The Savannah morning news., 1904-05-25
WIT AND WINE
lNE
FLOWED FREELY.
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out. The poor shots who quit, weren't
missed, however, and not only have
their places been filled. but other
members have been added until now the
association has a membership OF about
125, one of the largest, If not the larg-
est in many years."
Mr.. Battey referred to the fact that
the association now has no range on
which to practice rifle shooting, but
said that he hoped, nevertheless, to
keep up the interest in the organiza-
ton by using the revolver, and he be-
lieved the association would develop
some of the best revolver shots in the
country. Before closing he referred
feelingly to the loss through death OF
two members, Mr.. Arthur B. NJ. Bibbes
and Mr.. Arthur Elliott. At the close of
the address Mr.. G. A. Mercer, Jr., pro-
posed Mr.. Battey's health, which was
drunk standing.
City's Narrow Policy.
One of the most interesting addresses
of the evening was that of Mr.. r. j.
Travis, who responded to the toast
The National Guard" After humor-
Gus introduction, in which he INDUCED
IN considerable badinage at the ex-
pense of several of the gentlemen
present, or who had been expected,
paid a tribute to the value and serv-
ices of the National Guard.
1t was not necessary, he said, for
him to call attent ion to the value of
this organization, ever an essential
force for the preservation of law and
order, and, in this section of the coun-
try the guardian of Southern woman
hood. Without this force, he said in
time of trouble, neither the force of
the city, nor of the county, would be
able to sustain the law; without it
would mean that the country had
taken a step backwards in civilization,
for the military to-day is regarded as
a reserve police force and an essential
part of state government.
Blocked by the City.
This is true of the state of Georgia
and the city of Savannah, as it is of
other places, he said, and yet notwith-
standing this fact. and the further fact
that the possession of a range is of vi
tai importance to military life. the mu-
niclpality of Savannah, hitherto pro =
gresslve and liberal in all matters, alone
blocks the way to a successful con-
summation of plans to secure such a
range.
The speaker was interrupted by
cheers. When they had subsidized n
and to military life, and it's Importance
to every country. He spoke of the ma
tional legislation affecting military af-
fairs, and said that while some years
ago there might have been reason for
some distrust of measures affecting
certain changes, he believed now the
people of the country could safely rest
assured that such legislation as is pass
ed affects all parts of the country alike,
and Is for the benefit of all.
ChivaIry His Theme.
Mr.. Remer L. Denmark, who re-
sponded to the toast "Chivalry," made
a splendid address in which he paid
trbuate to that knightly virtue. 1t
Is to man, he said. what virtue is
to woman, the brightest jewel in the
crown of honor. He said the age of
chivalry is too often referred to as
a thing of the past, which is not true.
for until the rose has lost it's color
and the flowers refuse to bloom, man
will continue to bow and pay homage
to the knghtly spirit. Mr.. Saussy
followed Mr.. Denmark. In introducing
him, Mr.. Battey stated that he would
ask Mr.. Saussy to respond to the
toast 1.-THE Pen and the Rifle" but that
he recognized Mr.. Saussy as free
lance, and as he was likely to talk
of anything he felt disposed to,
whether within the scope of his sub
jeot or not, he would place no restric-
lions on him. Mr.. Saussy, too grew
reminiscent and told Of the early
days of the association, and of some
Of the members he had known, but
who have now passed away. AmonG
them he mentioned as of great aid to
the association, DR.. Martin, Gen.
Robert H. Anderson and Mr.. Robert
Tufts.
Among the other speakers were Rev.
]. A. Smith, who responded to "Wit
and Humor," Mr.. G. A. Mercer, Jr.,
and Judge Twiggs, the latter respond
ing In his usual finished style to the
toast Woman" Before the banquet
closed, Capt. James McAlpin was
called on for some remarks. He, also
told something of the early history
of the association and, by request,
sang annie Laurie" in which he was
Joined by all the members. He was
followed by Mr.. w. J. Harry, who
entertained his audience with a nnm-
Der of jokes.