Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-03-15
MASONIC BANQUET.

JUNIOR WARDEN KEMPER AND |
OTHERS AN ENJOYABLE OCCASION.
There was q notable gathering OF
Masons last night in the Temple, and
an evening was spent which will be
remewb ered with pleasure by about
$50 members OF the craft.
1t ia unnecessary ID give any elabor'
ate description OF the sffair-it can De
summed up in very few words--t
was decided success from beginning
to end. There was no hitch, delay or
disappointment in anything connected
with the celebration.
The lodge room began to fill about
halfpast seven o'clock and for about
go hour there was happy interchange
OF greetings. Senator Martin, Repre-
sentative Swanson, Judge Sener,
Grand Master Kerns and many other
Masons more or less noted mingled
and engaged in pleasant conversation.
After the formaties connected with
the opening and closing of the lodge
and those in connection with the visit
OF Grand Master Kerns, the company
formed on Cameron street and with
Brother John McCueu as marshal
marched to Old Fellows Hall, on
north Columbus street, where the
banquet had been prepared by Mre. A.
Rammel & Son. The scene within was
dazzling. The tables were loaded
with choice dishes and the decorations
were tasteful. Prof. Dunn's band was
discoursiDg enlivening music, and,
taken altogether, the surroundings
were inviting.
Everything was worked with pre-
csion, and Ia few minutss' time eacn
member OF the party had been assigned
his place at the table. Rev. DIR. Hunt
| of the BAPTIST Church invoked q bless'
ing upon the feast, and with Worship
| ful Master Paul OF the head OF the table
surrounded by the guests OF honor
movement was made upon the daintily'
prepared edibles and the banquet be-
gan 10 earnest. The brethren manae-
ing the tables moved with remarkable
precision, and the service was most
prompt as course followed course, and
| in an incredibly small space OF time
these Mercuries mad each and every
guest supplied. There was no waiting
90 delays-no understanding to In
terrult ABB oyo usque cd msla. The
merry scene continued for about an
hour when the Worshipful Master
raped the assemblage to order and 10
a brief but pointed speech cordiaiIy
welcomed the guests, which included
Alexandria Washington Lodge as
body. each individual member OF whloh
mad received a cordial Invitation. He
then announced the District Deputy
lGrsnd Mater, DIR. w. M. Smith, who
Was to be the POSTMASTER. The latter
arose and after few happy remarks
introduced Judge ]. B. Sener, OF Fred
ericksburg, who YVES to respond 10 the
toast, "Andrew Jackson-from whom
lis lodge Is named. Second only TO
George Washington 10 the hearts OF his
eountrymen-warrior statesman ana
Mason" The Judge was at his beat
and he handled bis theme In an easy
manner which was most exhillsratlng
| ID his hearers. He began In plessah
vein, producing convulsive laughter at
times. and his transitions from humor
to seriousness and pathos were eniranc-
ing. The Judge was master OF his sub
iect and his portrayal OF Andrew jack
son. a sturdy figure 10 the history oil
the Unit cd Ststes-a man who arrived
10 the erena at critical period OF
American history and who proved him
SELF the man OF the hour-were pictured
in the Judges thrilling manner. His
description of the progress Of this
Industrious progeny Of Scotch Irish
stock from the humble paths OF life to
tie position of Chief Magistrats of the
nation abounded in thought and was
instructive throughout. 1.-THE cotton
bales OF New Orleans formed his monu-
ment and his history is 10 the heart OF
every intelligent American. Washing
ton was the pstriclan President; Jack
son the executive OF the people" The
speaker closed with beautiful tribute
to the Masonic fraternity. There we're
100000 members OF the craft 10 the
United States, and they mingle 10
friendship and brotberly love, regard
less of their political utilization. The
Judge was vociierously applauded
when be took his seat, and the band
struck up the animating strains OF
Dixie"
Hon. Claude A. Swanson was next
introduced to respond to the toast,
"Virginia-The Mother OF Presidents
and the Home of the Patriot" Brother
Swanson has long had an extensive
acquaintance 10 Alexandra, where be
is ever cordially welcomed, aud the
applause wac terrific and earnest when
he arose. 1t finally subsidized and be
began in q pleasant vein which pro-
duced convulsive laughter, but soon
| grew earnest, animated and eDthused
| with his subject which he handled In
the admirable manner for which he is
Justly notsd He traced the history OF
the Old Dominion from pre.colonisl
days to the present time Ia q most In
structive manner, making every one
native aud to the manner born proud OF
his heritage. He pictured her heroes
the part especially hey had played
| 10 the battle for freedom, the concep.
| ton of the Declaration OF Independence,
the constitution aud the formation OF
the federal government. His al-
lusons to Washington, Patrick Henry,
and others forming the galaxy OF
earlier days and to Lee, Jackson and
| Stuart OF modern times brought forth
yels from his hearers. He said Vir-
GINA was the home Of pure woman
hood and courageous manhood. The
speaker closed with q tribute to the
Masonic fraternity.
Amid the applause which followed
the band struck up Garry me Back to
old Virginia. which rendered the ex-
ubsrance more pronounced.