The daily morning journal and courier., 1905-02-14
THE LINCOLN BANQUET
 \ GREAT SUCCESS
ANNUAL AFFAIR OF YOUNG
 MEN'S REPUBLICAN CLUB.


 MEN'S REPUBLICAN CLUB. Attended by About 400, Including Prominent Men in All Walks of Life Addresses by Congressman Bede of Minnesota, Congressman Lille, Mayor StudIey, Professor Phelps and Rev. pr. Ferris-President BIatchIey as Toastmaster.
 The anniversary of Lincoln's birthday was most fittingly observed at the Young Mems Republican club last evening. As in former years the ob- servance took the form of the annual banquet of that popular organization: and last nights affair was the twen- tieth one which has been so observed by the club. The affair was the most brilliant one that has ever been held at this club and all who were fortunate enough to be present were loud In thlr praises of the splendid results accom- pl:shed by the committee under whose auspices the dinner was given, and which consisted of William G. Merrels, Lyman M. Judd, s. M. M. Smith and w. $. Flames.
 There were number of things which tended to make the dinner last night the best affair which has ever been given by the club. In the first place the attendance was a very large and representative one, including, as it did, men of national, state and city prom thence, all leaders in their various walks of life. The committee found that it could accommodate $50 people comfortably ands the fact that this number of tickets was more than sub- scribed for week ago was a forecast of last nights success. It is estimat- ed that despite this fact there were at least 400 present when the banquet commenced. The next thing which tended to make the dinner record breaker was the fact that the decorations in the hall were the Iandsomest which have ever been seen on a similar occasion. Firs> of all in prominence was large Iife sized oil painting Of Lincoln which was hanging from the wall just in back of the guests table. Around this were dfaped large American flags. Directly opposite this at the other end of :fe hall, hanging from the gallery, and similarly draped was @ picture Of Washington. On either side of this were pictures of Congressman SpeTry and Governor Roberts. All around the walls of the room were also pictures of all the other most prominent ststes- men draped with flags. Banners there were in profusion and they were inter- spersed between the flag and the pie lures. Hanging from the ceiling were also American flags and banners and they added much to the beauty of the general effect. g.
 As in former years the guests and committee table extended across the entire width of the room at the lower end of the hall. From this table, rum ming at right angles and extending the entire length of the room, were seven long tables at which the other diners were seated. The tables themselves presented handsome sight, being splendidly decorated with potted palms and flowers. Small lights with colored shades also shed their rays on the glassware, silver and white linen, mak- ing most pleasing effect in conjunction with the large electric lights with which the hall is lighted. The dinner was served by Stewart and the decora- tSons were by the New Haven Decorat- ing company, both of whom gave most satisfactory service.
 At T o'clock the members of the club and the invited guests gathered in the spacious rooms of the club house and from that time until 7:30 o'clock a general reception was rendered the guests.
 About 7:SO o'clock the orchestra which was stationed in the gallery at the rear of the hall, played a march and as it's sounds echoed through the building those present formed in line and marched two by two to the dining hall, the committee leading, each member escorting a guest.
 8 On entering the hall it was not very long before all had found their allotted places. and after the invocation had been pronounced by the Rev. Henry H. splendid menu, which was printed in yesterdays edition of this paper was then served and was greatly enjoyed.
 During the dinner Wells orchestra Furnished an excellent musical pro- granlme, which was very pleasing to the diners.
 Steward T. T. Ingham of the club did much towards making the affair a success by carrying out the wishes of the committee in the preliminary ar engagements.
 The only absentees at the guests ta- ple were Governor Roberts and Con- gressman Sperry and Platt who were u1navoidably unable to attend. The en- tire list of those seated at the guests table was as follows: President B. N. Blatchiey, Professor Phelps, Congress- man Bede, Congressman Lilley, Mayor Studley, Colonel l. M. Ullman, Colonel