The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1907-12-08
.GR|D||R0N CR|LLS
MANY PUBLIC | |. Men.
Merry Newspaper M en-
Get Off Some Clever
Gibes on Notables.
MIR. FAIRBANKS
AMI COCKTAILS
Vice-President Reminded Of His
Indiana Dinncr-Toas to Next
President Unmasks Many
Aspirants-Clearing
House Certificates
as Menu Cards.

WASHINGTON. D. c., December IT,
The Gridirons Club began tonight It's
winter series Of fun-making dinners by
a lively entertainment OF 200 men prom
inent in politics. diplomacy and bus
mess. There was not moment with-
out Jest, song or satire. and there was
not a jest. song or satire that did not
hold up for the merriment of all some
one OF the guests present.
To begin with, when President Sam.
ucl Blythe lit up the huge electric
gridiron in the spacious and sumptu-
ously appointed banquet hall OF the
Willard Hotel. the absence OF the pre-
liminary cocktail was emphasized. Vice
President Fairbanks bore the brunt OF
this stunt. for in from, of him stepped
Gridironer and sang ditty about
an Indiana dinner where cocktails were
served. with subsequent regrets. Mr..
Fairbanks was then allowed rating
of buttermilk.
President Roosevelt's Riches.
a class in nature taking through.
questions and answers developed a
logical connection with Octopus" and
Wall Street. Also that II 1t Is true
that money talks, president Roose-
welt must be the richest man in the
world"
John Barrett amt broke" remarked
one OF the class.
The story that George Warrington
threw a dollar across the Potomac was
declared not to be a nature fake, because
Secretary Cortelyou had thrown $2O,-
100000 to Wall Street. A song which
put Secretary Cortelyou in the attitude
of quietly waiting to be called to the
presidency. brought laughter. likewise
a response from the secretary.
"Why are The sh ips going to the Pa
cffc?" was answered In many ways.
chief among which was to seat Secre-
tary Metcalf in the Senate.
More White House Gibc..
Japanese wrestler. game of dice.
and an aRgrcgation OF undesirable
citizens. were all jests aimed at the
White. House. and were productive Of
much merriment.
The new State Of Oklahoma made
its appearance with Democratic Sena-
tors and representatives and an cleo
toral vote for Bryan.
Chairman New. OF the Republican
National Committee. was required to
hobhy-horses squad OF equestrian
tested army officers.
I'VE will now drink to the next
President of the United States" SOL
emily announced President Blythe,
after he had gotten to their feet Vice.
President Fairbanks, Speaker Cannon.
Secretary Cortelyou and Senator Knox.
Then was sung a dltty. which conjured
with the names of all the presidential
possibilities.
A song followed which gave great
admiration to the versatility OF Ambas-
sador Bryce. but kindly warned him
that with 1t all he would be found
wanting unless he learned the presi-
dental game OF tennis.
Novel Souvenir Menu Card.
Another song told that johnson, Min
nesota's Democratic Governor, had met
Bryan face to face. and therefore he
no longer had d presidential boom.
The menu souvenir was collection
OF clearing house certificates. issued by.
authority of the Gridiron Club clearing
house association. There was GER.
titcatel for each course, and each set
forth q bit Of humor.
The initiation as a member. OF the
club OF James p. Hornaday was also
made matter of entertainment.
Guests OF the Club.
The guests OF the club included Vice.
President Fairbanks. Speaker Cannon.