New-York tribune., 1900-11-21
DINERS HONOR MKINLEY
THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CELEBRATES HIS VICTORY
CHIEF JUDGE PARKER, POSTMASTER
GENERAL SMITH, SENATOR DEPEW
AND OTHERS SPEAK.

Since that long ago day when the Chamber
OF Commerce had it's first dinner in a little tavern
in Broad-st.-a time further back than the be-
ginning Of the Republic, and when New York
was nothing more than village clustered on
the southern extremity of Manhattan Island-the
members Of the Chamber have had occasion fire.
ouently to celebrate the passing away of calan-
tiles that threatened them and their country
and 20 evince the JOY they felt that with the
going Of the shadow, the prospect before them
was one Of renewed hope and of still better
things to come. Four years ago the Chamber.
with an enthusiasm that had probably never
been e4ualled, many as have been the momen-
tous dinners Of that body, acclaimed the salts
faction with which the representative business
men of this city filled at the defeat of the
doctrines Of Bryanism. Again this year the
spectre Of free silver raised but buried be-
yond all hope of resurrection. This was the key
note of last nights dinner. 1t was in the nature
Of requiem, but OF mirth and gayety over
the end for all time of the fallacies of free sill
yer. Every guest seemed impressed with the
fact that a great and final victory had been
won, and cheerfuIness upon the faces of ALL
AT THE GUESTS TABLE.
Men whom the country had been glad to honor
have at the annual dinners of the Chamber
of Commerce 1t last night. Men OF the
highest standing and of the greatest influenc !,
in finance, commerce and the professions were
among the four hundred or more guests. 1t
had been hoped that President Mckinley would
have been able to attend. This year the oppor-
tunity not favorable for him. but next year
it is understood, he has promised to accept the
hospitality of the Chamber. Morris K. Jesup.
president of the Chamber of Commerce. sat at
the centre of the table of honor. Placed upon
either side of him were Justice Edward Patter-
son. Bishop Henry c. Potter J. Pierpont Nor
Babcock. Ex-Governor Levi P. Morton Chief
Judge Alton B. Parker. Bishop Lawrence, of
Massachusetts,: Postmaster-General Charles
Emory Smith, Senator Chauncey NJ Depew
George W. Smalley, John A. Kasson, ex-Minister
TO Germany; John K. Cowen, Rear-Admiral AL
bert S. Barker. st. Clair McKelway Hugh H.
Hanna, Alexander E. Orr and Justice Morgan
J. OBrien.
AS usual at these dinners, the decorations were
extremely elaborate. The head table was adorned
with American Beauty roses and smilax. while
the eight long tables graced with mounds
of pink roses The walls and galleries were
draped with the flags of the principal maritime
nations and with the American flag. At inter-
vals were also hung festoons and designs woven
from the National colors. Altogether, Delmon-
ico's banquet hall presented a scene of excep-
tional beauty and briiancy.
The illustration the cover of the menu was
a fine piece of steel plate and die work It rep
resented a graceful female figure, combining lib
erty, commerce and electricity. Underneat tn this
was a suggestion Of the underground rapid
transit road. AS a background the mammoth
buildings Of New-York, with its shipping, rail-
roads, etc. were seen. Below. either side OF
the inscription, was the caduceus, with the
OF the State Of New-York and the seal of the
Chamber. each entwined with the grape, en-
blemattc of feasting and good cheer
NORRIS Z. JESUP SPEAKS.
Mr.. Jesup, in beginning the speaking Of
the evening, first welcomed the members of the
Chamber and thanked them for their presence
Proceeding. he said:
Gentlemen of the Chamber I congratulate YOU on
reaching the hundred and thirty-second year
Of our corporate existence and for the peculiar and
happy conditions OF the country this time argu-
ing, think they do a period of National pros
perity and the permanence of sound money, for all
or which you have contributed your share to
oomplish; ZIP hi.tor., .na ao,. .. .,,. ,,,o.,.-
what it has accomplished for the city. State and
Nation well known to you. To continue the
effective in the future needs endeavors
and your hearty cooperation, which feel assured
AS the fund OF 100000 has been subscribed and
mostly t PAID paid over TO your trustees G with which we
saying that the trustees of the Chamber, to whom
ind suitable location. and proceed Forthwith to
erect building which shall be suited to wants
and position and shall be in appearance substan-
Gentlemen. il is not my purpose to make any
speech, is it necessary. You have invited some
OF the distinguished gentlemen of the coun-
try TO address you; they represent the affairs of
State religion and law. Let give to them our
most respectful consideration and attention, and
allow them the time they require to tell what is
in their hearts to
regret extremely that we have not with US to-
night the gracious presence of the President. The
committee who waited upon him to urge his ac-
ceptance of the invitation to be present was most
warmly received. will say that the President ex-
pressed in terms and grateful words his re-
gret in not being able at this time to come. and
promised that unless some unforeseen accident he
would be with next banquet
PRESIDENT MKINLEYS REGRETS.
1 have pleasure in reading you a letter
ceived from MIN to-day:
Executive Mansion,
Washington, November 19, 1900
Dear Mr.. Jesup.
write TO assure you Of my deep regret that
have been unable to accept the very kind invita-
tion extended 10 me by the chamber Of Commerce
banquet the evening OF the 20th instant. 1t
be present. but the pressure Of my official duties
trenders IL impossible for me to come to New-York
;at this ume. have promised myself the pleasure.
tf the privIIege is again eXtened OF attend
EGnoT vFHno