Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1896-01-29

4 GRAND BANQUET. -O'kane Coun-
Ill, No. ISL. Catholic Benevolent LIE
g0n, celebrated their second anniV +
slry with grand banquet at the Opera
House restaurant last night, and it was
generally conceded t3at it was one of
hepleasantest gatherings of the season.
The council met at their hall during the
early part OF the night, and about nine
O'Clock marched to the banqueting
room where the following menu had
been prepared
Jynhaven bay oysters on half shell, fried
Norris cove oysters, roast turkey, corned
bc,f roast beef, chicken, ham, tongue, chicken
81 ad, lobster salad. potato salad, lettuce salad,
celery, chow chow, cranberry sauce, sweet
pickles, Spanish olives, red beets, cabbat o
slaw, oranges, malaga grapes, apples bananas,
cotfoo, cheese. crackers, and cigars.
There were between 80 and 40 in the
party, and after being seated Rev.
Father Mccarthy invoked blessing,
when the discussion of the feast began.
Mr.. NJ. B. Harlow, President of the
Legion, presided at the head of the
table, with Rev. Father Mccarthy on his
right. Mr.. Harlow, whose geniality rem
ders him equal to all occasions and at
home in any position, presided with
the ease and grace characteristic of him.
After all had ate and thoroughly en-
joycd the choice viand5 the president
raped the assemblage to order and
stated the object Of the banquet. He
congratulated the members of the le-
gion upon the large turnout, after
which he gave an interesting history Of
the order. He said it had its rise in
Brooklyn in 1881, where FIVE legions
had been instituted. There are now
565 and membership of 81, 500. Since
its organization $6,000,000 had been
paid out in benefits. Any member of
the Catholic Church between the ages
of is and 50 is eligible to membership,
provided that socially he is acceptable.
Mr.. Harlow then succinctly showed
the practical utility Of the organization
and dwelt upon its insurance feature
A man, he said, for three cents day
could insure himself for $1,000. He
called attention to the suggestive motto
OF the legion-'Faith, Hope and Chart
ty"-and spoke of the liberality ex-
tended toward all within or without
the communion OF the church, the love
of country Unborn in its members. and
said America to-day has no truer sons
than those found in the communion OF
the Catholic Church. His remarks
were earnestly applauded.
Messrs. 2. +. Downey, Gordon Phil
lips and Frank Latham, of the Alexan-
dria Mandolin Club, then rendered
some excellent instrumental music,
after which Rev. Father Mccarthy arose
and made some practical remarks on
the benefits of the order from a worldly
standpoint and also impresslvely dwelt
upon the spiritual import of its motto.
He was listened to with close attention
aud was heartily applauded.
Mr.. j. +. Shea, Vice President of st.
Dominick's Council of Washington,
followed in some we'll chosen remarks.
Speeches were made during the
evening by Messrs. James p. Quinn,
Florence McCnrty, T. F. Burroughs,
sr.. VIM. Desmond, J. d. Normoyle, I.
]. Fannon, E. f. Lawler, w. H. Swee
ney, Jos. Monroe, j. l.. Roche and
Harry Rice.
Mayor Thompson, who was present,
was also called on for some remarks.
His response was brief and to the eff
feet that for several years he had been
an houored guest at similar gatherings
of gentlemen connected with the Cath
Ole societies of this city; that he had
ever on such occasions found himself
in genial company and that he always
enjoyed himself. He also expressed
his appreciation Of the courtesy which
had been extended him by inviting
him to become one of their number on
these festive occasions.
Farther remarks were made by Mr..
Harlow, and votes of thanks were eX-
tended to Mr.. Louis Brill for the taste
displayed in the preparation of the
banquet and to the members of the
Mandolin Club who gave several ex
hibitions OF their skill during the even
ing.
Mr.. Robert A. Vented added inter-
est to the occasion by rendering accept.
able vocal music during the evening.
The company adjourned shortly be-
fore midnight.
The decorations of the tables and the
room were elaborate and tasteful,
United States flags being in profusiop,
while ferns, varigated candelabra, &C.,
added greatly to the taste displayed in
the preparation of the tables.