The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-12-18
ADDRESS BY GEORGE ADE
AND ..HOosIERs' NEST VERSES BY
ADDISON BALLARD.
Short Talks by College Presidents and
Others-Letter of Regret from
Governor Durbfn.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
CHICAGO, Dec. I7.-Indiana's praises
were sounded in formal oratiOn and i'm
promptu speech in verse and in song, at
the first annual banquet of the Indiana
Club OF Chicago at the Auditorium Hotel
tonight. Prominent men from every walk
in life were there TO join in lauding their
native State and many more listened and
applauded the sentiments which were
voiced with eloquence and sincerity. The
original poem dedicated To the Indiana
Club by James Whitcomb Riley and the
speech by George AIDE were the two chief
events of the programme, but the others
who contributed TO the enjoyment OF the
occasion were received with an apprecia-
ton and enthusiasm scarcely less than
that accorded to the first two.
The old State was well represented. The
exiles" to which Mr.. Riley addressed his
poem, were there in numbers. grouped
about the tables of their respective col
leges, or counties, as the case might be.
But they were not all "exiles." Not few
of those present had made the journey
from Indianapolis, Terre Haute. South
Bend Valparaiso and other places, in or
der TO do honor to their State. After the
eating was over President William Eugene
Brown, who presided as POSTMASTER made
a few appropriate Introductory remarks.
in which he stated that at the last moment
Governor Durbin had found il impossible
TO be present. He also announced that
VIII II. Thompson, who was 10 respond TO
the toast, Maurice Thompson" DR.. Hill
airy A Goblin, president OF De Pauw Uni
versity, and President Joseph j. Mills, OF
Earlham College, were unable 10 be pres
ent. Senators Fairbanks and Beveridge
also sent letters OF regret.
GOVERNOR DURBIN'S MESSAGE.
In his message of regret Governor Durbin
took occasion to remark upon the number
OF Indianisns who have left their native
State. He wrote:
ION the evening OF the 2lst ult. / was in
St Louis TO meet the Indianians who have
strayed there from the fold. and / al
most led to ask: What is the matter with
Indianag We who remain here know she
is all right but why so many good people
go away we do not just understand. Prob
ably il might not be fitting for ne TO ap-
pear before your club and talk along these
lines and point out the mistakes that you
have made in leaving so great and good
State. Every year We become more proud
of our citizenship. The name Hoosier is
no longer held In derision, but is one that
makes us measure TO our full stature
for the "log-cabin era" I'm Indiana's his
tory. He discoursed in a vivid manner
some of the hardships and trials undergone
by the early settlers. He recalled some
of the leaders in the civilization of the
formative period of Indiana's career and
urged continuation of the sturdy lines on
which they built the foundations of the
present State Several good stories served
ri NDsn
footing with the banGueters when he re-
sponded TO the toast: Indiana Litera-
ture." He briefly paid tribute to those who
have raised Indiana TO it's present position
in the literary world.
George Ade, the next speaker drew ap-
plause by his opening remark that Chi
cago owes its commercial supremacy TO its
nearness 10 Indiana, while Indiana owes its
high literary position 10 the fact that IL
is so far from Chicago" He denied the
accusation which has frequently been made
against him that he was the originator of
the remark, Many bright people come
from Indiana to Chicago. and the brighter
they are the quicker they come" and de-
clared his fidelity TO his native State
After Robert Taylors speech the follow
ing poem by James Whitcomb Riley was
read:
THE HOosIER IN EXILE.
The Hoosier in exie-a toast
That by its very sound
Moves us. at first, 20 tears almost
And sympathy profound;
But musing for a little space.
We lift the glass and smile.
And poise IL with royal grace
The Hoosier in exile!
The Hooser in exile. forsooth
For though his steps may roam
The earth's remotest bounds. in truth
His heart Is home
o loyal still 20 every tie
OF native fields and streams.
His boyhood friends. and paths whereby
He finds them in his droamsi
Though he may fare the thronging mare
OF allen city streets,
His thoughts are set in grassy ways
And woodlands cool retreats:
Forever. clear and sweet above
The trafac's roar and din.
In breezy groves he hears the dove.
And Is at peace within.
Then newer friends and generous hands
Advance him. ne returns
Due gratcfulness. yet. pausing. stands
As one who strongly yearns
To pay stll further thanks. but sighs
To think ne knows not where.
Tnl-mke life-with misty eyes
He his mother there.
The Hoosier in exnsY An. well
Accept the phrase. but know
The Hoosier heart must owen
Where orchard blossoms grow
The whitest. apples reddest. too. and.
In cornlands mile on mile.
The old hoInesteads forever stand
THE Hoosier in exilei'
Mr.. Riley's poem was followed by the
singing OF the song Way Down IN Ola