The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-07-03

There were over 100 representatives OF
the business. financial. professional and
hast but not least the political ife OF the
city and state, who gathered al this ia
nous clubhouse down the bay 10 Wish
Col Colt bon voyage" previous TO hts
sailing ON Thursday T. Europe for stay
until about the middle OF September.
OF course. this is rot Col. Colts first
trip abroad. He goes about every sum
mer: and while yesterdays affair was
not on the surface. clothed with any de-
fined political complexion. II was Just
bit significant that IL was the first large
complimentary dinner ever given him pre-
vious TO any OF his European trips.
The subject OF politics. moreover, was
scrupulously lodged or avoided by any Of
the speakers, being confined to conversa-
tion that could not reach the ears OF the
reporters. In fact. as TO superficial ap-
pcarances one would have thought
that the political waters OF Rhode Is
land were quiet as the proverbial mill
pond.
The occasion was marked by n spirit
OF genuine good fellowship, so pervaded
by an air of. well. It's all fixed now!'
that one man from Massachusetts, who
was evidently not a politician, remarked,
"why don't they make the announcement
now. that Col Colt is TO be the senatorial
nominee instead OF waiting until his re-
turn In September
The dining hall OF the club presented
a picture long TO be remembered; aud IL
only needed the presence OF Senator Al
drich and Boss Brayton 10 make the set
ting complete.
Great executive ability was displayed
in ali the appointments. The menu was
the choicest, the guests were cleverly
seated as TO give no apparent political as
pect 10 the affair. the speakers were all
s'safe" and we'll understood their cue 10
systematically avoid any open reference
TO politics.
They We'd with each other. however
IN congratulating Col. Colt upcn his busi-
ness ability and success, and wishing hlm
q pleasant trip, and safe return.
The guests began 10 arrive about one
o'clock; and the guest OF honor smilingly
appeared at 1870 and was greeted with
rousing cheers. Hail 10 the Chief" and
booming cannon.
Until two O'Clock light lunch and
Nc-d refreshments were served while
sns,yic was furnished by Reeves Ameri-
"a Band orchestra.
Then came the adjournment TO the din
ing hall and the dinner commenced. After
q menu that would appeal TO the most
fastidlous and after the cigars and conee,
Col. Albert A. Baker. as toastmaster. In
troduced the various speakers, among
whom were three former governors on
the state Hon. A. o. Bourn. Hon. Charles
Warren Lippitt and Hon. ID. Russell
Brown.
Former Lieutenant Governor T. c.
Wardwell OF Bristol was present: but. in
stead OF responding with a speech, he
sang THE Sword of Bunker Hill."
In his opening remarks, Col. Baker, as
toastmaster, spoke OF his regret that the
late Francis colwell was not alive and
present at this dinner to his friend OF %
years standing. Then he paid his re-
epects TO Col Colt, who. he said. was ia
vored at his birth with the gift Of hap
DIV disposition and an inheritance Of abil-
Ity from the Colt and DeWolf families.
HE has represented and now repre-
sents." Col Baker continued, much In
this commonwealth and state. lie has
been one OF the builders OF our business
prosperity, while his training as a lawyer
has enabled him TO see two sides OF a
question fairly, and by seeing the wisdom
OF fair play, ne has always followed the
golden rule OF live and let live"
Former Governor A. o. Bourn told of
his long friendship with Col Colt and of
the great business ability OF the guest
of honor.
Following came Ex-Governor Charles
Warren Lppitt. who paid glowing tri-
butte TO Col Colt and his genuine cour-
fesy 10 all, ana FORMER tsoNernot -. hus-
sell Brown spoke In an entertaining man
ner
The introduction OF Col. Colt by the
soastmaster was the spontaneous signal
for cheering and the waving OF flags. and
sang For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"
while the orchestra played Hail 90 the
Chief again. lake the toastmaster he
also paid a tribute 10 the memory OF
Francis Coiwell Then he told several
anecdotes and In conclusion said.
This spontaneous reception on the eve
Of my departure has affected me more
than I can tell you. II I were never 20
return. and I am not afraid OF the ac-
cidents which might befall me, there ls
nothing which would cherish more than
the memory Of this gathering.
1T has been a glorious occasion. and Il
hAs touched my heart. love Rhode Is