The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-08-29
EIoquence and Coed Fellowship
Characteristic of the
Big Spread
DR.. ELKOURIE GRACEFUL
AS THE POSTMASTER
Congressman Sheppard and Under
wood, State Treasurer Seed and
Senator Nat Miller the Ora
tors of the Occasion.

The district rally of the Woodmen of
the World lodges was brought to a
fitting close last night with a bril-
liant banquet held at the Hotel Hill
man. A large representation number
ing about $50 of the members of the
Palmetto, Bessemer, Avonda1e, Old
Hickory, Poplar and Ensley camps of
Woodmen was present and the func-
ton was pronounced successful In
every detail.
DIR. H. A. Elk ourie officiated as toast
master and introduced the various
speakers of the evening. Among those
responding to toasts were Congressman
Morris Sheppard, In whose honor the
banquet was given, Congressman Rich
mond Pearson Hobson and Congress
man Oscar W. Underwood, Walter D.
Seed state treasurer, and Nathaniel L.
Miller, state senator from this district.
Eloquence flowed throughout the even
ing and the spirit of fraternity and
good fellowship pervaded the gather
ing.
An elaborate menu was served, in
the course Of which the speakers Of
the evening were introduced. In his
Introductory speech as POSTMASTER DR..
Elkourie said in part:
DR.. Elkourie Speaks.
"In the ancient times there existed
a great and beautiful city, through
which rolled the chariots of princes
and monarchs. 1t was in this city of
the past that banquets originated. At
the first they were created for rea-
sonable and good purpose but at
length the function degenerated into an
orgy for the qualification Of lust and
passion and for the display of wealth.
And if one asks ones self why the
pomp and splendor of Babylon faded
into nothingness and why a heap of
worthless mounds is all that remains
of that city's greatness, one may read
lily answer that 1t was because the ban
quet failed In its purpose and the peo-
pie grew lustful and immoral.
"But the Woodmen of the World have
a purpose in which they will not fail
the protection of the widow and the
orphan and the defense of the home.
The members of this great fraternity
strive only to stengthen the link that
binds man to God and labor only for
equality, love, honor and remembrance.
This banquet is intended as a token
of gratitude and respect for a man who
has ever served the order as a faith
full and loyal member. I refer to that
distinguished orator and brilliant
statesman, Congressman Morris Shep-
pard of Texas.
Congressman Hobson Introduced.
ct have the pleasure to introduce as
the first speaker one whose loyalty
to his country and to his chosen pro-
fession. the navy, has won him name
and fame. He Is a man who has dis
tinguished himself by daring to saeri-
fee his life for the sake of his coun-
try. 1t gives me great pleasure to pre-
sent the Hero of the Merrimac,' Capt
Rich mond Pearson Hobson."
BY way of introduction Captain Hob
son stated that it was a great pleas
ure for him to accept an invitation to
come to Birmingham, especially when
"the city Is open to congratulation for
having acquired it's Greater Birming-
ham," He spoke in part as follows:
ct have seen the foundation of other
great cities and believe that Birming
ham has in its thriving industries a
foundation for a great and glorious fu-
ture I believe that the boundless re-
sources of this district have only begun
to be developed and expect yet to see
Birmingham the greatest Industrial city
Of America.
'T am particularly delighted that the
invitation should come from the Wood
men Of the World, but my pleasure was
keenest when I learned that I was ex-
pected to aid in doing homage to my
beloved friend and fellow congressman,
Morris Sheppard. There is not man
in the United States whose praise
would take greater pleasure in singing
than the distinguished guest Of the even
ing"
Underwood Speaks
The next speaker to be introduced was
Oscar w. Underwood, member OF Con-
yress from this district. He also said
that it was a real pleasure to aid in
welcoming Congressman Sheppard. He
asserted that although Alabama could not
Law claim to him as a son she might yet
claim him as grandson, as his dis
tingushed father was a native of this
state. He spoke in glowing terms of the
work that is being accomplished by the
order of Woodmen. saying that he be-
,ieved no better foundation could be had
for such an organization than the hreside
and the home, for whose protection the
fraternity exists.
Congressman Sheppard Responds.
Congressman Morris Sheppard, who was
,ex+ introduced, delivered short but