The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-03-27
POLITICIANS Ar 4 BANQUET
BTNGHAMTON PRESS CLUB EN-
TERTAINS ODELL AND OTHERS

AssembIyman Rogers as TOastmaster Tells
n Funeral Story and Introduces Odell
as the Remains-He Makes n Mild
Speech-Lieut.-Gov Bruce Also Speaks.
B~INoHAMToN, March 2e.-The banquet
of the Binghamton Press Club tonight
failed to develop the expected political
excitement, and from that standpoint it
was a very tame affair. Otherwise 1t was
a brilliant success. Senator Bracket was
absent and Lieut.-Gov. Linz Bruce care
fully refrained from political remarks
B. B. odell, DR., delivered a very mild set
speech. He was seated between Judge
Nathan L. Miller Of Cortland and Lieut.
Gov. Bruce, at the head Of the table.
Others at the table were Hiram Gold
smith, president of the Press Club; the
Hon. James T. Rogers, who ofhclated as
postmaster; the Hon. G. L. Palmer, the
Hon. E. A. Merritt. Congressman G.. F..
Wright Of Susquehanna, Pa; Col. E.. E.
Bothby of Portland, Me-, and George h.
Graham.
Many parodies on popular songs were
sung during the banquet, among which
was the following verse set to the June OF
"Tammany':
pen oddl. Ben odell. you're the hero OF tho hour.
Higgins envtes you your power.
Ben odell. Ben odel, you'll put George Dunn on
the bum:
You will. like hell"
After Assemblyman Rogers had been
introduced by President Goldsmith he
assured the guests that this was not a po-
ltical occasion, but simply a feast OF wit
! and viotuals. He said he had intended to
| let the Bruce boom and the Brackett boom
n L. - go. 1 G-.-l l,E CannfnT IRA Nkaff
was unable to be present on account OF a
severe cold which would prevent him from
speaking.
In introducing NJ. Linn Bruce Mr.. Rogers
said it was hoped he might soon be called
Gov. Bruce"
Mr.. Bruce referred to his studies in Bing-
hamton and said this city was six cen years
ago the starting point Of his career.
He said that public clamor is not public
| opinion. Against real public opinion
he said, no man or ooterie OF men can
stand. 1t may be that some may unneces-
sarily suffer, but any attempt to restrict
public opinion is not right. The mission OF
the newspaper press is to educate public
opinion. 1t is only the leader who has
behind him real public opinion who can
succeed
Mr.. Bruce closed by saying he was trying
to do his duty to the best of his ability.
The next speaker was Col. F. E. Bootoy,
who aspires to be Governor Of the State OF
Maine.
In introducing ex-Gov. B. B. odell Mr.,
| Rogers referred to Ingersol's story OF a
funeral in which the corpse was called
the remnant, "and said he was about to
present the remnant.
There are those he continued, VINO
think we should build a sort Of Chinese was
| about this city, but on such occasions as
this, no matter how nightly we strive,
we may still eat and drink together IN har-
mony.
come to Broome county in the last quarter
Of a century was the disappointment IN 1902
by Gov. Odell Of our esteemed fellow, citi;
zen, Col. George w. Dunn as Railroad
Commissioner.
Another reason why we should now
| greet him gratefully tonight Is because
In the darkest hour of his history Mr.. QdelI
wac willing to do all in his power for our
beloved citizen, George E. Green. lap
Mr.. odell was loudly cheered when he
arose, and the parody on -Tammany was
sung twice. Mr.. Odell said, in part:
Speaking of cemeteries and oorpses. ever
| aimee | was able 10 walk ! was taught by my
father never TO know when ! was licked,
| have taken his advice. I come here to-
| night in no unfriendly spirit. but because
l Ike to see people and talk with them. l
hold a man is entitled TO his opinion IN poll
tics. religion and business. / would rather
cherish beautiful memories than to be out
70 put any one on the bum" Leaders are
not all workers, yet a leader at times may
almost be a dictator. Success in public
life depends on the approval OF our constlt-
uency. ORGANIZATIONS are strong because OF
numbers
When division comes there usually follows
defeat. Two heads are better than one. De-
cause united wisdom moves the Turk easier
and makes the result more certain. When
responsibility brings to a man midi which
measures a ~transltory applause as more I'M
nortant than friendship then respect for
him should cease.
our political system has stood the test Of
wears. Envy is untiring IN its abuse and
makes efforts TO pull Town and destroy. The
motives OF such assaults If understood should
strengthen rather than weaken those at
tackled
tions that will bring relief, but their
enforcement from such participation. But
corporations are not the only evils. Patron
age. the meanest and lowest form OF
bribery, despite civil service restrictions.
more often thwarts public will.
Man is imperfect. Before us there are
always problems. True citizenship always
seeks to solve them for the interest of all.
Whether this man or that shall dictate poll
cies. whether this party or that shall be
advantaged, matters but little so long as the
people shall retain their faith in our instl-
tuuons.
With the elimination Of abhorrent forces
brains will always win. Let us therefore
labor for those results which mean perfect
equality, equal justice and greater protec-
ton. Thank you.
Minority Leader George NJ. Palmer was
the next speaker.