The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-01-29
THE GRIDIRON CLUB BANQUET
WAS PLENTY OF MIRTH AND GOOD
CHEER AT THE RECEPTION.
Prominent Men Of All Glasses Csri-
Observation-Disclosures ON the
mons-Dcpew Was Mmtckeo'

Washington. January 2s.-The Grtdiron
club gave its fourteenth annual dinner at
the Arlington hotel tonight. More than 10
persons were present. including men from
every sphere of public life and diterenl
| quarters OF the globe. Many features OF
entertainment were introduced, such as
| burlesquing tho events Of the day, touch
ing upon topics Of general interest anu
| humorously impersonating prominent men
who were guests of the evening Inc
speeches and features were interspersed
with songs by the club quartette, solos and
witty interruptions and observations
General Henry V. Boynton. the newly
elected president. OF the club, In patriotic
utterance, opened with toast 10 the pfesi-
dent Of tbs United States. Among the
speakers Of the evening were SENATORS
German, Foraker and Frye; Secretary VIII
son, the Chinese and Japanese minister's
General Corbln, ADMIRAL Schley ana Mr.
Depew.
lhe initiation of Mr.. Henry Hall afforded
an opportunity for play upon the Nor
mon question. AS he came into the room
he was followed by four alleged wives,
personated by members Of the club in
female costume, who were attached to him
by gaily colored ribbons. Mr.. Hall was not
allowed admission TO the clue until d.
vorces had been secured which were
speedily granted with the assistance of a
Chicago lawyer. The waiting grass widows
were provided for by l.ttery. each pulling
out OF a basket large card with the
name of some prominent guest attached,
a proceeding which created much mirth.
lhe Grioiron club ratified the peace
treaty. A mock executive session of the
senate was held different members of the
club inpersonating various senators promi-
pentiy identified either for or against the
treaty and after brief discussion and sew
eral very funny incidents, the treaty was
finally ratified President Boynton then
declared that the greatest secrecy be main
tanned as to the action taken, stating that
on no account should the proceeding in
executive session be allowed to come TO
the public.
AS he ceased speaking a great clamor
was heard at the doors and Mr.. Crosby
n. Noyes, editor of the Star, came in a,
one door with large bundle of extra Stars
under his arm, while Mr.. Beriah Wilkins,
editor of the Post, entered at another with
as many extra Posts.
Cries of Extra Star and Extra Post,
with "All about the ratification of the peace
treaty in executive session" were loudly
voiced by the two gentlemen, and the pa
pers containing the detailed vote and the
proceedings Of the secret session were dis
tributed among the guests, TO the great
amusement OF the many senator's present.
The swearng-in Of Senator elect Chaun-
cey NJ Depew furnished another phase of
grdiron roast that was appreciated
by everybody and by none more than Mr..
Depew himself. A member of the club
Senator Plat insisted on DR..
Depew being sworn in, and representation
of large book, labeled "Depew's Jokes"
stalked in and after some objections and
debate, the oath of office was administered
and the book was directed to be conducted
to the senate restaurant. A little later II
was insisted that the proceedings were lr-
regular and the other part of DR.. Depew
should have something to say and this was
agreed upon. A curtain was swept aside
and a phonograph in full view began to
grind out some OF DR.. Depew's stories.
The comforting OF ten-year medals afford
ed another opportunity for sharp fun. but
in this instance. the members of the club
were nut upon the Rridiron