Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-09-06
EAGLES IN THE SOUTH
Waterbury Delegate Writes About
 Their Interesting Trip.

Iuc EdSlcS III slNOIlOlh.
 To the Editor of the Democrat:
 promised to write you something about the Eagles National conven-
 tion here and despite the extremely
 hot weather, the presence of about
 10000 visitors and the constant tur- moil and excitement incident to big convention like this, I will keep my word. V
 We left Waterbury last Saturday morning at 7:55 and reached New
 York about an hour ahead of the Connecticut delegation, chaperoned by the New Haven aerie. About fifty of the party, including w. J. spain of Waterbury, missed the boat to Jersey City on account of tie up of the surface cars and they did not reach our first stopping place until two hours after our arrival.
 The first section of our party reached Baltimore shortly after five o'clock last Saturday and were enter tained royalty by the Baltimore aerie. Among other things we were taken on an eleven mile trolley ride to one of the city's most beautiful parks where we were finely entertained. {. I found that this eleven mile ride costs only five cents in Baltimore. I also found out that the city of Baltimore got about $500,000 last year from the trolley company there -t.o
 Every month the city goes over the railroad company's books and figures out the gross receipts, from which 1t receives nine per cent. This money is devoted entirely to park development. Druid Hill park, the largest one, cov- CTS a territory of almost 450 acres. The enormous amount mentioned struck me as being almost impossible until was informed that Baltimore has population of almost 100000.
 On Sunday morning our party at tended services in Cardinal Gibbons cathedral and had the extreme pleas ure of seeing that famous divine celebrate the mass. Shortly after the services we left for Washington, D. C., where we were taken in charge by the Eagles of the capital and shown all the sights of that great place. We went in a touring car and had for a guide young fellow who was some- what of a humorist and kept us guessing what was coming all the time. For instance in showing us a church recently richly endowed by John D. Rockefeller, he ended with: 2 "Bless John D. from whom oil bless ings fiow.' In showing the Martha Washington hotel strictly for wo- men" he volunteered to say that they would not even allow ''mail'' chute there.
 He described a colored church rich in property and sustained entirely on the income thereon, as 'red without and black within" and said it was not supported by raids on chicken coops. Theirs is financial coup" was his way of putting it.. In pass ing Senator Tillman's palatial home he told of a woman guest there, who, while at breakfast was unfortunate enough to drop her poached egg on the floor. What shall do?" she ex- claimed in dismay "Cackle, my dear woman, cackle," said the senator. And so our guide kept on with an ap- parent inexhaustible supply of such matter
 We left Washington Sunday night on the finely equipped steamer Nor. folk and had a delightful sail down the Potomac river, arriving in Nor folk about nine o'clock Monday morn- ing.
 had the unexpected pleasure of being introduced to William Ran. dolph Hearst on board and had a nice little chat with him. He was on his way to the Jamestown Exposition where he spoke Labor day to crowd of about 10000 union men. I was very much impressed with Mir Hearst. He is great big fellow, over six feet tall and built in proportion. He is quite magnetic and was given a flat tering reception by the passengers on the boat.
 Yesterday, Monday, we went the routine of being register ed, etc, and in the afternoon took in the exposition. Like everybody else 1 have seen, we were somewhat dis appointed. The walks and roadways were hot and sandy and there Is general indication that something or everything is incomplete.
 This (Tuesday) morning the con- vention assembled and addresses of welcome were made- by Governor Swanson of Virginia and Mayor Rid. dick of Norfolk. About 1900 dele. gates are in session. Kansas City Is here with a delegation of 400; Fl Paso, Texas, has big delegation and SO they are here from all points of the country.
 I just met Big Tim" Sullivan and my fingers will probably sepa- rate again in time. He's the most popular man here. We are just get. ting down to hard work now. It is a little early to pick the winners, put if my political experience doesn't iail me would wager that Congress man Theodore Bell of California will be the next National President and he next convention will go tc Seattle.
 Martin Gray, past president Of New Haven, will, believe. be elected ! member of the board of trustees The election will take place Friday pr Saturday.
 Trusting that what I have writ. len will prove interesting to the ihosand or more Eagles p there and their friends. I remain.
 Cordially Yours.