The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-20

sons Participate in the AGair-An
Address by Father 4. j. o'Conncu.
The annual banquet of the Little Sisters
Of the Poor. yesterday afternoon, TO the
old people under their care, proved a
| most enjoyable occasion for all concerned.
| The entire square in front of the home
at Third and H Streets northeast. was
! lined with carriages, and some of Wash
! lngton's most prominent society people
were Included among the guests. Many
| OF these waited upon the old people at
/ the table and afterward helped in washing
and drying the dishes In the kitchen.
The dinner commenced at 1880 O'Clock
/ and lasted until about 1:SO. Among those
I waiting at the table were many beautiful
/ young women. whose kindness and delicacy
made them the most appropriate ministers
OF charity that could have well been Sc
! lected. The Sisters shed the influence of
their kindness and geniality over the as
semblage and many were the scenes Of
pathetic cheerfulness manifested by the
| old people. and kindness and consideration
by their visitors
-Four large halls accommodated the par
/ Elephants in the banquet.
The refectories Of the old gentlemen
were located on the first floor of the
building, one being allotted to the white
and the other to the colored men. The
same management was made in regard
to those Of the old ladies. who were on
the floor Immediately above. and the top
story, which contains the infirmary and
bedchambers, was occupied also by those
among the old people who were too feeble
10 descend the stairs 10 the dining hall
The entire building was thronged with
visitors, some actuated by curiosity but
the greater part Of whom had contribu-
ted substantially to the abundance of
good things which graced the banquet,
and which, in addition, were sufficient,
one Of the Sisters said TO furnish the old
people with delicaeies for a long time to
come. Such gifts included CONNECTIONS,
bottles Of wine, fruits, etc. as well as
tobacco and pipes.
The latter articles were placed at each |
plate on the old mems tables by little |
Marguerite Barbour, the daughter of Mr.. |
and Mrs. James F Barbour. The old peo- |
pie received the greatest attention from |
those waiting upon the tables. and en- |
joyed themselves immensely. The differ
ent courses Of the dinner included a wide |
range Of edibles. from the most substau-
tial TO the most delicate fruits and con-
fections. and there was an abundance of
excellent wine and beer.
An affecting and impressive little
speech was made at each of the various
tables by Father P. J. O'Connen Of St.
Aloysius Church. chaplain of the home.
Father O'Connell said: 1T gives me
great pleasure to be among you nv dear
people, upon such festive occasion as
this The enjoyment OF the good things
which We have so abundantly is pleasing,
am sure to our blessed Lord. who.
when his end was at hand, called togeth-
er his apostles at that memorable sup
per Our Lord never discountenanced the
enjoyment of the good things he has so
pienufully provided on this earth. but
think he always meant such enjoyment
10 be but the type. and a very poor type.
but the best adapted to our eomprehen-
sion. OF that great joy which awaits us
when we go to him in heaven.
y feel sure that you are all preparing
FOR that happy journey. that you look to It
more intentiy as your days advance. and
that you await it with joyful expectation.
Happy. indeed, You are, in being able TO so
well prepare yourselves for the pilgrimage /
Tor which we are all destined. in being set
apart from the storms and tribulations OF
The world and enjoying community in
Christ"
Father O'ConnelTs address was delivered |
In mcst touching manner. and called
'orth tears from many Of his hearers
After dinner the greater part Of the old
people and visitors repaired to the chapel |
where the service of benediction was con- |
iucted by Father OCOnnen. The choir
ln this occasion was composed of young
girls from Notre Dame Academy. including !
! quartette OF yolins. After benediction |
popular music was rendered by the choir |
n the various dining halls for the amuse-
nent Of the old people, and the piano in |
he parlors played by volunteer perform
aTs also became a source OF attraction to
many Of the inmates and those among the |
risitGrs who still remained
The visitors included the Spanish Minis |
er, the Duke de ARGOS and wife the Costa
8iean Minister. Senior Don Joaquin Ber-
nando Calvo and his three children: Mai |
Gen. Nelson A. Miles. accompanied by |
bis wife and daughter; Mr. Jules Boeufve. |
Chancellor Of the French Embassy; Mrs. |
Stilson Hutchins: Mrs, Moore wife Of 4
General Moore; the Misses Riggs; Miss
1lagett accompanied by her sisters. Mrs. |
Perrin and the Vicomtess De Sibour: Mr. |
Edward White; Mrs James F. Barbour and
her little daughter, Marguerite; Mrs c. Z. !
Hamilton Miss Merrick; the Swiss Minis |
er. Mr. J B. Pioda Mrs r. J. Wynne: |
Mrs. George Shehan; Mrs Horstmann and
her son. Mr. Odin Horstmann; Mr. Thomas
3 Naggaman. and the Misses Allen.