The Washington herald., 1912-06-09
BANQUET CLOSES
DAY OF FESTHITY
Cardinal Gibbons Praises Order
Named in Honor Of Chris
topher Columbus.
1900 KNIGHTS GATHERED
IN CONVENTION HALL
Speaker CLARK Is Cheered When He
Rises to Talk-Says Discovery
Was Worlds Greatest Event.

| While the 1,SOO diners at the Columbus
Memorial unwilling banquet at Conven-
ton Hall last night arose and sang
America" Cardinal Gibbons. escorted
by Edward L. Hearn, past supreme
| knight Of the knights Of Columbus, en-
tered the banquet hall, followed by
| Speaker Champ Clark who was escorted
/ by Supreme Knight Flaherty. In their
wake followed most Of the diplomats
from the Latin-American countries,
\ many European diplomats, Represent
atives Cannon. Underwood, and Fttzger-
aid, John Barrett, director OF the Pan
American Union, and other noted men.
The speakers were seated on a raised
platform in front OF a green background,
their tables piled high with miniature
replicas. OF Columbus ship, the Santa
Maria. Cardinal Gibbons, in scarlet
robe and baretta, was the center Of a
brilliant picture. On his left sat Supreme
knight James A. Flaherty, and on his
right the Minister from Panama.
When Cardinal Gibbons arose to speak,
the diners stood to their feet and gave him
a round Of cheers. He eulogiZed Columbus
and the order that has adopted his name.
After the Marine Band had played its
last beautiful selection Just as the ban
queters finished their last course. Past Su-
prsme Knight Hearn. presiding, arose and
in a short address introduced the toast
master Of the evening, Joseph c. Pelletier,
States attorney at Boston, Mass, and
the supreme advocate OF the Knights OF
Columbus.
Pays Tribute to Columbus.
Mr.. PeHetier paid tribute to Columbus
in a short address, and declared that he
came to his victory only after a life OF
probation and gratitude Of all those
fortitude, charity, preparation and honor.
The POSTMASTER then expressed the ap-
probation and gratitude OF all to those
who had been the means. directly or in
directly. IN making the celebration pos
sible.
In introducing Speaker Champ Clark
as the first speaker OF the evening, the
tOsstmaster referred to him as a popu-
lar member OF the House for many
years, and declared that he owed his
rise to his fair mindedness and square
dealing with his fellows. He praised him
for his raro executive ability and cOnse-
quent achievement, which he declared
will place the Speaker on the high plane
surely equal 70 that OF any Of his prede-
| cessOrs.
Clark Makes Big Hit.
Amid the loud cheers Of the banqueters,
who arose en- masse when Speaker Clark
stood up TO begin his address. Champ
Clark said: The House will be in order"
After another period of prolonged ap-
plause and cheering. the diners came 70
perfect order. The Speaker mentioned
the fact that Cardinal Gibbons has been
called Americas grand old man, and said
that he had once referred to the Cardi-
nal and to his immediate predecessor,
Joseph G. Cannon, as Americas two.
grand old men. Mr.. CannOn's name
brought forth prolonged applause. Champ
Clark explained his statement by saying
that the Cardinal had recently celebrated
the golden anniversary OF his entrance
to the priesthood. and that Uncle Joe
Cannon would soon celebrate his golden
anniversary as a member OF Congress.
l. Speaker Clark congratulated his hear
ers on the beauty OF the day which they
had for their ceremonies. This was an
ideal day" said the Speaker. You could
not have made II any better, and just
as this has been the best day 1 have ever
seen for an affair with a parade, about
three years and a half ago was one Of
the worst days l have ever seen. hope
next Fourth OF March will be better than
this one" This remark was followed by
long cheering by the diners.
Champ Clark then referred to the dis
Covery Of America as perhaps the great
est single event in the worlds history
and one that all could celebrate regard
less Of religion or politics. while We
differ about a good many things in va
rious points of interest" said Speaker
Clark. there is one thing that We do
not differ about, and that is our desire
to be good American citizens" The din
ers cheered this statement in hearty
fashion.
Cheer Presidential Mention.
The Speaker then told OF his first debate
in the little old log school-house in Ken
lucky, when he was a chunk Of boy.
The question debated was There is more
pleasure in pursuit than in possession"
He then told Of the trials OF possession
Of the Speakers chair. but said 1t had