Evening star., 1909-04-18
HIS Enjoyment EVIDENT
Distinguished Company Present at
Annual Spring Dinner.
SENATE SECRETS REVEALED
Executive Session Portrayed-Big
Show by the Georgia Minstrels.
Guests Amused by Clever Hits
at Public Men.

They had President Taft and the new
cabinet on the grill last night at the
annual spring dinner of the Gridiron
Club, held at the New Willard Hotel.
Mr.. Taft has frequently taken turn
on the spit in his previous varied OFF,
cial capacities but this was his first
experience as a presidential victim. He
used to think 1t was lots of fun to see
President Roosevelt and President No
kinley over the Goals. and last night
he had a taste himself.
Apparently he liked it. for the smile
never came off once. They do not hurt.
these Gridiron grillings: new officials
are likely to come in with some fear
and trembling. as the new lodge MEM
ber exaggerates his impending inftia-
tion, but the bark is worse than the
will catch his breath at the good na-
tured daring of it. and that's about all.
1t was a very distinguished company
that gathered around the Gridiron
Clubs hospitable board last evening.
including many Of the bright stars of
the official galaxy. together with other
prominent guests drawn from far and
near. Diplomats, turists, fnanciers, men
high in the learned professions and
others prominent in commerce and in
dustry were included in the guest list.
All Gridiron dinners start about the
same way. There is the assembling in
the ballroom, awaiting the arrival Of
the President of the United States. the
while the guests mingle in companion
able conversation. Then to the sound
Of the old-fashioned dinner bell they
enter the beautifully decorated banquet
hall. which always presents charming
picture OF light and color.
The company was welcomed last night
In q witty speech by Vice President
Bone, who presided in the absence of
President Hall. who Is just convalesc-
ing from a severe illness. The Grid
iron Quartet supplemented the greeting
with their song adapted to the air of
''Tenting On the Old Camp Ground"
the mammoth electric gridiron flashed
forth and the guests were seated.
Pursuit by the Senate Wolves.
Things soon began to happen. Hardly
were the oysters dispatched and the
white wine started around when fear
full din was heard in the anteroom. 1t
sounded as If pack Of ferocious beasts
were in full cry after some hapless
victim. Everybody looked up in time
to see fleeing form, carrying under
her arms two burdens. Pausing in the
center Of the room. she was recognized
as Eliza-the same who once crossed
the ice. Asked If those were blood
hounds pursuing her. she answered
nay; they were the "old gray wolves Of
the Senate" The burdens she bore
were the tariff twins. little Maxy Mum
and little Minnie Mum. and she was
trying to make the other side. where a
kind gentleman had promised to- care
for her children. He had promised to
see to it personally that little Maxy
was cared for.
Who Is this kind gentleman" asked
President Bone.
Nelson w. Aldrich." cried Eliza. dart
ing forward, as the bowling Of the old
gray wolves was renewed, and all the
company turned to laugh with Senator
Aldrich. who was apparently enjoying
Elizas sally as much as any one.
There was another nature-faker act,
this time Of a more peaceable and do
mestic character. however. Between
courses some loud and distressful
"Moos' were heard. betokening the
presence Of the humble but useful fam
lily bovine and the near approach OF
milking time Then there ambled into
the room a property "cow." which. after
some evolution and maneuvering by its
trouser-clad legs. took position in front
OF President Taft.
The interlocutor introduced her as
Miss Mooly-ooly-oo, the White House
COW. an official emblem OF the new ad-
ministration, suEplanting all Teddy
bears and possums. President Bone de-
manded to know what they intended to
do with her. Milk her." was the
ticians are trying to do to her owner"
And thereupon dainty dairymatd
proceeded to the milking The first thing
drawn from the milk pail was a pair
of stockings labeled I'VE do not care to
see stockings. and signed by the Elder
Members OF the Senate" Then a tele-
phone directory was produced, described
as the most condensed list OF the people
Of Washington who want to get into the
golf cabinet. There was q political
dcughnut-the hole reserved for Ohio.
d
cine of the Senate, which, when applied
to the tariff bill, removed all Payne.
Instantly" Other articles were brought
from the give-down of this wonderful
COW. who from time to time uttered her
plaintive moo. Finally the proceedings
were interrupted by the. appearance Of
Senior Castro. who clamofously demand
ed protection and refuge. He said he
had been rejected by all nations, and
finally came to the Gridiron Club as a
last resort He must have refuge. 1t
was decided that the only thing that
could be done for Senior Castro was to
give him custody of the White House
COW, and the doughty Castro meandered
of, leading Mooly.
Gridiron Senate in Session.
Two new members OF the club were
to be initiated. Mr.. Oscar X. Davis Of
the New York Times and Mr.. Thomas c.
Noyes of The Washington Star. ses-
sion OF the Gridiron senate was pre-
sented. and the guests were given .
glimpse OF what was supposed to be 60
Ing on. President Bone pointed out
that there were only six senators pres
ent, while the senate was supposed to
consist or ninety-two members. He was