The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-18
The Strains of Dixie Mingled
With the Red White
and Blue.
The "Star.Spangled Banner" Led
by the President and
Joe Wheeler.
The Decorations Dream
Speeches of the Secretaries.

The banquet at the De Soto last night in
honor of President Mckinley, rendered by
the Savannah Board of Trade and asso-
cated citizens, was a fitting elimination
to the programme of the day 1t was
more than a superb success. 1t was a
veritable love feast, in which the Presl-
dent led in the tumultuous demonstration
when Dixie was played and the entire au-
dienee Joined with Secretary of War Alger
and Gen. Joe" Wheeler in singing the
Star Spangled Banner. No one could tell
which aroused the greatest enthusiasm,
Dixie" or the Star spangled Banner"
or THE Red, White and Blue" Each
brought the banquetters to their feet in
wild applause, and produced a scene such
as never before has been seen in Savan-
nah.
Surrounded by the national colors and
emblems, the speakers gave voice TO the
most patriotic of sentiments Every no
bic utterance inspired reciprocal feelings
on the part of the general guests. and
every expression breathing love, and pride,
and confidence in a common country was
the signal for an ebullience of enthusiasm.
Not a speaker but was the recipient of
a greeting that indicated to some degree
the cordially of Savannah's welcome for
its notable visitors Not a one but was
made to realize that he was in the hands
of his friends. that in entertaining them
Savannah felt that 1t honored itself. To
the President and to Gen. Wheeler was
accorded a demonstration such as Savan-
nah has never given to but few, an ova-
ton that brought the guests to their feet
and gave TO their fervor such vent that
their plaudits could be heard far beyond
the hotel The speakers and their audience
we're in sympathy.
Savannah has had notable banquets I'm
the past. Many distinguished men have
been entertained by its citizens. But
never before has there been such a ham
quet as that of last night. The picture
was one Of SURPRISING splendor
The settings We're sufficient TO
inspire patriotism where none existed; TO
arouse to an intensity the latent flames of
affection for native land.
The center Of all eyes, sat the President
Of the United States. To his right ana
left were the members Of his cabinet and
'he heroes OF war that has just added
new lustre 10 the Stars and siripes that
draped the room. Gathered about the Ia
bles were the flower Of the business 1ifo
OF Savannah, the substantial. progressive
men of affairs, leaders I'm the finance
trade and commerce Of their city and sec
A mr.
Vannahians has never met about the BAN
quet board; guests of greater prominence
have never been entertained in this cit,
It viii be many years, if ever before sa-
vannah again sees so brilliant a spectacle.
before speeches viii be made before IFS
citizens that the great world beyond will
await with so much interest, and to which
so much significance will be attached The
banquet was more than a local occur
renee; it was national event.
The handsome dining room OF the De
Soto the scene Of many brilliant social
events, had been adorned with exquisite
taste Wherever the eye went il photo-
grapbed scene OF beauty. Every win
dow and every wall symbolzed ia us dec
oraitons the national unity and glorv
With rare skin the red and white and
blue had been grated upon the hail. The
trinity Of colors, typifyng purity. loyalty
and defiance, swept from point 10 point
IN graceful folds, mingling with the dark
green OF the smi.aX and bringing into
greater relief the delicate charms OF ne
southern flowers that ornnmenied the Ia
bics.
Ihf dininR room Was moro than q sur
prise, b. waa revelation. on enc tables
American Beauty ioacs esd pink cafna-
tions a.ternaicl with palms ana ferns.
While tmilax tfailel 10 ringlets along she