Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-02-01
ITS THIRTEENTH BANQUET
Members of Association of Fire Underwriters
Meet at Festive Board.
Representatives of cuisines. aud Of
hcsni Life embieti-Afser-Dfnn
Addresses Those Present

The annual banquet OF the Association Of
Fire Underwriters OF the District of Column
Ola last night ut the Arlington Hotel
Drought together a large gathering repre-
sentative of the substantial business inter
ests or the city and of official circles. For
thirteen years these annual events have
served not only to promote sociabilitv
among those who are engaged i'm the same
line of business. but also to bring together
Tor Few hours OF pleasant intercourse
those generally who are identified with the
citys interests. The banquet last evening
was the thirteenth in the annual series. ana
was one of the most brilliant affairs ever
given under the auspices OF the association
The banquet room of the Arlington was at
tractively decorated for the occasion tba
walls and ceiAngs being adorned with trail
ing vines. and at effective points Mains
Were massed while azaleas. daisies and
olner blooms lent their beauty TO the seen.
The tables Were arranged in the form Of a
gridiron and were attractfvely decorated
Inc president Of the association Mr. Henry
N simpson, with the guests of the evening
on each side. sat at one of the tables while
tne others of the company were So placed
that the entire assemblaGe was in compact
space. where each one could hear and see
AL each plate was a menu card which
was an artis,.c piece of work the preNafl-
ing color being carmine. Appropriate quo
tations Were printed on the card which
MADE 1t possible to impart to the discussion
OF the various palatable dishes something
OF literary favor.
The Reception Committee.
The reception committee was comnoscd
of the following: J. L. Heisken. chairman:
j. H. Bradley. Myer Cohen, Charles s
Domer. Lewis Earle. C. NJ. Emmerich. G w.
Fairfax, A. f. Gasch. r. ii. Hazard c
Nice Jones. ID. M Moore. c. F. Nesblt
Alfred p. Newton. Louis Peak E +. Riggs
NJ ID. Rosenberg. b. F. Saul. F. b. Smith,
J. { sprigg: jr. l. Towers. jr.. F.. X. I'm
derwood. John l.. Weaver. W. r. Wilcox
and r. Z. l. Yelott
When that -eriod in the serving of The
dinner had been reached where the coffee
was placed on the table and the cigars
We're lighted, President Simpson prcfaced
the intellectual bill of fare by an address
OF welcome, which expressed the apprecia-
uon or the association Of the prese ice
or SO many of the members and invited
guests, AID rendered a hearty welcome
He then said he would ask Mr.. Simon Wolf
to act as POSTMASTER and take charge OF
the further program. and in making this
announcement he spoke in complimentary
words OF the ability Mr.. Wolf had always
displayed IN this capacity. For that rea-
son. he said, well as on account of his
wide personal acquaintance. Il was un-
necessary for him to formally Introduce
Mr.. Wolf.
In assuming the duties of toastmaster
Mr.. Wolf thanked the president for the
honor which had been conferred on him
and also for his kind words of commenda-
ton. He said that in recognition of a gem
eral custom, not only in this country but
elsew here. which is to recognize the Of
fetal head of the nation he would ask
them to rise and drink toast to the Pres
ident of the United States
Shop Talk barred.
He then said that they had not met to-
mo Of
and, therefore. most any subject would he
more acceptable than that of fire insur-
ance- As the first speaker of the evening
he introduced Commissioner John b.
Wight, who, former president of the
association and one of the active iusur-
ance men of the city, needed, of course
no special introduction. Mr. Wolf, how
ever, spoke of the high regard in which
Mr. Wight was held and then asked him
to respond to the toast The city of Wash
ington.
Commissioner Wight received n warm
welcome, ard said that he pleased to
meet SO many with whom he had been
associated in business and then went IN
10 speak of fire insurance, IN spite of the
gcod-natured caution of the toastmaster
He spoke of the need of legislation which
would give protection to those who engage
in the business. and said that il should be
just and equitable to all. He went on TO
speak of the national capital and tho in
IFS Ias-.a IL
opment and progress.
Representative Babcock's Remarks.
The next speaker was Representative
Babcock, chairman of the House District
committee. who bright and witty,
ard ELECTED much laughter and applause
by his humorous stories He said, had not
the subject been prohibited, he would like
to say something about fire insurance.
~s,l1,
had spent and from which he had rot veg
received a return He said, in conclusion.
that Re would be glad to cooperate with
them, and that the District committee
would give them hearing at any time.
Commissioner Black, who was the next
speaker proved to be an entertaining after
dinner talker. and told some stories which
Were highly amusing.
Another contribution to the enjoyment
OF The evening was given by Mr.. Matthew
Trimble. assessor of the District, who told
a good story and. before taking his seat.
spoke of the substantial character of the
insurance companies of the District add
ing that steps should be taken 20 fur
Their protect their interests
The first president of the association
was Noble ID. Larner. and i'm response to
a call for speech he said he was in favor
OF good, safe Insurance. and was of the
opinion that Washington stood as well
In this respect as any city i'm the country.
He was. however. opposed to putting
excessive tax on the business.
Gen. James X. O'Beirne OF New York and
Others made addresses.
Loving Cup for Mr.. DuvaII.
A pleasant incident WIS the presentation
TO the retiring president of the association.
Mr.. w. c. DuvalI. Of silver loving cup as
a testimony of the high regard In which
he was held by the members OF the .associ-
alton. In receiving the cup Mr. Duvall
made a speech, thanking his associates for
their kindness. During the evening musi-
cal selections were rendered by Mr.. Frank
Reside, Mr.. Turpin. Mr.. Ryan. Mr.. Nc
Farland Mr.. Samuel Cross and the asso-
c.ation quartet.
The Guests.
Among those present were the following:
Representative Babcock. District Commits
sioners Wight and Black, Col w. G. Moore,