Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1897-02-23
LAST NIGHTS FESTIVITIES.

Birthday, each of which was success
in every particular.
JR. o. U. A. NJ. CELEBRATION.
The Junior Order of United
American Mechanics last night cele
brated the birthday of one whose
memory will never die in the hearts OF
every patriotic citizen, George Wash
ington. The Mechanics have always
made it custom to celebrate this day,
and last year, it will be remembered,
they gave large public demonstration,
placing American flags over two Of the
public school buildings of this city.
Long before 7:30 o'clock last night
Belle Haven Councils lodge room was
crowded with Juniors" eager to par
ticipate in the celebration. During the
regular meeting the trustees reported
that they had leased Good Templars'
Hall, on south Fairfax street, and that
it would be ready for the councils &C.
| cupation about tie 1st ofApril. Three
applications for membership were also
received. After the transaction Of
some other business the council adj
journed to Odd Fellows Hall to par
ticipate in the exercises to be held there.
| The Mechanics, headed by the Third
Virginia Regiment Drum Corps, then
marched in body to the above named
hall, where they found everything in
| firstclass order. The tables were
beautifully spread, and the hall decorat'
ed with flags aud the emblems Of the
order.
Mr.. E. d. Sopher, on behalf of the
entertainment committee of Belle
Haven Council, called the meeting to
order, aud in brief speech stated the
purpose for which they had assembled
| to do honor to the birthday Of 1.-THE
Father of His Country"
The Mechanics opening ode was then
sung, the large number of voices max.
ing the rafters fairly ring with it.
Then followed prayer by MIR. Fred
Rodgers, who asked Gods blessing up
on the order and upon those assembled
there.
This was followed by selection
by the drum corps, who received much
praise for their fine music.
The Alexandria Mandolin and Guitar
Club then rendered 1.-The Ship Love"
and were compelled to respond TO an
encore, the music played being excep.
tionally good.
Mr.. Frank Wood then sang "Oid
Virginia" receiving much applause.
Mr.. Frank Warder, of Alexandria
f, Council. delivered the first address Of
the evening, his subject being "Our
Flag He referred in glowing terms
to the placing over the public schools
on the last 22nd of February of the
| American flags, and urged every Me-
chanic not to consider his work through
with until the Bible had been placed in
the schools. He then referred TO the
Daughters Of America, an auxiliary to
the Junior Order of Mechanics, and ask
ed Gods blessing on that order. Mr..
Warder then explained the principles
of the order-Virtue, Liberty and
Patriotism. He was frequently inter
rupted throughout his speech with great
applause.
MIR. o. B. Hopkins, Past State Coun-
cilor of the Mechanics and founder OF
the Daughters of America in this city,
was then called upon. That gentleman
responded in his usual happy mood,
and gave description of the founding
of the order in Philadelphia on May
II, 1858. "Six years ago." said he,
1.-The first council of the Junior Order OF
Mechanics was instituted in this city.
Tonight, my brothers, we have three
large councils here of which we should
be proud, including the banner council
of the State Of Virginia" He referred
to Washington as patriot, and claim
ed that if Washington were living TO-
day he would be a member of the Me.
chanics. Mr.. Hopkins also made
reference to the Declaration of Inde.
pendence. He received much applause
for his excellent speech.
Mr.. Geo. Hayden, OF j. w. Jackson
Council, then delivered an address on
behalf of that council, calling upon the
Mechanics of the city Of Alexandria
not to rest until they had placed the
Bible in the schools Of this city. MIR.
HAYDEN was interrupted several times
during his speech with bursts OF ap
plause.
MIR. Fred Rodgers then made speech
on behalf of Belle Haven Council. He,
too, referred to the Daughters Of Amer
lea in the highest terms, and expressed
the hope that they would largely in.
crease in membership in the next six
months. His remarks were well re-
ceived.
Another beautiful selection was then
rendered by the mandolin club.
MIR. Frank Wood was then called up
on for recitation. He delivered it i'll
a mastery manner, his subject being
'"Telegraphing."
Mr.. NJ. S. Lee responded to the sub
ject, "Jr. %. U. A. NJ and D. of A. !"
After eulogizing Washington he gave a
perfect description of the principles of
both orders.
The drum corps we're then invited to
the tables. Mr.. Frank Krause, on be-
half of the corps, extended his thanks
to the committee in few appropriate
remarks. The mandolin club was then
invited, followed by the members Of
the order.
After partaking of the various eat
ables, cigars were passed around.
During the evening unanimous
vote of thanks was rendered to the
drum corps and the mandolin club for
! the music furnished; also to the COM
mittee of ladies who had charge Of the
tables.
An invitation was extended to those
present to attend the mass meeting to