Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-07
sons feeling tribute to the deceased mem

sons feeling tribute to the deceased mem-
bers:
Following a custom that has obtained In
the Gridiron Club, we suspend the hilar1ty
of the evening for short period, ana ask
the Indulgence Of our guests While we
pay tribute to those who have passed
from our active membership since the last
anniversary gathering.
Our lives have been compared with
rivers. gliding free. gliding unerringiy.
silent grave. Thither roll all earthly
pt mp and boast to be swallowed UP and
lest in one dark wave.
Upon former occasions. in the presence
of events resembling those we commence
rate tonight, l stood in this place and ex-
planned that the Gridiron Club was formed
for feasting and fun. for relaxation and
recreation. for the amusement as we'll as
entertainment of Its guests. and. generally
for the promotion of good fellowship. Moth
ing has been nor can be permitted to in
telfere with that simple purpose. So 1t Is
that at our periodical gatherings, illumed
by our blazing emblem. night is made to
rival day in brightness, festal joy laughs
In the manting goblet. and mirth and
music sound the knell of LIES cares and
vexations,. Yet our seasons of merriment
have been occasionally tinged with periods
OF sadness, which fact will be illustrated
by this proceeding. 1t is not the purpose
to euologfze our departed friends They
need no eulogy. 1t is sufficient for us that
they were members of the Gridiron Club.
They have finished their labors They have
passed from among us. but their memories
abide like a bright exhalation. And If it
be true as many persons believe, that the
spirits of departed friends linger lovingly
about US, then are we assured that those
who have preceded us to the silent shore
are here tonight. participating in our fes-
tivities and that whatever their condition,
they will be happier If fond voices reach
them murmuring we wish they were
here"
Here an excellent illuminated likeness of
Hub Smith appeared on the screen
Two of our numbers were taken from us
by death the past year
Hubbard Taylor Smith was admitted to
membership in January, 1889 He died at
Genoa. Italy. February 10, 1909. and was
buried at VinceEnes, Ind, his native town.
Hub Smith was a most genial companion.
He possessed mental abilities and social
qualities Of high order. He was endeared
to his friends and loved by his associates
because of his gentle nature and charming
personality. His presence was like stimu-
liant to the weary. His habitual cheerful
ness carried sunshine wherever he went
His mirthfulness was infectious. There
was in his nature a vein of poetry that nat
urally led to frequent outbursts of melody
To a number Of touching sonnets he adapt
ed music which quickly caught and retained
the popular ear. Several of these compost
lions were launched by him at Gridlron
dinners. notably Listen to Ny Tale of
Woe and Swinging in the Grapevine
Swing. His 'Sweethearts and Wives is
sung around the globe. 1t is heard wher-
ever the flags of the United States and
Great Britain float. and will keep his MEM
DRY fresh and green long after the monu-
mental marble that marks his last resting
place has crumbled. He was a valuable
and valued member Of the Gridiron Club
and contributed largely to the success OF
its entertainments and the enjoyment of it's
guests.
Hubbard Taylor Smith! Hail and fare
wel!' ....
The picture of Hub" Smith at this noint
faded away and gave place to one of
Billy Amin.
William Edwards Amin was admitted
to the club in November 1880. He was vice
died at Phoenix. Ariz.. March o. 1908, and
was buried at Princeton. within the shadow
OF his alma mater. II
BILLY Amin was man of exceptional
intellectual gifts and attachments. He was
an able and accomplished writer, a ready
and forceful speaker and a brilliant con-
versationalist His well-stored and highly
cultivated mind aided by remarkably re-
tentiye memory. enabled him to adorn any
subject which engaged his pen and made
has conversation always interesting. enter
tanning and Instructive. His extremely
nervous temperament and unusually active
mind gave him prominence and insured
hearty welcome in every circle he entered,
and made him a recognized leader in
thought and action among his associates
He was noted for sparkling wit and genu-
Inc humor, and was master In repartee
AS companion he was charming and low
able: as friend devoted and steadfast
He had faults. which he did not strive to
conceal. His sterling virtues, generous ma
ture and broad humanity overcame and OBJ
liberated his defects. Indeed, his faults
were of character that accumulated and
enhanced his virtues, and the combination
of faults and virtues made Billy Amin
what he was TO the friends who knew and
loved him. His worth and the regard in
srl. h. IxAlI l..