The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-31
BANQUET GIVEN BY
 SYRIAN SOCIETY Prominent Citizens Partake of
 Oriental RepaSt ENTERTAINMENT IS NOVEL Plstachio Nuts and Wines From the Levant Help to Make Guests En- joy Unique Event at Knights
 of Columbus Hall.
 
ENTERTAINMENT IS NOVEL

A unique and notable banquet Was itid last night at the Knights of Columbus hall under the auspices of the Syrian Young Mems society.
 Recltations and speeches were made in Arabic and the decorations viands and table service were distnetively Oriental,
 Elegant PersianArugs covered the floor, date palms decorated the tables. while delicacies of every description dear to the hearts of the Syrans were set before the guests on d table covered With natlNe damasks
 The master of ceremonies was Dr. II. A. Elkoure, the founder of the society. Dr. Elkourie is a native of Syria, but is a graduate of the University of NashVllle' and while a recognized authority on Sy- rlan matters, Is d close observer or the language, customs and social ethics or the United States. Ills knowledge of the English language is thorough, and ms address last night was regarded as masterful effort. He was the recipient of many words of praise over the sue cessful termination of the banquet.
 The festivities opened with prayer, led by the Rev. Father Coyle of St. Paul church.
 Letters of regret were received and read from the Mayor Gen. Rufus N. Rhodes and Benjamin F. Roden
 Many SpeeCneS.
 The first speaker of the evening was Sterling A Wood, an honorary member of the organiza ton. During the course of his remarks MT. Wood showed how much this country was indebted to the people of the east for the introduction of rugs and tapestries
 pr. Elkourie, president of the Syrian Young Mems society, followed with strong address in which he reviewed the work of the organization from It's lheep- ton about six months ago, with only few members, up to it's present strength of over forty-fiye members. He showed the objects of the society to be the better ment of the Syrian colony in this city and to instill into the minds of it's mem bers thorough understanding of the American cvlcs. He paid high tribute to the people of Birmingham and re- ferred to the importance of It's various industries. He was vigorously applauded at the close of his address.
 One of the most felicitous speakers of the evening was James Bowron who vis- tied the Holy Land about year ago. Mr Bowron scored the Sultan of Turkey for his inhuman treatment of the Syrian and other races and gave synopsis Of events touching religious persecution from the reign of King Edward VI. of England down to the present era. MT Bowron had dates and figures at his command and those present said that his address showed him to be d keen and broad observer of conditions existing in Asia.
 w. P c. Harding spoke entertainingly on the debt of the western hemisphere to the people of tn eastern hemisphere He closed his remarks by saying: Tt Is fit- ting and proper that the descendants of the first steel making country should set tie in Birmingham, a modern steel manu- featuring city"
 Good Citizenship.
 W. W. Crawford made a practical speech, in which he said: "The value of good citizenship cannot be over-es timated. You are In a city and country where you will be judged by your actions and l not by what you were or what relation you may have borne to princes or po- tentates. You have a hard scope here | and if you show yourselves worthy citl- zens We stand ready to extend the good hand of fellowship
 Joseph Babb closed a bright address by saying, Tn Birmingham we are in need of men of good Christian character. If you follow the ideas of your worthy l chairman, we see no reason why we should not be proud to have you with us, and believing you will do so, we esteem it an honor to extend to you the hand of welcome"
 The Rev Father Coyle said, in part: You have come to America to escape religious persecution, The United States has ever been a refuge for nations and countries suffering from despotism. Be God fearing, upright citizens of this glorious country; adapt yourselves to your new environments, and l believe that you will play no small part in the destinies of this country
 The last speaker of the evening was Judge Feagln. He took for his theme: Tn Union There Is strength" His ad- dress was ringing, and won for him the hearty applause of all present
 Arabic Poem.
 A poem in Arabic was read by Dr. El- kourie The verses were written by Shiek Nasif Yazf Yazjiv may years ago The sentiment was martial and the words were supposed to be the exact words used in a message to a Syrian general who held two thousand Turks at bay for near ly two years, urging him not to surrender.
 In addition to those who made extended remarks brief words of welcome came from .John w. Tominson, Allen J. Krebs, James Ashworth, Dr. R. F. Ashworth, John' w. ONeill w. D. Dow of New Or leans. J. NJ Tanony secretary of the Syrian Young Mems society; s. A. Sama, John Gaudin, J. H. Linnehan, MT. Moody and others.
 Judge Feagin was the recipient of standing vote of thanks. proposed by MT. Irebs, in appreciation of his address.
 on motion of pr. Ellkhourie, vote of thanks in Arabic was rendered all present who took part in the programme. On motion of the Rev. Father Coyle, the guests present not honorary members of the society, were unanimously elected as such.
 Novel Features.
 One of the novel features of the ban ouet was the serving of the Turkish courses in true Oriental style. The first course was fruit, celery wine and pista- chic nuts These nuts which were im- norted for the occasion, resemble a small almond. The hull is very thin and to those not familiar with the nut. looks 10 he a part of the kernel. It was reported act of eating hulls and all. Upon in- vestigation however, the report proved to be without foundation.
 pr Elkourie. looking directly at Mir Rabb said that as there were other courses 10 follow, he would suggest that a place be kept for them. Mir 4,abb took | inc hint not, however. before eleven empty nut dishes were counted in close proximity to his place at the table. i Olives oyster loaves, individual ham sandwiches, wine and genuine Turkish coffee. concluded the feast. l cigars and Turkish cigarettes were then served and the formal banquet was | brought to a close.
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