Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-02-24
BANQUET LAST NIGHT.

II is generally agreed that the banquet
Of Alexandria w ashington Lodge OF
Masons last night was the most enjoyable
Of the many which have been gwen Dy
that time-honored organization on the
occasion of Washington's birthday. III
was brilliant affair from start to iinisn,
and all who were present are profuse IN
their estimates of the many pleasant
features and the enjoyable evening spent.
Nothing had been left undone. Every
thing which could in the least have
added to the joy of the occasion had
been anticipated.
The craft began TO assemble at an
early hour in the asylum of Old Domin-
ion Commandery, X. T., in the upper
chamber of the Masonic Temple. Mem
bers Of both lodges of this city, as well
as Masons from Washington and other
contiguous places, were soon mingling
and interchanging greetings. Governor
Montague, a member ofDanyille Lodge,
was one of the brethren, and he held an
impromptu leyee.
The lodge was subsequently opened
in due and ancient, form, with worship
full Master J. F. Birrell in the East,
who was surrounded by Past Masters Of
this and other cities. The lodge having
later been called off felicitous remarks
we're made by Mr.. Frank Cunningham,
of Richmond, who also sang several solos,
gave recitation and told amusing
anecdotes.
Past Grand Master William H.
Lambert subsequently made a very i'm
pressive address on Washington and
historic Alexandria w ashington Lodge.
The banquet was in the meantime be-
ing prepared by Mrs. A. Rammel q
Sons in the lodge room below and when
all things were announced as ready the
lodge and visitors repaired thither. The
scene was dazzling. The tables had
been prepared in a most artistic manner
and were inviting in every particular.
Vari-colored lights had been placed in
appropriate positions and flowers and
palms added to the embellishments.
The company having taken their
places at the tables was called to order
by Worshipfnl Master Birrell, after
which Rev. DIR. Hunt invoked blessing
upon the company and the feast. The
banquet then began. The following was
the menu:
Queen olives, celery, cocktail Of Rock
Always, oysters, RammePs fried, selects
picked, roast turkey, cranberry sauce,
Cheshire ham, smoked beef tongue,
chicken la Dorchester, lobster mayon-
naise, New Orleans shrimp and poutos
remoulade. Florida tomatoes, Waldorf
relish, gherkins, pearl onions, cold slaw,
chow chow, Saratoga chips, cheese
straws, pears, tangerines, oranges, ba-
nannas, Malaga grapes, apples, cream
cheese, Bents crackers, cafe nCir, cigars.
After about an hour had been spent in
discussing tie feast the company was
again raped to order when the Wor-
sbipful Master read letters from Mr.. Jno.
Wanamaker, Gen. Louis Waggoner, ex-
Gov. Stone, of Pennsylvania; Congress
man Swanson, Grand High Priest Ew-
banks, Charles Woodbury., of Beverly
Lodge, of Massachusetts, and Others
acknowledging the receipt of invitations
and regreting their inability to be pres
ent. The Master of the lodge also re-
ceived message from Senator Martin
stating that on account of important
business before the Senate he was unable
to attend the celebration.
The Worshipful Master then intro
duced Mr.. A. q. Uhler as the toast
master of the evening. He made few
appropriate remarks, and then announced
the toast, George Washington and the
Commonwealth of Virginia." which was
to be responded to by Governor Mon
tague. The latter arose amid much ap-
plause, and after it had subsidized made d
most happy response. He alluded to
the many illustrious Virginians who had
been members of the craft. His refer
ences to Washington were thrilling, aud
his speech was animating, instructive
and interesting throughout.
Col. G. C. Cabell, of the Governor
staff, followed in response to the senti-
ment, "The Day We Celebrate" His
remarks were much enjoyed.
Grand Senior Warden X. Kemper
then made an able response to the toast,
"The Grand Lodge of Virginia"
fredericksburg Lodge, No. 4" was
the next toast, and Mr.. G. r. Howard
responded.
Judge c. Z. Nicol was called upon to
respond to 'sThe Judiciary of the State. !"
He was perfectly at home with his
theme and was listed to with close at
tention.
The POSTMASTER subsequently an
nounced that "Beverly Lodge of Mas
sachusetts joins with Alexandria Wash
ington Lodge in celebrating Washing
tons birthday" Rev. Geo. L. Hunt
arose at this announcement and made
a most happy speech.
"The Visiting Brethren" was the next
toast announced, and this was happily
responded to by Major r. w. Hunter,
of this city, a member Of Hiram Lodge
of Winchester, whose7speech was one of
the events of the evening.
The festivities closed with solo by
Mr.. Frank Cunningham.
The sole survivor Of the Martinique horror
was passenger ON the steamer Fontabelle,
which arrived this morning at New York
from the West Indies. He was prisoner in
the dungeon at st. Pierre when the city was