The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-01-11

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their joy over his elevation to the posi-
tion of speaker of the state house of
representatives at a reception given
last night by the Republican league of
West Scranton. The reception was not
public affair. Those present were
members of the league, the West Side
Central Republican club and a few of
the friends OF the members of these or
ganizatlons. There was a period of
speech-making followed by a smoker,
at which selections from a grarha-
phone, cards and cigars were enjoyed
in equal proportions.
w. V. Grlniths, president of the
league, was chairman of the meeting,
and after calling 1t to order, spoke as
follows:
Gentlemen, Fellow Citizens. Members
of the West Side Republican League and
Members Of the West Side Republican
Cbub: l can assure you it Is very graft
flying to the chairman of the COMMITTEES
of arrangements and to the members of
the West Side Republican league TO see
present this evening such a large gather
| Ing OF our citizens who have responded to
a call to do honor on this occasion to our
worthy and respected townsman and rep
resentative from the First legislative
district, John Il. Farr, who has SO sue
| cessfully achieved the high honor of be-
! ing elected speaker Cf the house of rep
| resentativcs.
| L believe, gentlemen, you will all coin
eide with me when say that it not only
| reflects great credit on Mr. Farr. but on
us as well. will rot take up any more
| of your time by my remarks, FOR we have
| speakers you will be glad to hear. l will
| introduce one of them now. 1t is our
Attorney w. Gaylord Thomas.
MIR. THOMAS REMARKS.
Mr.. Thomas said it was a pleasure
to him TO congratulate Mr.. Farr on his
election to the speakership OF the
| house. 1t is a great honor not only
! to Mr. Farr, but to the First district,
! for had his neighoors in the district
not shrewdy discerned Mr. Fairs abil-
| ity as a lawmaker and kept him at
Harrisburg, he would not now be hon
ored as he is. He will make an able
! speaker, Mr.. Thomas predicted, and
find place in history with the most
distinguished men who have filed that
! important position.
Attorney G. T.. Oliver was the next
speaker introduced. He was sure that
no one present was more pleased over
Mr.. Farr's success than he was.
while the First district is proud of
Mr.. Farr and always will be-" con-
tinued Mr. Oliver, at can no longer
claim him entirely as her own. He is
now the Hon. John r. Farr, speaker
of the house and known throughout the
length and breadth of the common
wealth. He now belongs to the state.
But as the parent watches its young,
the First district will fondly keep watch
over John r. Farr going forth to
broader and higher fields of useful
ness with a certain sense Of pride that
he is part of us.
1--WE have watched Mr.. Farr's official
career and have known that he must in
evitably forge forward. He is a man
to achieve results. l congratulate Mr..
Farr and hope that hereafter nothing
the First district may do will place
the slightest barrier in his onward
path"
Senator J. G. Vaughan, who was pre-
sent to do honor to his brother legs-
lator, was called on for a few remarks.
He had not expected to be called on
for a speech. he said, but could not
refrain from publicly congratulating
Mr.. Farr.
MERlTED REWARD.
Il can say in all truth that it is
only merited reward for efficient SER
vice." was the emphatic declaration of
the senator. Il had the honor of serv-
ing with Mr.. Farr in the legislatures of
1857 and found him always working
faithfully not only for his district but
the state at large. He hat a mind large
enough to take in the necessities OF
the whole state His success is merited
and 1 congratulate him on it and trust
it is only the prelude to further honors
in the future"
Judge II. NJ Edwards was given a
very hearty reception when introduced
by Chairman Griffiths. He said there
is one lesson the elevation of Mr.. Farl
to the speakership teaches and it is
this: A district that expects efficient
service in the Legislature and expects
TO reap honors must have Legislators
of ripe experience. II Mr. Farr had
been retired at the end of his second
term, as is the general custom here.
aboutS, the speakership would never
have been conferred on a member from
the First district, and it would not
have made the deep impress it has up.
on the legislation of recent years
While he heartily congratulated Mr..
Farr on his election Judge Edwards
sympathized with him in the trouble
that will be his for the next few
months. The position to which he has
been chosen is most eXacting and will
require the exercise of his best energy
and coolest Judgment He will be as