Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1896-10-10
A Novel Entertainment,

last week was easily the equal. if not the
most interesting occasion of its char
acter ever planned and presented by the
fair ladies of Custer for the entertain
ment of her people. The occasion was
not remarkable for the variety and
delicacy of the viands furnished, for ii
was evident from the nominal price
charged that the feast was regarded as
being only secondary in Importance to
other more interesting features en-
braced in the program arranged for the
evenings entertainment.
The paramount feature of the occa-
sion, as stated by Rev. Kevan, was the
discussion and final settlement of the
much mooted silver question, but it is
fair to suppose the gentleman meant a
settlement of the question as to the
sentiment of those present upon the
issue named. So far as this question
was concerned, the sentiment had al
ready been quite definitely indicated by
"A preponderance of testimony as shown
by the marked preference for seats at
the Mckinley table oyer the Bryan and
Palmer tables, which were exact count
erparts of the Mckinley table in the
make up of their menu. While the
tables were similarly supplied as to the
viands, the contrast in their appoint
ments were SO marked as to attract the
attention of the most casual Observer.
The contrast between the Mckinley
and Bryan tables was most pronounced
in their appointments. the difference
being less marked between the Nc
Kinley and Palmer tables. the reason
being obvious, an explanation is deemed
unnecessary.
The Mckinley table, over which
presided Mrs. ID. Carrigan and Mrs. A.
T. Feay, were, as were all the tables,
most elaboratsly and artistically de.
corated, this special service being dele.
gated to, and most creditably executed
by Mrs. w. G. Porter and Mrs. A. NJ.
Willard. Among the decorations at the
Mckinley table, an elegant banner,
~resplendant with gold lace, radiant with
blooming flowers of golden hue, and
bearing in letters Of golden tinsel, the
popular and patriotic inscription, Sound
Money, Protection and Prosperity" was
the most conspicuous figure. The ele-
CANT lamp upon this table, with it's vel
low silken shade, seemed to emit Il
golden glare which strongly sayored Of
sound money, and the rich and rare
display Of the various golden appoint
ments seemed to fairly upset the pre-
valent belief that the gold Of this
country was in hiding.
The Bryan table, under the super
vision of Mrs. j, Ii. Kevan and Mrs. G..
w, Reid, in the elegance and artistic
character of its a%dornment, compared
favorably with the Mckinley table, not
withstanding the fact, that gold had no
part in its elaborate decoration. A very
attractive banner, with snowy silken
drapery. beautifully bordered with
blooming lilies and snowballs of ivory
wilderness and bearing the strange
legend, "Silver as Redemption Money"
was a very attractive feature.
The Palmer table was in strict keep
ing with the other tables in the beauty
and attractiveness fits embellishments,
and might easily have been mistaken
for an annex to the Mckinley table, the
same golden hue being equally con-
%spicuous. The bannar which was ex-
ceptional in its artistic beauty, was
richly adorned with miniature flags,
tiger lilies, autumn leaves and eyer
greens, and in the center, in golden
letters, was inscribed, no motto, but
simply the name, Palmer. Life size
portraits of the party standard bearers,
elegantly decorated, were also promi-
nently displayed, and it is needless to
say, received q full measure of attention
and homage from their respective adj
mirers.
1t was nearly half past eight O'Clock
when supper ended and the discussion
began. Mrs. d. w. McFadden was in
troduced, and, in behalf of sound mon
ey, addressed the audience. While it
may not be said that her discourse was
remarkable in point of sound logical
argument, as a humorous effort, I'M
marred by a word hat could give
%oflense, OF create i'll feeling in the minds
of her political opponents, it was un.
qu~estionably a masterpiece.
Mrs. G. w. Reid followed in a brief
discussion Of the question from a free
silver standpoint, which was both elo-
quent and entertaining, but like her
opponent, her discourse was not cal
culated to change to any material ex-
tent the political views of her auditors.
At the close Of Mrs. Reid's address, n
vote was taken to decide and forever
settle this disturbing question of free
silver, or at least so far as this audience
was concerned, which resulted in the
continuance Of the gold standard by a
large majority, the vote being as follows:
Mckinley IS, Bryan Al, Palmer 4. The
number Of patrons of the Mckinley
table was So, Of the Bryan AZ, and of the
Palmer s.
This all absorbing question being now
fairly settled in Custer, VIC may very
confidently anticipate a speedy and
marked improvement in the times, in
the event of which the most earnest
thanks of a long suffering community
will be due to, and are hereby extended
in advance to the ladies, through whose
persistent enterprise and energy this
important end has been 80 happily con-
summated.
A Sound Liver Makes q Well Man.
Are you Bilious, Constipated or
troubled with Jaundice, Sick Headache.