Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-30
PRESBYTERIAN ALLIANCE
Patriotic Utterances at the Reception Last
Night.
Masonic Temple Gayly Decorated fol-
the AHair-The Speakers and
What They Said.

sonic Temple under the auspices Of the
Presbyterian Alliance, which Is an crgani-
cation composed Of representatives of the
various churches Of that denomination in
this city, formed for the purpose of further
ing the interests of PresbyteriaIlism in the
District. Although tina weather was not
favorable for social occasion the hall was
crowded. the varisus congregations being
well represented.
On account of what is looked upon asrhe
tendency Of current events, the reception
had large flavor of patriotism. both in
the character Of the decorations of the hall
and in the addresses. The various details
of the arrangements were in charge of
committees, which, as stated by the presi-
dent of the alliance. Mr.. B. II. Warner,
who presided, were composed of one MEM
Der each.
Under the direction of a committee, Of
which Mr.. Charles B. Pearson was chair
man, the hall was profusely and prettily
decorated with American flags and bunting,
while the committee Of which Mr.. VIM. b.
Gurley was chairman provided small silk
flags pendant from an eagle, which was at
tached to the lapels Of thu coats of the men
and to the gowns of the women.
The stage was attractively set with large
foliage plants and adorned by flowers by
thu committee of which Mrs. George West
ipghousa, jr., was chairman, and the same
committee secured Haley's Band, which
rendered patriotic selections throughout the
evening. 1t was the first social gathering
held under the direction of the alliance for
several years past and the evening proved
to be such pleasant one that it Is prob
able there will be other similar events in
the near future.
The Addresses.
The program was appropriately intro
duced by singing by the boys from Willard
Hotel of patriotic songs, which were en-
Enthusiastically alplauded. Then Rev. DIR.
Sunderland of the First Presbyterian
Church was introduced by President War
ner, and he made an extremely happy
speech, which was bright and humorous.
He pointed out the important work to Pres
byterianism in the District which could be
accomplished by such an organization.
The next speaker, Rev. DR.. Hamiin OF the
Church of the Covenant, spoke of the in
fiuence of the form of government in the
Presbyterian Church in fitting it's members
to be citizens of the republic, and he said
that American citizens were proud of their
country because it was free, enlightened
and just. While we have sympathy for
the oppressed, desolated island off the
southern coast, he said, and although we
recognize that the hour may come when
the oppressor must be smitten in order that
the oppressed may 60 we shrink from rails
ing our mailed hand, and patiently await
to he certain of Gods will
He referred to Capt. SigSbee, and said
that in one of the most awful hours the
world had seen he did not forget peace
though he Is man of war, but remem-
bered to plead to his countrymen for sus-
pense of Judgment. He said that PreSby-
terians do not want their country to be
clustering and boastful. but calm and firm
ard that they were ready to stand by the
rulers of the country. with sacrifice OF
property, and, if need be, life. DR.. Ham
Inns strong patriotic utterances aroused
the greatest enthusiasm.
He was followed by Paymaster General
Stewart, United States navy. who spoke on
the navy, which he said at the outset Is
ready to speak for itself. He then. in Sc
ries of beautiful word paintings, which
was given with fine oratOrical effect, de-
scribed the battle of Mobile as he wit
messed it. thirty-four years ago. and in
conclusion he said that the navy was ready
now as then to do It's part. A burst of APP
plause followed his concluding words. and
during his remarks the approval OF the
audience was frequently manifested.
Rev DR.. Wallace Radcliffe of the New
York Avenue Church made a stirring
speech which carried with him the entire
audience In referring to the current
events Dr. Radcliffe said he was for peace
fe he had to fight for it, and this phase
evoked a storm of applause He SAID that
stagnation was not peace, ana starvauon
was not peace, and that cna1nS are WORSE
than bayonets.
There comes a time. he added, when for
peace blood must flow. He commended
the course pursued by the President, and
said the patience of the administration has
been wonderful In humorous vein he
added that Mr.. Mckinley had been more
patient than he would have been under
the circumstances, which showed, he add
ed, that Mr.. Mckinley makes a better
President than he would have done. He
said that the President had waited Tor
the voice of the people, which is speaking
today. He believed If war must come II
would be as a last resort, and out of the
victories of war comes an enduring peace,
a peace based on principle.
The next speaker, Rev. DR.. Luccock of
the Metropolitan Church, spoke on the sub
ject of the laymen, and emphasized their
Importance in the work of the church. His
remarks were enlivened by witty stories.
Brief remarks were made by Rev. pr.
Eeston, pastor of the Eastern Church, and
Rev DIR. Bittinger Of the Westminster
Church Upon the conclusion OF the pro-
gram refreshments were served in one
of the adjoining rooms.