The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1909-03-18

Tie name OF ION Burns as possess
Ing all the qualifications of the mob
lest type of manhood which he har
set forth, many of the men led b.
Judge Dick Haney, arose in thei
seats and cheered and waved thei
handkerchiefs, while NJ. Burns
looked on and listened with astonish
ment. 1t was a fitting and SINGER,
demonstration to the man. Mr.. Pres
tons speech follaw.:
Mr.. Toastmaster, and B,oatery:
These tables, 50 invitin 5ly spread
with all TIE good things mat apl,ea
to II taste. adorned with flowers
and surrounded with friends. Ger.
tainly appeal to our better nature
and admonish us of the "Bro her
hood of Man"
Ten days or two weeks ago, about
a dozen gentlemen of the city held
an informal meeting for the purpo
of discussing the propriety of this
entertainment.
1t was. unanimously agreed to have
a banquet about this date. and fur
ther thought advisable to call it
Boosters Banquet" 1t has often
been said, There is nothing in a
name" So, while it was to be styled
Boosters Banquet" nevertheless
its real purpose was to be concealed
until this evening, that it might be
all the more effective, pleasing and
appreciated.
The detail arrangements have
been carried to completion with the
idea that a little harmless deception
should be .practiced. But when the
real purpose is made known here to-
night, you, II and all, with one ac-
cord, citizens OF Mitchell, will all
the more appreciate this festivity and
the motive which actuated those hav-
ing 1T in charge. | have made use of
the word, "festivity''. | do not like
it, | do. not altogether mean that
you are to accept it in its literal
sense, exclusively; while it is pleas
ant for us to enjoy this feast, and
on the n hand to look p o the gay
side of life, yet on the other-just
the curtain reflects the sha-
low of regret.
The lot fell to me to Let the cat
of the bag" I sincerely wish
else might have been chosen
10 perform this duty-not that
would purposely shirk, by any lack
Indifference, from any want of
appreciation in paying homage to
whom honor is due, but, being SEN
at times, to the extent of in
to always control my feelings.
Tonight, however, others will follow
ne, and to them you must look to
espond to the more pleasant side
If life, allowing me to look back
ward, so to speak, into the shadow
# nearly thirty years gone b..
Men of Mitchell: We meet this
'vening to express our appreciation,
md give evidence of gratitude to one
# our loyal pioneer citizens, who
about to emove from the city to
distant part of the state. A citizen
Who has boosted every public en-
erprise of which we enjoy today,
nd who has contributed to the up
and welfare of Mitchell
her birth, Tom Burns.
Mr.. Burns your friends are legion.
'wo hundred of them meet to
ell you that we can never repay you
or the good you have done in Mitch
LIS behalf.
Always Jealous, that knew no lin
t. Possessed of a faith. that when
'thers faltered and doubted, kept
many weaker ones in line.
You have kept us united when
with dissolution.
You kindled the first fire of pro-
'ress, and have v kept the flame
# energy from smouldering.
Time after time we have sought
our advice, you gave it cheerfully,
Without money Or price. and it was
right.
You have boosted for every public
enterprise and your efforts are mani
est in all our achievements.
But, Tom, this is not all.
No secular duty ever kept you
rom the sick room of a friend.
Your presence has cheered and
'omforted many in distress, and con-
;oled those in grief.
You have held the hand of many a
lying one, and stood with uncovered
read at the open grave, and said
Goodbye.