers Of the Supreme Council, and he was
greeted with applause when he arose. He
said 1t was eminently proper that at the
outset formal recognition should be made of
this glorious country, and a tribute paid to
the chief magistrate. 1t was true especially
of the distinguished incumbent, not because
of his striking personality, great ability and
wise craftsmanship, but because he is Pres
ident of the United States, and thus the fore
most ruler of the earth. Among all the
millions of devoted and faithful subjects
there was not one more loyal to the govern
ment, it's form and substance than the body
of Masons representative Supreme Council
of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of the
Southern Jurisdiction.
He did not understand why the toast was
came from a state which had given to the
republic three of its best and most illustrous
Presidents. 1t was happy reflection that
the President Of the United States is the
President of Tennessee and of Texas: of
California, of Colorado and of all the inde-
pendent and indestructible states of our in
dissoluble Union.
And" continued the speaker. I'VE hold
in highest regard and greatest favor that
unwritten but none the less sacred portion
of that instrument which extends it's imper-
ial aegis to distant Madagascar and there
protects its humber subject, though he be a
little off color and an ex-consul, and which
holds out helping hand to struggling pa
triots in the Island Of Cuba (applause) in
their efforts to be free from the oppression
and tyranny of an effete monarchy of the
old world. and which speaks the word that
insures safety and asylum for our brethren
of the mystic tie in far-off Japan, and, last
ly. which says firmly if not defiantly to John
Bull himself and the monarchs of Europe
that while you may rend asunder. dismantle
and aggrandize the provinces and territories
there you shall not lay unholy hands on one
foot of soil beyond your present holding.
whether 1t be in North or South America"
loud applauseD
RHH