Evening star., 1902-04-24
SOLDIER BOYS THERE
MILITARY NIGHT AT THE BIG
MASONIC FAIR.
Commander Baird Bids Them Welcome
Managers of Exposition
Decide to Continue It.

III response To WDdl Seciutu " pc d Sch-
eral demand the executive committee of the
Masonic fair decided last evening not to
close the doors at the end of the present
week. Wednesday evening of next week
will witness the end of the most successful
exposition of the kind ever held in this
city. The fair will remain open three days
next, week, and Tuesday and Wednesday
matinees will be given. Tuesday the doors
will be opened at 1 o'clock and remain open
until night Wednesday the fair will be
opened at 1O:3O o'clock am. and will con-
tinue through the day and evening.
1t has been suggested that late next week
a euchre party be given, all of the partici-
pants in which will be awarded prizes. 1t
has been thought that in this manner every
article remaining on the booths after next
Wednesday night can be disposed of and
fair value received therefor
The announcement was made last evening
that the executive committee of the fair
intended to present the Newshoys Band
with stand of colors on behalf of the Ma
sonic fraternity of the District. The band
has been invited to attend the fair Tuesday
and furnish the music.
The attendance, as usual, was quite large
last night. and military night proved to
be one of the most attractive occasions
There We're about 800 soldiers present, rep
resentng the National Guard of the Dis
trict and Virginia, the G. A. r. and the va
formed at the Light Infantry armory,
headed by the Old Guard Drum Corps. The
Minute Men. under the command of Col
NJ. A. Winter occupied the right of the
line. and We're followed by the other or
ganizations in the order Indicated: Old
Guard Capt. Edgar; Alexandria Light In
fantry, Capt. j. E. King; Washington Light
Infantry, Major S. Porter House, and the
Corcoran Cadets, Capt Edwards
Commander Baird's Welcome.
An address of welcome was delivered by
Commander G. W. Baird, u. S. N, past
grand master Of Masons. The commander
said:
''It is with unfeigned pleasure that greet
you this evening and bid you hearty well
come to this. the greatest fair ever held in
the national capital of the great republic
I have the distinction of being designated
to say these words to the military organi-
cations, which kindles an emotion in my
heart. / have been in one of the great
arms of the country's Defense and have
worn It's uniform for nearly half CEN
tury. The sight of your young and SAN
guine faces carries me back to my own
youth, like the music of a pleasing dream
ITO the military organizations l beg to
say that the men who have entered into
such a pledge are the very flower of our
community That man who is willing to
make such sacrifices; that man who is
willing to face the gunpowder of our enemy
is indeed the hero of the hour.
THE lights and shadows of the fair are
heightened by the presence of so many well
fitting uniforms, and the beaming faces of
the girls are but the reflection of the youth
and health and vigor of your own counter
ances. The purpose of our fair Is too well
known to you to need any mention from me.
Masonic fair however, is unusual. The
presence of the militia is becoming al a
Masonic fair for our army has ever been
full of FreemasonS. Every general officer
Of our continental army was a Mason. The
commanding general of our present army is
a Mason, and he began his great military
career as a militiaman. The President OF
the United States, a Mason was a vOlun-
teer officer in our last war, and was a rec
ord breaker.
Now, gentlemen, 1 beg that you will
consider yourselves as our special guests
l trust you will give the girls a treat by
showing your glad and gallant faces at
every booth. in every aisle, and under every
light In the hall.
Keep goingi There are no mile stones
here The grand master Of Massachusetts,
when on a visit to Ireland, told the driver
of the taunting car to get down and read
the inscription on what ne thought tomb
stone. 'Sor.' said the driver the disease
was very ovid wan hundred; and his name
appears to be Miles, from Dublin" "
Address In Response.
The address was received with applause
1t was responded to by Lieut.. Col. Paul
Beckwith for the Minute Men, who said:
1T is with unfeigned pleasure that 1 ac-
cept the duty detailed upon me by our
colonies. On behalf Of our Minute Men and
the other military organizations present
thank you. Our lines are similar and are
typical of the noblest traits In human
character-charty, of which Masonry is
symbolical, and patriotism, for which the
soldier has always stood. 1t will now be
our pleasure to join in the festivities, so
that when we leave here tonight our hearts
will be as overfiowing with good fellowship
as our pockets may be empty of cash.
In addition to the commanding officers
the following officers of the several or
CARNATIONS occupied the stand and partici-
pated in the reception: Minute Men, Cap
tain Thomas w. Sweeny, Captain John
Doyle. Carmody, Majors Smith and Anton
Coe, Captains Wood, D. s. Fletcher, Peck
ham, Carmody and Morgan, Lieuts Wilk-
shire, Pippin and Brooks, and Color Ser
geant Wallingsford.
The officers Of the Washington Light In
fantry participating were Captains E. W.
Zea, W. e. Dix and Harry Cooper, and
Lieuts: E. H. Grove, w. E. Browne, w.
A. McCathran. B. F. Odell and l.. Pro-
sise.