The Newtown bee., 1907-05-24

TO SMALL fCOMPANY OF GENTLEMEN
 FAMILY AND INTIMATE PERSONAL
 FRIENDS ON THE 17TH ANNIVER-
 SARY OE HIS MARRIAGE.
 It was just half past eight o'clock. last Saturday evening, when Allison P. Smith, editor of THE NEWToWN BEE, stepped into the parlors of the Grand Central hotel to announce to group of his gentlemen friends that Supper was ready The invitations to this informal reception had been sent out some time in advance and had been answered with acceptanceS almost to the last one. Indeed, many treal sacrifices in time and in traVellng long distances were made by some present that no doubt might be left of the warm place MT Smith held in the | heart and thought of those who came. Some score or more seats were hlled at the tables, which were prett1ly ar- ranged in the form of a hollow square. Colored ribbons were extended from the chandeliers to the table corners, thus embowering the scene. A | branching candelabra in the center of l the square added ornament ana grace, while bOutOnnierS of v1olets Deside fulness on the part of the one who prepared the feast. Mine Host Hou- l lihan is noted for his famous spreads | It seems to be no trouble for him at any time to serve banquet that IS I toothSOme, dainty and pleas1ng; and this feast vas no exception to his rule but even added more laurelS to his already we'll earned reputation as caterer.
 When cigars were passed around and the conversation lessened its pace somewhat over the coffee cups, A. F. Smith arose and read paper in which he expressed the sincerity of his feel ing toward this little band of friends who had stood around him like strong brothers when Hfe's battle waxed hot test. Rev Otis w. Barker, who sat at MT Smiths right, began his role as toast-master, and made ntUng re sponse to these sentiments of genuine devotion. MT Barker spoke of friend ship as the strongest tie in life. The Master left almost for his last word to his disciples the thought that he had called them friends. Many man in to put his finger upon the place where first he began to climb the rounds of life's ladder, has been able to say, "l had a friend.'' ComradeSh1p is the strong basis for the great Masonic fra terpity and all organizations which for the right. MT Barker referred to the Sunday, some IA years ago, when he came as a candidate to the little Newtown Congregational church, and, after the morning service how he and MT Smith walked arm-in-arm through Newtown's pleasant street, then shaded by great elms, and MT Smith had said, "We want you to come here, MT Barker, and we will treat you well.'' That pledge has all ways been kept and the two had been through all these years the truest friends.
 MT Barker introduced the other speakers who vied with each other in their sincere expressions of loyalty to the host of the evening. These speak CTS were Rev o. o. Wright, Rev J. H. George, Rev R. E. Danforth, Amos Q Marsh of New Milford, Homer l.. Wanzer of New Fairfield and E. l.. Johnson. Rev MT Wright spoke of his support of THE VIEWPOINT BEE and his appreciation of it as clean newspaper that ever endeavored to be MT George found in MT Smiths geni- ality a characteristic that had won him many friends. Rev Mir Danforth spoke of efforts put forth for the right as returning in blessing upon the sender and illustrated this by the humorous story of the cat that came
 back. B. l.. Johnson, who gained a
 name through all this region by his
 acting as chairman of the Executive
 committee in Newtown's splendid Bi- C6nU6QQlal CeleDTaUlOQ OI two years ago, was introduced by MT Barker, as
 the one who, now living on borrowed time, was looked up to as the Nestor | by the younger generation who sought
 direction in their plans. He had known THE BEE from it's incipiency, in the days of small things, when the lights had nearly gone out. The
 "Smith Boys" had made it great suc- cess, and it's present large circulation
 was shining example of what per
 sistency, pluck and good Judgment
 could accomplish. Chauncey B. Marsh,
 Amos o. Lake and Homer L. WanzeI also spoke briefly.
 MT Smith heartily thanked the com
 papy for the many kind words that
 had been spoken, which he knew
 would be strong impetus to him
 through dark days and through sunny
 days in all the years to come. MT Bar
 ker proposed toast to MT Smiths
 health, which was drank with aqua
 pura in closing:
 Here's to the friends that love us,
 Here's to the God above,
 Here's to the hopes that cheer us, Here's to the hearts so near us
 And the good we all may do,"