The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-12-06
THE GRIDIRON CLUB
u Gives Banquet to the Disttngui.h-
ed Wen OF the Country-Thc War with
spain Bu uriesqued.

Washington. December 3.-The Grid
iron club tonight gave a most notable
dinner entertaining distinguished
and other parts Of the world In the
company were the president vice pres
ident, members OF the cabinet, the
president OF Costa RiCa, the premier
Of Canada, the entire high American
Canadian commission, General Garcia,
the most prominent officers OF the ar
my and navy, senators and representa-
tives, and many other distinguished
men. More than leo people were as
sembled in the beautifully decorated
dining hall OF the Arlington hotel.
The dinner was in measure con-
Quoted on lines OF compliment and
honor, 10 honor men who distinguished
themselves both on land and sea in the
late war. Great ovations were given TO
the president. Admiral Schlcy and
General Shafter when they arose 10
speak, while other speakers received
most generous consideration. Although
the dinner was upon the lines indica:-
ed, wit and burlesquc was Cleverly
interspersed with the patriotic senti-
ment so that at all times the guests
were never allowed to get away from
the Gridiron method OF conducting
dinner.
President Frank II. nOsfOrd presid-
ed in an admirable manner He was
very fortunate in his introductions "
his guests, and with sentiment wi,
and satire conducted the features OF
the dinner to a most satisfactory con-
clusion.
Speeches are always short at Grid
! iron dinners and there was no excep-
n fC 20, TIL . ID
| made by the president. the vice presi-
dent. the president OF Costa Rica. Lord
| Herschell Sir Wilfred Laurier. Secre-
tary Long. Secretary Hay, Postmaster
General Emory Smith. Admiral Schley.
General Shafter General Garcia. Can
tain Sigsbee. Senator Lodge, Mr. Fos-
| ter and others
| The menu was in keeping with the
| other features Of the evening There
| were several pages in imitation Of ar
my orders beginning with a proclama-
ton OF the president OF the club call
| ing on volunteers (guests) To assist tho
regulars Of the club at the engagement
! IN the Arlington dining room from
J TO ~ o'clock
| This was followed by a series Of or
| ders in military style directing the va
| nous committees Of the club 10 pre-
| pare the different features Of enter
| talnment and to assume such duty as
| ls usually performed by them. Th.
guests were grouped in divisions OF
| volunteers and in orders very direct
| and explicit required TO keep I'm the
| line Of fire" during the entire engage
| ment
a map Of the battle-ground was one
or the unique features in which the va
| rious divisions werA represented az
charging through the champagne river
| toward the table heights whore tbev
| 70
| Won hill" There were several nuioa
| IN special orders directed at the pron-
lnent guests Of the evening which add
ed to the merry feature Of the occasion
among the features was n burlcsouc
investigation OF the conduct Of the. wa r
which conveyed some OF the hunorons
lahcles or the real investigation Men,
bers or the committee brought In a.,
Hhthse stacks Of testimony. also large
EnIumes or reports and different, ey
hlbits which took Off some ~ -.
gueSts and caused great anuse,,.,,
NJ report concluded with the nndinp
,,l ,nhl th"re was war; that Spain %,
! .tt anu !haE the Anglo-Saxons STOOD
''Se'h"T As this was done tho apror
: lcan ana British flags were unveiled =
'"hlhhment 10 the Canadian men.
- "I IN" joint high commission A.
".h"r feature was the appeara,Ce :,
hcie sam In number OF corored nm
HrSSed 10 represent the phjlin
@ ma"s ana play was made upon N.
population which would be acoufr
- nv tire Philippines becoming ~, 49,
oi In" United States. A very Ian~h
t"i" skit was the presentation ~ .
'"FS" to General II. V Bovnton ub.
- one of the charter rnenhars ~ 81
-.Ino and also holds a brigadier's corn
IN the army. The horse wa,
"H" "I the stage varieties and ,,s 80
n"aranc" caused a rrea, Ja., a" a.
liritv. "aI OF ~