Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-04-29
THE EAGLES BANQUET.
At the Auditorium Was Brilliant
 Success Last Night.

It was a very pretty sight that was presented last night in Jacques audi torium when the Lallier orchestra be- gan the march which introduced the honored visitors and guests and the members of the Waterbury aerie of Eagles, to participate in the first an- niversary of the aerie. Caterer James Harrington had surpassed all his pre- vious effects in the setting of the ta- bles and the arrangement of the menu. The hall was prettily decorat- ed, also, and the spreading wings of the eagle predominated. Before the banquet proper began flash light picture was taken from the stage and fthe picture proves to be successful If the picture proves to be successful diners waiting for the good things which followed.
 After the members of the local and visiting aeries and the invited guests were seated Worthy President Mat thew J. Smith delivered the address of welcome. Never was address bet ter worded or more huently delivered, and the brother members of Water bury aerie were as enthusiastic as were the visitors in applauding the opening address. He apologized for the absence of Mayor Elton and President Blakeslee of the board of aldermen. Both gentlemen he said had promised faithfully to be present and he could not understand why they were not there. He asked if there was anyone in the hall who had seen either of the absentees, but there was no response. He finally conclud- ed his search for the missing officials by saying that probably they were ab- sent because they thought the Eagles were all democrats, He then called on NJ. J. Ryan, ex-city clerk to take the place of Mayor Elton.
 MT Ryan's speech was happy one, given in one of his humorous veins of thought. He prefaced his remarks by saying it was the first time he had ever substituted for a republican. His remarks were timely and we'll placed.
 Worthy Secretary W. Wright of New Haven and Worthy vIce-Presi- dent F. Frank Moran of the local aerie followed in a duet. Grand Worthy Trustee Norris gave one of the interesting speeches of the evening in responding to the toast "A Peep Into the Future" George Fitzsimmons followed with two we'll selected and well sung solos. State President M. J. Gray gave an interesting address on LAC hdSleS ana Jne1rt &rOWEn 1n the state of Connecticut. E. L. Maloney responded to the toast of "The Press" There were songs by ]. F. Hackett and P. Frank Moran and re- marks and witty stories by F. H. Druehl, president of the New London aer1e and J, F. Gubbins, chaplain of the Naugatuck aerie.
 The address of the evening was de- ltvered by Hon Homer $. Cummings of Stamford and it was one of the best and brightest events of the evening. After 1t was over and the rest or the program had been concluded everyone left the banquet hall feeling that they had had very enjoyable time.
 Among the visitors were the follow ing: Homer S. Cummings. w. V. J. of Stamford aerie; Grand Trustee Henry Norris; State President Martin Gray and Worthy Secretary w. Wright of New Haven; Worthy Presi- dent F. H. Druehl of New London: Worthy President Jones, w. F. P. !. Fl. Duigan, w. V. F. A. Ashmore, w. s. J. r. Hogan and Chaplain J. P. Gubbins of Naugatuck, and w. P s. F. Danner of Middletown.
 Telegrams were read from the Hon Timothy D. Sullivan and Senator Grady of New York expressing regret at their inability to be present owing to their legislative duties.