The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-03-29
A NOTABLE OCCASION.
Congressman Thayer Pours Hot Shot Into
Expansionist Ranks---Cuba and Its
Possibilities = Worcester's Most
Prominent Men Gather at
the Festive Board.

The banaGet that commemorated the
ninth anniversary of the Worcester
Board of Trade within the walls of Hor-
ticultural hall, last evening, will live
long in the memory OF every man who
witnessed the scene and listened to the
utterances that marked it.
1t was a grand gathering. Over a
quarter of thousand of the typical
representa- ives of Worcester's business
life were there. Her leading bankers
and manufacturers, the managers Of
her great mercantile interests, men
who represented real estate interests
mounting far UP into the millions, the
operators of her Immense street railway
systems, the controlling factors in every
business establishment of the city, all
sharing alike the enjoyments of the
hour, made up a magnificent setting to
such picture of prosperity as is rarely
seen within the confines Of the common
wealth.
And they were all, with the exception
of the honored guests, members Of the
Board of Trade. 1t was the largest at
tendance at the annual banquet in the
history of the organization. That fact.
in itself, told better than any words
could tell Of the peace and prosperity
that has at last returned to the heart
of industrial New England
1T is worthy the pleasure and pride
of 10 he -
ing like this" said Curtis Guild, Jr., to
The Spy man in the reception rooms in
the early evening. He had reason to
entertain that view. indeed, as he stood
there, the admired center of a group of
men like Stephen Salisbury, James
Draper, John M. Russell, o. w. Nor
cross, President Hutchins of the
Crompton-Knowle works, President
Pratt of the Citizens bank and Prest-
dent Waite Of the First National, all
men whose business ability and reputa-
ton have made Worcester what it is
today They were all there to extend
him compliments and congratulations
and he received them well.
1t was not the same Curtis Guild, Jr
that left this country with the Seventh
Army Corps for Cuba. He has been
oettered by army life bronzed in face
by a southern sun and changed in car
riage to the perfection Of military atti-
tude by long campaigning under Fftz-
hugh Lee. Appreciative of all the politi-
cal possibilities that confront him. he
sensibly avoids with becoming modesty
all conversation on civic affairs, and in
his able address Of the evening confined
himself closely to the commercial and
Industrial possibilities of the island he
has but lately left.
1t was an equally hearty greeting that
Congressman Thayer received The
reception accorded to him evidenced. as
no other occasion could, the very strong
political hold that he has upon the bust
ness life of the city. Every moment of
the reception found him busy respond
ing to the compliments Of those who
crowded through the rooms to meet
him.
In the gallery over the hall, during
the reception, from 6 to Z O'clock
Truda's orchestra entertained the
guests, and below at the foot Of the
stairway, Secretary Squier received
them az they entered. At the latter hour
the company gathered about the ban
quet tables, and grace was offered bV
Rev. William ]. Thompson who ex-
pressed the eminently fitting hope that
the efforts of all assembled there would
ever make for skill, for honor and in
tegrity In the business life OF the city.
Five tables had been set by Rebboll
&Son, and 300 plates were laid. AT the
mead OF the center table sat President
Irving Il. Comins behind beautiful
floral decoration of bon-ton pinks that
graced the occasion through the compli-
ments Of Frederick A. Blake Of Roch-
dale, member of the board. On the
stage at the rear there was an artistic
Of potted plants and fes-
toons Of evergreen overhung the hall.
On the right Of the president sat Gen.
Curtis Guild, Jr, Hon. Charles G.
Washburn and Mayor Dodge; on the
left Congressman Thayer and John M
Russell.