Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1899-10-10

HALF OF THE NAVY.
CHICAGO, October 9.-Chicago's
great auditorium, which has been the
scene of so many so-called events, new
er held a greater gathering than to-
night, when the Chicago Day banquet
was held within its walls under the
auspices of the fall festival committee.
The great stage upon which one
thousand people can easily find stand
ing room, had been enlarged and a
great floor built out over the seats Of
the parquet quadrupling the floor space
OF the stage. 1t is difficult to decorate
the auditorium on account of the beau
~ Of it's own decorations. but tonight,
it was changed by the hands OF the
decorators into a spectacle that for
once surpassed itself. Back OF the
raised table at the west OF the hall, az
which President Mckinley and the
guests of honor were seated was an
elaborate peace arch 20 feet in height.
1t was decorated with flags taztefuliy
draped from the folds of which twink
led hundreds of little electric lights.
On both sides of the arch were great
shields with paintings of the American
eagle and groupings of American,
British and Mexican flags. The ball
comics were respondent with banners
and the coat of arms OF all States In
the union. These were placed at regu-
lar intervals around the balcony be-
low the first row of boxes and around
each shield which bore the arms OF a
State, was grouped a cluster OF small
silk banners. On every table was plac-
ed an elaborate floral piece represents
ing a famous battle scene in t6s his
tory of the republic, scene from She
history of Chicago and other suitable
events. The President, who was the
guest Of honor, sat at raised ~
the right OF Melville f. Ste u
ioastmaster. The other distiuazA1a
guests were at the same table
The opening hour Of the banquet was
set for 6 o'clock. but the streets were
so denseIy packed by the great throng
that had come down to witness the E1y-
ing of the corner stone of the new Fed
eral building and the afternoon parade
and remained in great part to see the
parade OF the evening that 1t was with
difficulty one could make his way
along the streets and as a consequence
II was nearly an hour later than that
originally set when the banquet was IN
full blast
The material part OF the banquet oe-
cupied two hours and it was nearly 10
o'clock when Mr.. Stone raped for or
der and brought the intellectual por-
ton OF the programme to the front.
Governor Tanner then In a short adj
dress welcomed the visitors on behalf
Of the State Of Illinois. After be bad
concluded Mayor Carter II. Harrison,
OF Chicago, and Senator Shelby N.
Cullom. Of Illinois, were introduced In
succession by Mr. Stone. the former ex-
tending to the visitars the welcome Of
the people Of the city Of Chicago and
the later greeting on behalf 81 tho
federal officials OF Illinois.
The banquet guests knew by their
programmes who came next on the list
of speakers, and when the toastmaster
rose to introduce the President, who re-
sponded to the sentiment OF The Ma
ton" be was greeted with cheers that
for a time prevented his voice from
being heard. When quiet bad been re-
stored Mr. Stone introduced President
Mckinley.
Mr.. POSTMASTER and Gentlemen
I am glad TO join you in extending a
sincere welcome 20 the distinguished
statesmen and diplomatsisis who rep
resent the great countries adjoining rs
on the south and the north. We are
bound TO them both by ties Of mutual
good neig1borhood. We rejoice in
their prosperity and we wish them rood
speed in the pathway Of progress they
are 80 energeticaily and successfully
pursuing.
| On the reverse side Of the great seal
81 the United states. authorized ~ Con-
gress. June 20. 1882. and adopted Al the
seal q the United States Of America
after It's formation under tbs Federal
/ Constitution Is the pyramid signlfying
strength and duration.
II Is impossible to trace our history
without feeling that the providencs
which was with as In the beginning
has continued 70 the nation Is gracious
interposition. When. unhappilY. ve have
been engaged in war. He has given ua
the victory. Fortunate indeed that il
/ can Be- said We have had no clash of
arms which has ended in defeat. and
/ no responsibility resulting from war 10
tainted with dishonor. In peace We
have been slgnaifs blessed and orr pro-
gress has gone on unchecked ard ever
increasing IN Toe intervening years. In
lDbundless wealth Of soil and mine and