Waterbury Democrat., 1900-12-03
THE ELKS' MEMORIAL.
Polls Theater Crowded at the Annual

There have been very many enter tainments in Poli's theater since it was first built. but there has never been q larger audience present than was there last night to assist in the Elks memorial services. It was eSti- mated that over 2.O00 people crowded into the theater and many, of course, were forced to stand up all through the services. but they did not grumble even at that. It was an attentive au- dience, too, and every number was given careful attention. The stage of the theater was very pTettily deco rated. and to the skilled stage mana ge- ment is due in q great measure the appearance. Potted plants were in ey- 1dence in every nook and corner of the stage and the seats for the officers and guests were arranged taStefully. The exalted ruler sat on q dais arranged at the rear of the stage and surround ed by bower of plants. In the first gallery in the center sat the esteemed leading knight, and in two of the low CT boxes on the right and left of the house saith Q esteemed loyal and es teemed featuring knights. The inner guard took his position at the main exit of the thaater. On the stage sat the chaplain. eulogi>t. past exalted rulers. esquire. tyler and singers of the evening.
 Promptly at s o'clock the esquire. J. F. Coney. escorted the various off cers to their seats and then led the members of the order from the stage to their seats in the front part of the house. The members marched out to the strains of Our Nations Guard played by the Excelsior orchestra un- der Leader William Maton. The lodge exercises immediately began. and after the opening by the exalted ruler. F. L. Maloney the roll cal! of the de ceased brothers was read by Secretary William Hurley. There were thirteen deceased members. and as each name was called the leading knight, John A. Hitchcock. sounded the bell and the esquire eXtinguished q candle. The Orpheus Quartette. composed of Messrs James Johnson. William BlatherWicl, John Dennison and Frank Woods. at the closing of the roll call. sang very sweetly and appropriately NOW Silent Sleep" The opening ode of the lodge followed. Chaplain Joseph \. Cullen then gave prayer. and it was one of the best rendered and nicely worded prayers that has ever been given at any lodge services.
 T. NJ. Daily followed in a baritone solo 'Israfel.' The singer was in good voice and the selection was very inter- esting and eXcellently rendered. "ThanatOpsis' was then given by Brother Fred H. Johnson. It was the first time that the speaker attempted this difficult poem. but it was given clearly and distinctly and was well re- ceived. Miss Katharine GlOster. who was to have sung q soprano solo. was unfortunately forced to retire from the program because of a death in the fam fly. Joseph H. Mooney. the we'll known baritone. followed with two pretty numbers. The first was a Prayer by Tosti'' and the second a Melody by Mozart" Both were given careful study by the singer and were excellent numbers on the pro- gram. Mir Mooney created a very fla vCrable impression by his rendition of the two. The Orpheus qUartette sang again another pretty selection. Lead Kindly Light. and the gentlemen con- prising the Quartette received the most favorable comments from the audience for their work. The closing exercises were ill the hands of the exalted ruler and the bCEediction was given by Chaplain Cullen. and the whole came to a close with the singing of the DoX- ology by the lodge ana audience.
 The eulogy delivered by Brother Ed ward Galinger of New York lodge was one Of the gems of the evening. The gentleman is q fluent speaker and his remarks were given the closest atten- tion. The following is q synopsis Of the eulOgy:
 Six months ago throughout our land a grateful people united in the cple- bration of the day set apart for the commemoration of those brave men who gave up their lives in defense of their country. In every city. town. village and hamlet were displayed the evidences of q nations regard. and q day of public recreation and enjoy ment marked the observance of the nal tionS Memorial day.
 This is OUT Memorial day. It is the day which We of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks have desig- hated as an occasion on which we shall renew our memories of our de parted brothers and again hold com- munion with those who have crossed to that undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns.'
 With no display of marching troops or tattered battle flags, animated sole ly by fidelity to the principles of our order and to our absent ones. We have met once again in fulflment of the par poses of our organization. Once again we assemble in yearly session to call to mind those comrades who have pre- ceded us on that journey which we shall one day make. and to deposit to their memory upon the altar of broth erly love the amaranth and ivy of un- dying remembrance. .,.
 One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. He who wears his purple and fine linen experiences the same sorrow at the loss of q loved one as does the lowiy peasant. and ha can no more stay the conquering hand of the king of terrorS than can his; more humble brother.
 The boast of heraldry, the pomp of
 power,
 And all that beauty, all that wealth
 eer gave,
 Await alike the inevitable hour.
 The paths of glory lead but to the
 grave.
 Death is the great leveller and common bereavement makes all man kind brothers. When the fury of the clements devastated the fair city of Galveston. bringing in their wake death and desolation to many a happy home. social distinctions were abol- ished and the millionaire joined hands with the mechanic in ministering to 4ho c,1Harirp op6 raliovipo tho ,noIs.