Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-01-13

THE ROYAL ARCANUM BANQUET
Last night was Royal Arcanum night
in Alexandria-that is, it was the sec,
ond Tuesday in January, gala occa'
sion for the members of that order-a
time when the newly-elected officers
are installed, when grand officers visit
the council and when the members sit
down to royal feast. Alexandria
Council is comparatively very young
organization, and although it has been
in existence but few years its growth
and vigor are phenomenal-in fact it is
proving to bea tree from which branch
es are springing, as is evidenced by the
recent formation of George Mason
Council, which bids fair to reach the
adult stage in the near future But to
return to Alexandria Council. This
organization now numbers 3lS, and over
one-half of this number were present at
the meeting last night. Grand Regent
John J. Jameson, Past Grand Regent
w. F. Irvine, of Norfolk; Grand Sec
rotary J. B. Blanks. of Petersburg,
and Grand Regent E. B. Eynon, of the
District of Columbia, were also pres
cut.
Some routine business was tranacted,
after which the following officers were
Installed by Grand Regent Jameson,
assisted by Grand Secretary Blanks:
Regent, d. Ruben; Vice Regent, E. B.
Kemper; Orator, Geo. w. Dix; Past
Regent, J. P. Lash; Secretary, J. f.
Alexander; Collector. F. J. Pollard;
Treasurer, Thomas Moss; Chaplain
Henry Hunter: Guide, e Shinn; War
deD. T. L. Risheill; Sentry, E. H. Ham
mond.
An interesting scene during the even
ing was the presentation of Past Re-
gents jewel to Mr.. p. Lash by Grand
Secretary Blanks. The latter's speech
on the occasion was very appropriate
and touching, and Mr.. Lash's response
was equally so.
The council finally adjourned and
shortly before ten o'clock the members
marched in double file to Armory Hall
where the feast was to be discussed.
The committee having this part of the
affair in charge-Messrs George Uhler,
Il. w. Arnold, o. Ruben, E. Milburn
and Henry Hunter--had prepared
everything in the most tasteful manner.
The hall had been appropriately dec
grated and the tables, which had been
spread under the supervision of Mr..
Carl Bohraus of the ConcOrdia Hotel,
were filed with the good things of the
season in the greatest abundance. Re
gent Ruben presided and raped tho
company to order and after blessing
had been invoked by Rev. D. Fl. Kern the
feast began. That it was relished and
all present enjoyed themselves was APP
parent, and like all former banquets
under the auspices of Alexandria Coun-
Gil, it was a success in every particular.
When the flying of knives, forks and
spoons was about to cease fragrant
cigars were circulated, after which the
Regent again raped the company to
order and introduced Grand Regent
Jameson, who spoke for short time.
He gave succinct history of the order
during the past year, and dwelt upon
its objects and aims, in which he show
ed its practical utility in the blessings
it brings to households in the darkest
hours.
He was followed by Grand Secretary
Blanks in few well-chosen remarks
which, as is always the case, was much
appreciated.
Past Grand Regents Irvine and Ety.
non also made addresses.
Grand Regent Jameson and Past
Regent Arnold left to-day TO pay an
oifcial visit to Shockoe Council of Rich
mond.