The Washington herald., 1909-02-13

Surrounded By rsj. white. and blue
flags for which they fought and bied. the
Military Order Of the Loyal Legion OF
the United States. Commandery Of the
District Of Columbia. held its twenty
seventh annual banquet at Rauschers
last night
Never IN the history OF the comman-
derry has a more memorable dinner been
given More than go men sat AT the
table. and the interest in the occasion
was so keen that the balcony was crowd
ed with women who came to watch the
scene OF festivities.
Abraham Lincoln, his life. and services
TO the United States. was the burden Of
the speeches by Senator Albert 2. Cum
Minis. Of Iowa: Representative James A.
Tawney. Of Minnesota; Prof Frederick
NJ Davenport. and Representative Robert
". Bonynge. Of Colorado. Frequent ap-
plause interrupted the speakers, and the
sincerity Of those present IN their trib-
utes 10 the memory OF Abraham Lincoln
was manifest
Tributes ApBlauded.
Gen Anson Mills. Z. S. A. retired.
u
acted as toastmaster. The invocation was
pronounced by Rev. DR.. George Calvert
Carter. rector Of St Andrews EpiscO-
pal Church. Gen. Mills in introducing
the first speaker, delivered a tribute
which was enthusiastically appleuded.
He referred TO Lincoln as the greatest
Of our human kind; the most powerful
man for good and evil who has ever ex-
listed on the earth"
Gen. Mills referred TO the fact that the
Washington Commandery OF the Loyal
Legion Of the United States was the
third IN point Of membership among the
commanderies OF the United States. He
declared that among the prominent men
who had become members through the
medium Of the Washington Commandery
were Presidents Arthur. Harrison. and
Mckinley. 10 the last OF whom he paid a
high tribute for the conservative states
msnship exhibited during the Spanish
American war.
As Senator Cummfns rose 10 speak a
portrait OF President Lincoln. Illuminated
by electric lights. was shown at the rear
OF the banquet hall. calling forth pro
longed applause
The speaker referred in glowing terms
10 the tributes which were being spoken
al over the United States 20 the memory
OF Abraham Lincoln, and said that he
could imagine no company Of men better
equipped 10 appreciate the services OF the
great Emancipator than those who were
present before him
Life without Parallel.
More eulogies. said Senator CUmmins,
have been spoken for Abraham Lincoln
than for any man who has ever lived in
r the United States. with the exception of
George washington His record for pa
tience. perseverance. compassion, and
constructive craftsmanship IS without
parallel in the history Of this country.
Viewed wholly apart from his service TO
this country. Abraham Lincoln would
have been distinguished in any company
OF historical figures for his greatness OF
heart and his nobility Of mind
Prolonged applause greeted the speaker
as he uttered the sentence: Abraham
Lincoln was the exponent Of free institu-
tfons among men. We do not yet aPpre-
ciate the evil effects Of that inhuman
war. in which 2700.0e0 Northern men were
enrolled and 350.o00 men laid down their
lives
Speaker Cannon. IN introducing whom
Gen. Mills announced that he was asked
to make an imprOmptu address. was greet
cd with a storm OF hand-clapping. He is
called the dispassionate Speaker OF the
House OF Representatives, but his ad-
dress before the veterans was most feTvid-
Leaning far over the table, he said
Made Law Reign.
Abraham Lincoln was great because
he made law reign IN the country His
success was due 20 the fact that he rep
resented a majority OF the people. and
could subordinate his own prejudices and
his lights. In all his public utteTances
you VIII find no word Of hate. no want
Of charity, and no lack OF the most CON-
plete understanding OF the impulses which
prompted the actions OF the great body OF
the common people Throughout his pub
lie career he was governed by the prin-
eiple which he announced on the battle
ground Of Gettysburg. With malice to-
ward none, with charity for all ."
Amid intense silence on. the part Of his
listeners NJ. Cannon then referred 20
the politics OF the present day:
when I have passed the border" he
said, "the Congressman who VIII come
TO Washington from their districts
throughout the United States VIII have
a firmer reliance in the competency Of
government than they ever had be
fore. because Abraham Lincoln lived
and died The people are better to-day
than they have ever been since the ship
load OF tea was sunk in the harbOT OF
Boston. and the first act Of defiance
thrown in the face Of the rulers Of Great
Britain
NJ. Cannon then referred 10 the policy
Of expansion OF the United States. and
said.
Whether We wish or not we shall be
come responsible for the future history
OF Cuba. Porto Rico, and the Philippine
Islands. and we trust that IN Gods name
our association with them viii be naught
but beneficial"
Influence on Republic.
Representative TaWney spoke on The
influence OF Abraham Lincoln on the fU-
ture OF the Republic He spoke Of his
first meeting with the martyred President.
when the latter made an address in a
high hat and shiny black coat. and said
that even then there was 10 be recognized
IN his utterances that keen insight in
the human nature which afterward won
for him the love Of the entire nation.
Speaking OF the Gettysburg address. Mr..
Tawney said
NO speech ever delivered viii remain
longer or exert a more powerful influence
than that address. No expression VIII
4 ever be more cherished by 8 grateful na-
ton than that Of Lineoln's or the people.
by the people. for the people.
Similar sentiments were expressed by
Pref Davenport and Representative Bon
ynge.
One OF the most impressive ceremonies
was the 'trooping Of the colors, partici-
psted IN BY Capt Robert Armour and
Capt Lyman F. ". Cushing. MAI. Hux-
ford. who was in entire charge Of the
arrangements for the banquet. and to
whom credit is due for the success OF the
event. made q patriotic address in which