Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1899-05-25
A Board
Of Trade.
The Federation, Merchants
and Clerks Indorse Tele-
grams Suggestion.
The Merchants and Clerks
Banquet was a Grand
Success. A. Large
Crowd Present.

The first union banquet or gathering
ever held In Barre by the merchants and
clerks took place last night and was a
great success in more ways than one. Ii
promoted that healthful spirit OF unity
that is so necessary to exist if the city is
to realize the best results in her busi-
ness enterprises. 1t brought together
the employer and the employee and
showed to each that the harmony of the
two bodies was all that could be desired,
and it gave our merchants an opper-
tunity to express their appreciation of
the efforts OF the clerks to bring about a
more pleasant condition of affairs in the
hours of labor for all. This was the
first. and we unite with the expressed
sentiment of those present that it was
but torerunner of others of u similar
nature, for they are sure to bring vast
benefit TO our community and to our
business interests.
AT 7.3O the people began to assemble
in the Congregational church parlors
and for halt an hour social time was
enjoyed, after which all adjourned to
the vestry of the Universalist church,
marching in to the music of the piano
played by Miss Kate Healey, and about
200 sat down to feast that could not be
excelled by the production OF any cater-
er in the state, and from standpoint Of
popularity it could not be equalled by
anyone, for it was prepared by the
ladies of the Civic Federation. The
hall was hung with festoons of green
and white and the tables were artistcal-
ly arranged in banquet form. The
mattresses, who were representatives OF
the Cleo, Cleaners and Philomathian
Clubs, were dressed in gowns of black
set off with white aprons. 1t is safe to
say without hattery that it is rare indeed
to find congregation of young ladies
more beautiful than those who so grace
fully attended to the wants of the ban
quetters on this occasion.
The kitchen was presided over by re-
representatives. from all the clubs. Barre
certainly has reason to be proud Of her
ladies.
When the bountiful supper had been
done full justice to Walter F. Morse, the
toastmaster, arose, and in an exceedingly
bright and witty manner proceeded to
introduce the speakers. He called al
tention to the fact of its being an assem-
bly, of the business, brains and enter
prise of our city. lilo spoke of the work
in progress by the clerks: awe have
come together to discuss this work.
The clerks have organized movement
to make life easier for us all and be-
lieve | voice the sentiment of the mer-
chants of Barre when | say am glad
that we can all have a few hours leisure
each day, it will be Il benefit to the
city"
Il. N. Prescott, president of the Clerks
Union, was the first speaker introduced,
and he responded to the toast "Clelks'
Assoclaion." Mr.. Prescott is an excel
lent speaker and was credit to his pos
ilion. He referred to the preamble of
the organization, touching upon each
article and stating their reasons in a
manner that would satisfy everyone Of
the ri ehts inherent in the union of the
EMPLOYEES. He thanked the merchants
for t.cir attitude towards the clerks and
also Thanked those who responded so
heartily to the banquet.
IL. Il. Brooksfwas to have responded
to the toast ..Our Merchants" but was
absent,
L. NJ. Lyon was the next speaker and
SPOKE about "Our Clerks" "The mer-
chants in general will agree that the
union is success. We are all grateful
for the evenings you have made it pos
sibe for us to enjoy and you will have
our cooperation in your efforts. Great
pralse is deserved by the clerks for
| standing behind the counter and cater
ing to the wants of the public"
Mrs. G. N. Field next delighted the
audience by the rendering of vocal SO.
| 10.
Mrs. O. ii. Hale responded to the
toast ..1'he Civic Federation" and 1t was
done in most admirable manner. She
spoke of the successes and failures tha
b We attended the progress OF the Fed