The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-05-13
THE IRISH SMOKER,
HIBERNIANS AND EMMETs uAy,
AN ENJOYABLE TIME.
A Presentation and an Evening De.
voted To Irish Patriotism, Songs
ana Sentiment.

more enjoyable social gathering than
that which met under the auspices of the
Hibernian and Emmett organizations of this
city last hight could not possibly be assem-
lied in any city, and it would be difficult
to evoke in the same lengdl of time more
mirth wit and eloquence than characterized
she occasion during the three ENJOYABLE
hours it continued. The large hall of the
Emmet Council was literally crowded with
members and their friends, and among the
hosts Of visitors nearly every nationality,
except Spain and England, were well repre-
sented. The walls of the chamber were
literally enlivened with all the insignia OF
an Irish rendezvous, but foremost and most
prominent OF everything that attracted the
attention of strangers aud guests wa the
life-size portrait OF the gallant patriot and
martyr, Robert Emmett.
| Shortly after O'Clock Mr.. Edmond Brown
opened the interesting smoker las the
entertainment was modestly called), by
nominating Mr.. Justin c. White as chair
man and master Of ceremonies.
| MIR. White, in assuming the role OF presi-
dent, said the first duty before the house
| was for every person present to indulge in
|
Twas TO be interspersed and Immediately
| willing hands and big hearts fairly sur
feited the audie1ce with an abundance OF
that popular beverage for which Houston
| is noted, followed by more substantial deli
cacies, with Cuban cigars to punctuate the
festivities
Having done justice to the good things
thus provided, Chairman White pleasantly
called the assemblage to ORDER, and, step
| pirg out into the middle OF the hall, where
a handsome cabinet rested on a raised dais.
be invited MIR. Dudley d. Bryan TO his side
in the presence OF the assembled memuei $
and guests.
Mr.. Bryan, In obedience to the order,
walked to the front like man who expect
ed to have sentence passed upon him,
| whereupon the chairman addressed him as
follows:
mir. Bryan, In behalf OF the four camps
of Hibernans the Emmett Council and the
| Emmett Rifles. desire TO present 10 you a
small token of the esteem in which you are
| held by the members OF these organizations.
individually and collectively. To you, sir,
above all others, We feel that we owe the
success OF our last entertainment, given
on March II. Ever ready to labor in our
behalf; no task too irksome, no difficulty
so great but what II was overcome by your
wise counsel and interchangeable efforts, you
have done for us that which prompts US to
|
we all feel And with this expression Is
echoed not only the heartfelt feeling oil
those around you, but also of those who are
absent tonight, awaiting the summons to
sacrifice their lives. If necessary, on the
altar OF their country. May the brillian,
rays which are reflected by this memento
he hut a forerunner of what your future life
may be-pure and bright. Accept 1t. theii
lsir. and with II accept the renewed assur-
ance of the sincere affection of every Irish
organization whom ! have the honor u
represent here tonight" tApplause).
To say Mr.. Bryan was astonishcd for
tie presentation Is putting 1t all too mild
". II was an honest surprise to him
hut nevertheless he managed 10 get him.
self. bAs emotions and his words in suf-
ficient harmony to deliver a most eloquent
speech. In the course of which he thanked
his friends for the magnificent gift they
had seen at to present him with and the
chairman for the kind words In which ht
] rendered II. He accepted 1t. not for ~
Intrinsic value. but for the splendid
friendship 1t symbolized. and he assured
: those present. as well as those absent
j that he would always cherish with thu
fopdest remembrance this priceless SOU
yenir Of the pleasant relations existing
between himself and the Irish organiza
J lions OF Houston. (AppiAuse.}
J, Tho presentation consisted Of massivs