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

The annual banquet of the Little Sisters
of the Poor, yesterday afternoon, TO the
old people under their care, proved q
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
ington'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 1890 o'clock
and lasted until about 1870. Among those
waiting at the table We're 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
to descend the stairs to 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 delicacies 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-
1oyed themselves immensely The differ
ent courses of the dinner included wide |
range of edibles, from the most substan- |
tial to the most delicate fruits and con-
fections. and there was an abundance of |
excellent wine and beer.
An affecting and impressive little |
SPSSNH NdS maui at each OF the various
tables by Father P. ]. O'Connell, of st. |
Aloysius Church, chaplain of the home
Father O'Connell said: s''It gives me |
great pleasure to be among you, nv dear
people, upon such a 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 discountenaneed the
enjoyment of the good things he has so
plentifully provided on this earth, but 1 |
think he always meant such enjoyment |
TO be but the type, and a very poor type,
but the best adapted to our comprehen-
sion, of that great joy which awaits us
when We go to him in heaven.
Il feel sure that you are all preparing
'or that happy journey. that you look to it
more intently as your days advance. and
hat you await it with joyful expectation.
Happy, indeed, you are, in being able to so
we'll prepare yourselves for the pilgrimage
or which We are all destined. in being set |
part from the storms and tribulations of
he world and enjoying community In
Christ"
Father OConnelfs address was delivered
n most touching manner. and called
orth tears from many of his hearers.
After dinner the greater part of the old
people ana visitors repaired to the chapel
where the service of benediction was con-
lucted by Father O'Connell. The choir
N this occasion was composed of young
girls from Notre Dame Academy. including
quartette of yiolins. 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
RS also became a source of attraction to
many of the inmates and those among the
'isitors who still remained
The visitors included the Spanish Minis
er, the Duke de ARGOS and wife. the Costa
2ican Minister, Senior Don Joaquin Ber-
nando Calvo and his three children: Mai
Zen. Nelson A. Miles. accompanied by
lis wife and daughter; Mr. Jules Boeufve.
Chancellor of the French Embassy; Mrs.
Stilson Hutchins: Mrs Moore. wife Of
General Moore: the Misses Riggs; Miss
Clagett, accompanied by her sisters. Mrs.
Perrin and the Vicomtess De Sibour: Mr..
Edward White: Mrs. James F. Barbour and
Ter little daughter, Marguerite; Mrs G. E.
Hamilton Miss Merrick: the Swiss Minis
er. Mr.. J. B. Pioda: Mrs. r. J. Wynne:
hrs George Shehan: Mrs Horstmann and
Ter son. Mr.. Odin Horstmann: Mr. Thomas
:. Waggaman, and the Misses Allen.