The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-11-18

kirker was introduced as POSTMASTER
and he introduced Mr.. George Walker,
TO roast the brothers, and Mr. Walker
responded in his dron. characteristic way,
which was well received. Then Capt. IF.
Bennett talked to the Sisters in semi
serious way. which pleased his auditors.
The recitation by Mrs. c. Sawyer, ''The
Sturdy Oak and the Clinging Vine ezlan
and woman) was humorous throughout
and well rendered to appreciative listen
ers.
The occasion was the tenth anniversary
Of the marriage OF Mr.. and Mrs. ]. 2
McManaman, and the Sisters presented
Mrs. McManaman with a little token Of
remembrance. The presentation was by
Mrs. B, L. Keenan,, as follows:
II feel that I should preface my re-
marks with an apology for speaking a.
all this evening under existing circum-
stances. My throat is in such a condition
that my voice is far from being musical.
feminine or even sisteriy in tone. But
some Of the Sisters insisted, when 1 offer
ed an objection, that 1 was better sup
piled with that characteristic commonly
denominated gall than others Of this or
der; hence the reason for bestowing the
honor upon me Of toasting our most ex-
cellent chief Now, while this is rather
left-handed compliment. consoled N.Y.
self with the thought that il was better
to be useful on account of cheek than to
have no available gift to contribute to
the success of our cause and decided to
comply with the request of the ladies at
any cost. 1 fear however, that unless
this is the only requisite qualification,
the Sisters may be disappointed, for I
frankly confess that never toasted any
thing but bread and crackers before in
my life, and am not sure that they were
always well done. But Notwithstanding
the fact of my inexperience, If toasting a
sister simply means talking about her,
see no reason why I. or any Of our order,
need decline such an honor on the ground
of incapability.
Even the one who now graces the tri-
angle Of highest honor in our lodge, al
though at first apparently so modest and
unassuming. has, since occupying that
position, displayed quite faculty for
expressing herself in public as we'll as in
private. And, my dear sisters and
brothers, we would all do we'll to initiate
this worthy sister in that, whether in our
presence OF when our backs are turned
she has never so far as 1 have known,
said aught of another sister except in a
fair and kindly spirit of equality, fidelity,
purity and love- And by the practical
application of the teachings of our ritual
she may certainly be called most excel
lent chief.
Faithful in the performance Of every
duty, exacting yet considerable. we may
we'll congratulate ourselves upon having
such a chief. l happened accidentally to
be in possession of a bit of the personal
history of the subject of my remarks that
is not merely interesting as such, but
serves TO illustrate the fact that this be-
loved sister has always shown excellent
judgment in deciding the important ques-
lions that come TO each individual
through life. Some ten or twelve years
ago certain Sir Knight, a man who was
almost more than a man, in true knight
ly fashion wooed and won this same fair
sister, and just ten years ago today
things. that are equal to the same thing
are equal to each other, then Mr.. McMan-
aman was more than mamie was
married man. And the mere fact that
these two faces have the stamp of hap
piness upon them tonight is sufficient
evidence that this decision was a wise
one. And in honor of this tenth anniver-
sary of our friends 1 am delegated by
the sisterhood to extend to them our
hearty congratulations, and present to
our sister this token of the appreciation
and affection we bear her This little
gift, my dear sister, is in itself insignifi-
cant; and yet Emerson says that flowers
are always fit presents because they are
a proud assertion that q ray of beauty
outvalues all the utilities of the world.
And so we have chosen something at
least pleasing to the eye. and when yours
rest upon this bit Of an artists skill may
you be reminded Of the much toasted sis
tiers and much roasted brothers assem-
bled here this evening"
Mrs. NcManaman responded in brief
but expressive manner. 1t was 10 her a
complete surprise, but she appropriately |
acknowledged her obligations.