Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-02-02

WASHINGTON. Jan. 30.-Farewell TO
President Roosevelt and Vice-President
Fairbanks in their official capacity only,
was said to them tonight by the famous
Gridiron club of Washington newspaper
men.
The occasion was the annual winter din
ner of that club. In all there were nearly
200 guests. and. as is always the case,
the roll included many that figure con-
spicuously I'm the hall of fame. Ambas-
sadors. justices Of the supreme court OF
the United States. cabinet officials. sena-
tors representatives, editors, publishers
and men Of affair generally, were in this
gathering of guests of the newspaper
men.
Il was far from a sad affair. though
the occasion was of a farewell nature
Gridiron dinners never are sad As the
president and vice-president were the
guests of honor. so they came I'm for equal
prominence in the fun of the evening
While they were the butt Of many of the
jokes and skits. there was every evidence
that they enjoyed the entertainmentjust
as much as when the jests were aimed
at others of the notable guests.
Water Wagon a Feature
The temperance movement that has
swept over the country showed its ef-
feet on the club. AS the souvenir of
the dinner. the guests were given
"H-2-0." illustrated Grid-Iron almanacs,
published by the 'Grid-lron Water
Wagon Press Between its covers
there was no remedy given for the ills Of
statesmen, journalists, real newspaper
men. molly Goodies, malefactors OF
great wealth" other than plain "H-2-O.'
In this almanac the Teddy Bear"
formed the centre of the Zodiac, while the
entire production was marked as for
warded TO congress as special message
No. 23232oE32323.
"a Total Eclipse"
The guests observed particularly that
a total eclipse of the year is due early
in March" and will be viewed with in
terest by the United States, Canada, Az
RIGA and Oyster Bay
A list OF forecasts for every day was
given in one section OF the almanac,
but the representations did not extend
beyond March 4. The reason for this,
il was explained, was that after the
sth OF March there is no telling what
viii happen" For the convenience OF
some of the guests a notice stated that
gentlemen mentioned for the TAFT
cabinet will march in procession at the
Inauguration, forming Division p, I'M
der William Loeb, Jr., who has been
mentioned most frequently"
But all the wit was not i'm that al
manac At least the president and sew
eral OF the senator's and representatives
dad not think so, as a megaphone man
announced bulletins from 'the great
battle" This great battle, advertised
on hand-bills scattered through the
banquet room. proved to be a fight be-
tween President Roosevelt and con-
gress.
The Inauguration Of Henry Hall, cor
respondent of the Pittsburg Chronicle
Telegraph, as presidept of the club. af-
forded the retiring president, James 5.
henry, Of the Philadelphia Press, an
opportunity TO give the new official
some instructions. The new president
took the oath with his left arm raised
and two fingers crossed, swearing that
he would keep the Ananiss club in a
iourishing, condition, ride ninety-eight
miles day and keep congress on its
reservation. - e, $3.50. .4-.- .-,.-
The Ananias Club
When Jewell II. Aubere. cOrrespon-
dent of the St Louis Globe-Democrat,
made his appearance for Initiation, he
produced an invitation from the presf-
Dent Of the. -Ananias, srclubss1 He was
told OF his mistake but he insisted