The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1899-02-26
MASONIC VETERANS
ENJOY A BANQUET
ToastS TO the Order by Promi-
nent Men.
General Niles Speaks of the Amer
lean Army.
Mr.. HiIIburn Encourages the Pro-
jcct for Grand Local
Temple.


Washington Masonic Veterans Association
was held last night in the parlors at slJ
Tenth Street northwest. The affair was
the mcst successful in the history of the
organization and was marked by the pres
ence Of many distinguished guests. includ
ing Gen. Nelson a. Miles.
The banquet parlors were beautifully
decorated with palms, potted plants, and
flowers. The American colors formed 4
prominent feature of the decorations. The
tables were handsomely arrayed with gilt
1cring silver and cut glass. The members
Of the association sat down at I:30 O'Clock
and the merriment and wit of the feast
continued until the midnight hour.
President Noble d. Larner, the Past
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Of the
District of Columbia, and President of the
Veterans Association, acted as toastmas-
ter. introducing each speaker with witty
and eloquent remarks.
J. Henry Small. the Grand Master of the
Grand Lodge of the District was the first
sneaker and responded to the toast, The
Grand Lodge OF the District of Columbia. =
In his remarks he congratulated the asso-
citation upon its good showing at the ban
quet and rejoiced in the excellent condi-
lion of the association.
s. r. Bond. the Grand High Priest of the
Grand Lodge of the District, was next in
troduced and gave brief sketch OF the
condition and progress of the Grand Chap
ter
The POSTMASTER then proposed the health
of the Grand Commandery of the District,
TO which Grand Commander E. G. Davis
responded in an eloquent address, in which
he told of the beautiful system Of morality,
character, and brotherly love advocated
and practiced by Masons. He said that
Masonry is not a religion, but is closely
allied with it. and wherever there is civ
iiization there can be found the lodge of
the Masors." Gen. George Ballock was
requested to sing a song, and rendered
pathetic ballad, which was greatly appre-
ciated.
Al this juncture General Miles made his
appearance and the banqueters cheered en-
Enthusiastically, their demonstration causing
4 temporary suspension OF the speech
making.
Representative Jacob Bromwell. OF Ohio.
responded TO the toast THE Masons of
Ohio" He referred to the hospitality for
which the Masons Of this city are noted.
He spoke of the rapid growth of the Ma
sonic fraternity in his State and of its in
fircnce for good. He stated that he was
sure that the great majority of Masons of
Ohio were in favor of expansion and were
willing to undertake their share of the
work of civilizing and uplifting the ma
tives of the countries which have come
under the guardianship of the United
States. In conclusion he paid a glowing
tribute TO the memory OF the late Enoch
T. Carson, 2 prominent Mason of Ohio.
Representative Hilborn of California was
the next speaker, being called upon 10 re-
spond to the toast The Mason. OF Cali
fornia-" He told of the part he had taken
in aiding the movement for the purpose Of
III,
Masonic Hall. He said that Washington
is the Mecca OF Masonry in the United
States, and for that reason the Masons of
this city should build the finest Masonic
temple in the country. Re predicted a
magnificent future for Washington, which
he said, would be enhanced by the rapid
growth of the nation making itself al
ready apparent, and the Masons OF the
Capital City should. when making plans
for the proposed building take this into
consideration and make preparations ac-
cordingly.
The toastmaster suggested the toast
The Greatest Army on Earth to which
General Miles was asked TO respond The
General said that Washington, whom he
termed the greatest man of the country,
mad instilled into the American Army his
spirit of fortitude and bravery and during
the hundred years which have passed since
his day the army has endeavored to follow
the precepts of its first Captain NO one
can tell what is in store for our country .
said he. A year ago the army was almost
forgotten by the people of the nation, but
within few months We were involved in
great war, and the army, being the physi-
cal force Of the Republic, was sent to free
downtrodden and liberty-seeking peo-
pie He said that, considering the num-
bers involved in the struggle, the loss TO
the yictorS was smaller than in any Dre-
yious war in history. The short space OF
time required 10 compel the Spaniards TO
withdraw from the Island of Cuba was un-
precedented. He felt sure that the people
who have been delivered from tyrannical
rule appreciate the efforts of the United
States. Notwithstanding the present diff
culties.
William p. Powell. the Superintendent
OF the Washington Public Schools. was the
next speaker. responding to the toast The
Public Schools of Washington