Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-05
SMOKER TO SOLDIERS.
COMMONWEALTH CLUB ENTER
TAINs MEMBERS GOING TO WAR.
An OCCASION OF SPECIAL INTEREST,
Graceful Speeches by President
starl<e, Captain Pegrnm, ana
Others-somo Interesting Tele-
grams Read by Colonel stern.

A more striking scene Is rarely pre-
sented than that witnessed at the Com
monwealth Club on Thursday night. No
tice went out TO the members several
days before that "lawn smoker would
be rendered those OF the club member
ship who had volunteered in the United
States army, and at the bottom of the
notice was the line. But for these vile
guns, we would all have been soldiers
The superb club building was brilliantly
lighted, and the beautiful and elevated
lawn in the rear shone grandly with
hundreds Of Chinese lanterns OF varied
color and shape; nor were the trees ana
arches that encircle the building neglect
ed in this respect. One long table In the
centre OF the lawn groaned under the
weight of ammunition to be fired at the
boys. while scores OF small tables were
set about, around which the merry mem
bers assembled. From the roof OF the
south porch broke upon the moonlt
night the music OF the Blues Band.
THE BLUES AS GUESTS.
At Q o'clock, the hour appointed, and
when, perhaps, 200 members had been
seated. the tap Of drum was heard 10
sound from within the building and In
another moment. commanded by Cap
tain George Il. Pegram. filed out by twos
the honored guests, dressed in their camp
uniforms. This, of course, was signal
for great applause. Solder-like, indeed.
did they appear as they, in perfect step.
found their way to the special table pre-
pared for them.
After partaking for some time OF such
a repast as, perhaps, the boys will not
sit down to in the near future. Mr.. AshI
ton Starke, the president of the club,
arose and in commanding tone called.
Attention." In an instant all was still.
He then proceeded to call the roll, which
was as follows. and to which every man
responded. Here:
f. b. Blankenship, Henry p. Caring
ton, Jr., William l.. Daughtrey, Jr.. Ran
son Guy. Richard Gwathmey, Waller
Holiday, r. Whitfield Jones, C. II. Jor-
dan. George b. Pegram. Thomas A.
Spencer, Joseph l.. Young, William NJ.
Leathley.
PRESIDENT STARKE'S ADDRESS.
Mr.. Starke then, addressing the whole
assemblage, said:
1.-THE Commonwealth Club honors itself
In this occasion given to those of our
vices in the cause of our country. The
of being separated from
them for n time tends TO sadden our
hearts. But, when we know that they
go in response 10 duty's call; when in
them is found the prompting-of country |
irst-we are thrilled with the con
sciousness that not all OF that |
that spirit, that valor |
S gone which made the name !
md fame of this old Commonwealth in |
days that are past. This roll Of honor |
we will cherish. Our thoughts and our |
prayers will go with you. Thrice glad /
will be our hearts to welcome you back,
clothed as you shall be, with the gar
ands Of victory"
He called upon Colonel 10. Lane Stern
% read kilograms received during the
evening. Colonel Stern arose and read
he following:
Jacksonville, Fla, June 2. 1898.
To Ashton Starke, President Common
wealth Club:
Regret very much cannot be with you
% meet the Blues eleven tonight. Send
ne the centre rush to head tho movement
nto Cuba l suppose 1t does not suit any
more Of the members Of your club to leave
home at this time. 1t is very pleasant in
Iabana in the autumn May | expect
hem then? FITZ LEE.
Habana, June 2, 1885,
o Senior Crenshaw, Commonwealth Club: |
My engagements here are so numerous
annot leave. Travelling, also, is very
lad. l had my last carriage horse for