Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-02-24
THE MASONIC BANQUET.

Sathh duu ttciiiu, ana OlnerS.
The bsnquetiug room of Alexandria
Washington Lodge of Mssons 10 the
Masonic Temple Saturday night was the
scene Of notable gathering. Most OF
the members of the two Alexandria
lodges, resident Mssons and a large
number of the craft from Washington
and other places we're present, togei her
with Grand Master Joseph w. Eggles-
ton, Past Gfaud Master K. Kemper,
Speaker Cannon aud Representatives
Cnliu and Helm and others.
The occasion was the annual celebra-
ton of the birthday of George Washiog-
ton, first Worshipful Master of the lodge.
The lodge met at 1880 O'Clock in the
asylum of Old Dominion Commandary
on the third floor. Half an houc later
the members Of the lodge and their
visitors adjourned to the lodge room be-
low which had been converted into a
banqueting ball. Pictures of Washing
ton and his Masonic comferees we're 10
profusiOn and an orchestra was dis
coursiDg popular airs. "Dixie," "The
5uwanee River" and other southern airs
brought forth deafeDing applause. Ths
tables had been prepared tasielully and
in the most inviting manner by lady
frit nds of the Masonic fraternity, who
had also shown skill in tho culinary art
by preparing the following menu:
Huitres en- ecailles en- deux, lsDgue
de boeuf, celeri, olives; croquette &c
vesu, pelits pois Francois PAN; sslsde
de volatile la Virginie, petils pains;
Lslls RoOkh a Ia gace, petils fours,
b scuits Ia Bent, almond ssles, from
age Roquefort, cafe noir, cigars, cafe
su lsit.
After the company had been assigned
places at the table, blessing upon the
feast wss invoked by Rev. p. p Phil
lips, of g.. Psul's Church, after which
the members of the lodge and their
guests proceeded to a discussion OF the
choice edibles. Course followed course
for about an hour, during which time the
orchestra furnished most enlivening and
appropriate music. When cigars were
being distributed the company was called
to order by Worship!ul Master J. L.
Shinn, who welcomed the visitors ana
gave brief but comprehensive history
of Alexandria Washington Lodge.
At the close of his remIrks the
Worshipful Master announced Hon. O.
@. Garlic, member of Congress f,om
this district. Mr.. Carln arose amid
the most hearty applause and he made
sn interesting and appropriate response.
His speech was seasoned with bunor,
spt references and happy aiugs Mr..
Oarin was not unmindful of the respou-
sibiliiies which rest upon him IS repre-
sentative in Congress from this dis,ric.
ard he spoke optimisticallY Of The pro-
posed Memorial bridge and Mount Yer
non avenue. Mr.. Oailin spoke in the
highest terms of Mr.. Cannon and re-
ferred to the fact that all bis republican
associates in Congress wanted him to be
the nsxt President. Mr.. C4rlin said
that heretofore he had no: been allowed
to speak in Mr.. Osnnon's presence with
out first obtaining bis permission (augh-
,e'), but he nov reminded hin ui The
measures before Congress for the con-
struction OF the bridge and highway,
and said be hoped Mr.. Cannon would
not interpose any barriers when these
bills shall have reached The House of
Representatives Mr.. Os'lin also ex-
pressed himself 81 anxious TO see the
words, "In God We Trust" replaced
on United States coins. He took his
seat amid great applause, and il was
remarked by numbers who listened to
bis brief and impr0mpu spsech that his
short experience in Congress has added
considerably to his oraioricsl powers.
Grand Master EgglestOn was the mex
speaker. His address was short, but it
sbounded in historical fscts concerning
the early history of Masonry in this
country and the interest shown by
Washington in the craft. His speech
was listened to with close attention and
at times brought forth much applause.
The Grand Master, realizing be was in
presence of the Speaker Of tie U. 5.
House of Representatives, pleasantly re.
ferred to Mr.. Cannon's power to limit
speeches and to bring them to an abrupt |
by the fall of the gsvel. |
The Speaker eyed the Grand Master at
Ientiyely and uttered the words, 1.-THE |
gentleman from Virgins" which caused
much merriment which continued for
several minutes.
After the Grand Master had taken bis
'est Mr.. Cannon was announced. He
arose amid great applause, the entire
risirg TO their feet to greet
lim. The acclamations continued for
several minute. Speaker Cannon, al
ways at home at such gatherings, made
,ne of his characteristic responses which
bounded 10 solid facts, pathos and
lumor. He began by describing his
when boy from his native
State of North Carolina to Illinois, aud
subsequently, portrayed the growth of the
United States into its present proper
ions. He made many prsciicsl obser-
'ations 10 ihs effect hat the country
hOuld be governed by laws which shOuld
'e for the good of the maj jrity. He
allied attention TO the fact that but q
cry small percentage of the people of
be United States were feeble-minded or
lustics, and that an equally small per-
entage we're victims of alcoholism. His
inference was plain. The insignificant
linoritles should not be allowed to gov
rn the great msjority. While most of
lr. Cannon's speech was devoted to
lcts coDcercing Legislation, he at times
lade humorous references and drew H.
ustratiOns which we're greatly relished q
I'd at times brought forth uproarious :