The Press., 1909-02-17
Stafford Business Mems Association
 Banquet.

SSSSOSASSS~~-
 com mpleted at the annual banquet
 held at the Springs House last We'd
 nesday evening The later day in-
 vestigator who shall turn back to this
 leaf in the history will find ''Good
 Fellowship predominant feature of
 the whole sheet
 Soon after o'clock the business
 men from all parts of the town began
 to mble at the Springs House, and shortly before 9 o'clock Lynch's or ohestra s ruck up march and the line
 formed and started for the dining room. President G s. Baker and
 Postmaster M. D. O'Oonnell headed
 the line, followed by the speakers and the honored guests.
 The banquet committee, consisting of G. s, Baker, R. W. Ellis, O. O,
 Pinney and F. G. Sanford, had spared
 no pains in the preparations. It was gay spectacle that greeted the men as they entered the dining room. "Welcome,' in electric lights, shone forth from over the broad fireplace, and the tasty decorations of the Stars and Stripes and national colors, festooned with electric lights in per- feet harmony with the natural deco rations of the dining room, gave the tables setting that was very pleasing and was a credit to both the commit tee of arrangements and the local electric light company managers. As this gathering of one hundred and five business men stood about the tables all joined in singing 'Amer- ioa," led by the orchestra. Rev. Felix J. O'Neill invoked the Divine blessing, and the party sat down to course roast turkey supper that was cooked and served to satisfy the wish of the most fastidious.
 Lynch's orchestra from their station in the hall rendered choice musical program during the progress of the meal. R. w. Ellis, who had charge of the musical features, had printed the words of the following songs: America, ''Dixie Land," "Kin- ding Wood, "" A Mother Was Chasing Her Boy," "School Days," "We're Here Because We're Here,' My Old Kentucky Home, " ''For He's A Jolly Good Fellow" "The Battle Cry of Freedom, :" ''Nellie Gray" "Glory, Glory Hallelujah, "When Johnny Comes Marching Home.'' During the periods when the several courses were being served MT. Ellis in his whole hearted enthusiasm, assisted by the led in the singing of these. several songs, which were heartily sung by all present.
 The last course having been served, the cigars were lighted and the flow of wit and wisdom was started. Presi- dent G. s. Baker introduced M. D O'Oonnell, who acted as toastmaster.
 This honored office of toastmaster, that is so pleasant to listen to and hard to fill, proved to be no difficult task for MT. O'Connell to conquer His accustomed genial, even disposit ition showed forth in the easy manner in which he discharged his privilege of the speakers of the even- ing.
 A general feeling of good fellowship permeated all the exercises, and when the Honorable Frank B. Weeks, lieutenant governor of the state, re- lponded to the introduction of the postmaster he was received with a hearty applause. MT. Weeks is a genial fellow of fine appearance, and before he had spoken many words he and his hearers were in close sym oathy. He spoke for and of the state If Connecticut, of it's educational and industrial interests, and of the first 'ank it had and maintained in the inc of invention, of the high position 1t held in the councils of the nation. Although much smaller, both terri orially and numerically, than many mother state, yet the high standard If quality was recognized above the quantity possessed by others. He made m earnest appeal for every citizen to >e an intelligent follower of the work If the legislators, and by personal contact to exert their influence for the highest and best laws with the mem- oers of the legislature from their dis rict. When he finished there was a ceiling of appreciation of MT. Weeks, ! deeper interest in Connecticut and | ID inward pride that we live in so grand state.
 Hon. E. s Banks. speaker of the louse of representatives, was to have ,een the next speaker, but on account f illness was unable to be present. The Honorable Joseph l. Barbour vas introduced as the last speaker of he evening. MT. Barbour in a pleasing. familiar manner held the Intention of every one during his en- ire speech. He spoke of the custom if after r-dinner speeches as at first bought being a modern fad, but he ecalled that Adam, after he had | aten of the apple, made some i'm. remarks that would pass at
 toast "To the Woman.' He spoke | f the remarkable evidence of good J elloWship that had pervaded the en- ire evening. He remarked that he vas meeting with gathering of suc- essful business men, for such good I could not be present where he men were not successful in their 'usiness. The successful business nan has the means to provide for, nd the time to enjoy occasionally uoh social gatherings, and in turn hey make for she future success and he opportunity to repeat such events. Alcohol Stoves,