Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-02-02
@CARNATlON BANQUET

MEMORY OF MARTYRED PREsl.
DENT HoNoRED AT THE A. Nj.
CHURCH LAST NIGHT.
Splendid Musical observation-disclosures
by William McNett, Judge Nj. A.
Roberts, Rev. L. j. Phillips and
others-The Banquet.
From Tuesdays Daily.
The Carnation banquet at the Afrf-
can Methodist Episcopal church last
evening. in honor of the. martyred
president, William Mckinley, was one
OF the most successful affairs ever
given by the colored people Of the city.
A splendid program consisting OF
addresses eulogizing the late presi.
dent, in~terspersed with musical selec.
tons, was given after which an excel
lent supper was served.
The church was PRETTY decorated
for the occasion, the ~carnation being
the predominating feature. There was
a %profusion of American flags and pho.
tographs of Mckinley and incoln oc.
cupied prominent places. Every mum.
Der on the program met with the
hearty appreciation of the large audi.
ence, the speakers being frequently
interrupted with applause and several
OF the musical numbers were encored.
The Program.
The program in full was as follows:
Introductory-W. s. Page.
Opening song-Girls' quartet.
1nvocation-Rev. A. e. Craig.
Observation-Disclosures.
Address--Rev. L. j.. Phillips.
Duet-F. T.. Daggett and G. G. Key.
hoe.
Address-Judge M. A. Roberts.
Piano solo-Miss Bernice Davis.
Address-Mrs. L. j. Phillips.
Vocal solo-Miss Bernice Davis.
Address-William McNett.
Address-G. w. Gaines.
Vocal solo-Miss Bernice Davis.
Vocal solo-Will Stevens.
Observation-Disclosures.
Make Addresses.
Rev. l.. j.. Phillips, pastor OF the
African Methodist Episcopal church,
was the first speaker. He is an elo.
quent talker and was listened to with
the closest attention. He said that il
there was ever a ruler for the people,
by the people and Of the people 1t
was William Mckinley. He referred
to the late president as a man who
remembered his friends, loved man
hood and was a true friend Of the col
ored people, citing several instances
In which Mckinley had recognized the
friendship Of colored men who had
used their efforts in his behalf.
Judge M. A. Roberts said that one
OF the best means Of studying history
was through the life Of great men. He
spoke of the beautiful home life of
Mckinley, his honor for his mother,
and his devotion. to his wife.
He was n of the young men
who responded to his country's call,
willing to give up any advantages he
might attain by remaining at home, in
order that slavery might be abolished.
The honor in which he held his mother
as a boy, ever seeking her advice. was
a trait especially worthy Of imitation.
Mrs. Phillips spoke OF the many mo-
bic traits OF character of Mckinley as
a man, soldier and statesman. "A
great life" she said, never dies, and
as long as history endured men would
read OF his life, and fromlthat life draw
inspiration to noble deeds.
William McNett sail he was proud
and gratiied to be one Of the speakers
on this occasion and congratulated the
members of the church on having
such a line home. He said the life of
Mckinley exemplified the possibilities
that lay before every young man Of
the United States. He was without
wealth. enlisted in the army that all
men might be free, afterward studied
law and entered politics. He was for
several terms in congress, then chosen
governor Of Ohio and elevated to the
presidency.
Rev. g. w. Gaines, presiding elder
OF the Ottumwa district of the A. M. IL.
church gave the closing address of
the evening. Rev. Gaines was n Of
the board Of trustees Of Wilberforce
college ut the time that institution on
ferred the degree of Doctor of Laws
upon William Mckinley and gave an
interesting account Of several in
stances when Mckinley had proven his
friendship for the colored people.
Musical Numbers.
An enjoyable feature of the program
was the many excellent musical selec-
tons given. The popular male quartet.
the Ottumwas, delighted the audience
with their splendid rendition of sew
eral numbers and we're heartily en-
cored. Miss Bernice Davis, won add.
tional honors as a pianist and vocal
list and the bass solo of Will Stevens
and the song by the girls quartet were
especially pleasing.
The Banquet.
At the conclusion Of the program
all present were invited to the dining
room which was Hastily decorated and
where a sumptuous repast was served
in five courses. A delightful social
hour followed and brought to a close
one of the most enjoyable events ever
held in the church.
ENfIHEkt~- l.EEtHH