The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-09-20
SMOKER GIVEN BY
 SYRIAN SOCIETY Speeches Made by Prominent Men at Celebration AFFAIR WAS ENJOYED Syrian Young Mems Society Had First Annual Affair-Theme Was Prog
 ress of Syrans In 6ir-
 minaham.
AFFAIR WAS ENJOYED

Arabic eloquence and American oratory blended harmoniously last night at the luncheon and smoker given by the Syrian Young Mems society at the Red Mems hall. Progress and advancement of the Syrians already in Birmingham was the theme of most of the speeches.
 Immigration and the inducements offered by Birmingham for law-abiding foreigners to come here was another subject that re- ceived much attention
 Elaborate preparations had been made for the occasion, the entertainment being the first given by the association since it was organized. Besides the entire mem- hership of the society and invited Syrians, the audience was sprinlSled with Ameri- can citizens of Birmingham, who were present to assure the Syrians that they would be aided in their endeavor to shake off allegiance to flag which means oppression, for one that stands for liberty and freedosy" Refreshments were served at intervals and between the speeches.
 Presidents Address. Dr. H. A. El-Kouri, president of the so- ciety. was the presiding officer. He made the opening talk, telling of the organism ton of the Syrian colony and what it meant, not only to his countrymen, but to the city of Birmingham. He was fol- lowed by the Rev Father Coyle of St. Paurs church The address of welcome was made by Louis Kandela, after which letter was read from Mayor Ward, who was on the programme to make speech, ait1p prlaa mn mayor regretted his inability to be pres ent and assured the Syrians that the city appreciated them as citizens.
 Frank V. Evans of the Alabama Immi- grafton and Industrial association spoke on immigration. T. H. Motion spoke in behalf of the Commercial club His speech was enthusiastic and well received.
 Capt Frank P. O'Brien congratulated the Syrians on their organization, and pointed out how well other nationalities were or ganized in America. While he was sheriff, he said. he found that not 1 per cent of the prisoners was composed of the for eigh element, and during his term of off, flee he never locked up single Syrian.
 Talk By Sterling A. Wood.
 "The Syrians" was the subject as- signed Sterling A. Wood. He briefly toN something about the country and the | great city of Damascus, which has fig ured in history for time immemorial. | >S early period was compared with the CO., lonial days of Virginia. Mir Wood then made reference to the Syria of today. He said the people of the country had been caught in a trap for the reason that Syria belonged to the Turkish empire and because England takes good care of Tur- key and sees that 1t does not form an all liance with other nations.
 "Patriotism' was ably handled by Charles E. Dougherty, who urged the Syrians to qualify and go to the polls and vote saying it was the first duty of good citizens.
 Stephen Cabaniss delivering his address in Arabic. It was translated by MT. FL Koure, who said that MT. Cabaniss crowned his speech in setting forth the excellence of Roosevelt and ended 1t by saying the President had shown to the world that America is second to none and first in brains, power, honesty and stren- uosity.
 The excellencies of Birmingham" were set forth by K. B. Koosa, who also spoke in his native tongue. He compared the early days of the city with the present prosperous era.
 The American Flag.
 In Arabic "The American Flag was pointed out as the future flag of Birming- ham Syrians. The speaker, N. Shamld, declared that his people looked upon it with reverence and that they would guard its folds as zealously as the most patri- otlc American.
 We feel that the exchange of a flag of monarchy for a banner that insures liberty Is like the change from hell for heaven" said the speaker who was ap- plauded liberally by his countrymen.
 Short talks were made by J. M. Tanory, Norman Harris, Father Coyle and Judge N. B. Feagin. All were given close at tention. Judge Feagin's speech was the last set address of the evening. He com pared the conditions that faced the early settlers of America and the conditions of the present time that greet the Syrians who seek this country. Law and order has been established by those who came before you" said the judge, "and it Is up the home, school, church and the state, the four grandest institutions of any nation. We ask you to join us and catch live up to this requirement. you will be- come citizens that the south will point to with pride. This is the land of your of the Turk. You have come to the land God, to your country and to yourselves and discharge it." A number of other short talks were made.