The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-18

members disguised to represent the sev, eral candidates for the democratic presi- dential nomination entertained with their wooing a distinguished company, includ- ing President Taft, some of the candi- dates in person. prominent members of Congress of all factions, and guests from a number of states.
 Festivities began as usual with the blaz- ing up of the red and white lights of the immense gridiron over the head of the presiding officer, and from that moment until the diners were dismissed to the strains of .4The Song That Touched My Heart" candidates of the democratic faith were continually in evidence. They appeared as judges of electionI members of a court of honor, as Robin Hoods band of lusty outlaws, and as contenders in a steeplechase The situation was en- livened occasionally by few republican progressiyes and regulars breaking in upon the dominant and insistent demo- cratic candidates.
 Louis Garthe of the Baltimore Ameri- can was initiated as president of the club and was subjected to grilling cross ex- animation by 10 presidential candidates in order to test his fitness. Champ Clark wanted to know of MT. Garthe whether he favored tearing down custom houses and annexing Canada; LaFollette asked what he would think of Gods patient poor biting a piece out of a fat corporation every day." while Oscar Underwood put his question into rhyme. thus; 'If I cut steel and steel cuts me, Can cut ice as a nominee?'
 Uhe answer was: Not if MT. Bryan sees you first.''
 To the "The Gentlemen's Court of Honor" was left the reply to Woodrow Wilson's queryi 'Is the Schoolmaster Abroad Safer Than at Homer Harmon's pathetic appeal, Running for real President, which would you rather have: Cleveland's blessing Bryan's curse or an Ohio candidate against you?' brought forth the comfortless answer, My can- didate Is not running in Ohio.'
 The Gridiron club permits it's guests to share in the fun attending the initiation of a new member and there was no ex- ception tonight when M. Harry Stevens was added to the limited membership. A an old time bard, who delivered "The Lay of the Last Minstrel" His songs. though not classic music, were redolent of pres- ent politics. Thus sang Bryan of The Nomination,
 Believe me, if all these Endearing
 Charms.
 Which so fondly to conquer try, Were to vanish tomorrow and fade in my
 arms,
 As they faded in campaigns gone by, You would still be adored as this mo- ment thou art,
 Let tn6 uelegdteS vote dS they VIII, Around your dear image each wish of my
 heart
 Would entwine itself verdantly still"
 Asked for one of Taft's favorite airs ths minstrel sang to the tune of "Aaras Harp.
 "Oh the tariff talk in Congress Halls,
 Grows sadder day by day, And Underwood increasingly calls
 Upon the band to play,
 A veto fiercely turks about.
 With musket and with sword. To kill bill put through without
 Leave from Taft's Tarim Board"
 
 The whiskers were pulled from the mln- strel's face by suspicious member and the trembling neophyte stood revealed. He was warned that only Ambassador Bryce and Uncle Joe Cannon were priv ileged to wear boards at Gridron dinners, and was then examined as follows
 "what is your opinion of Woodrow wilson?'
 "If you want me to sing it, I can give you a lovely, melancholy funeral chant" Have you ever heard of Senator Cum mins?'
 "oh, he's that fellow who wrote Every Little Movement. etc.
 .'Can you give us song about Champ Clark?">
 .'I am afraid he might not like these f old Folk songs of mine."
 What is your politics."
 Has TYR. announced his candidacy ?"
 'Not yet, but soon.'
 "Then don't know what I am."
 .But you are candidate for member ship?"
 q am not candidate. but if an over whelming majority think I am the only man for the job, will take it." The tuneful opera of Robin Hood' was the vehicle for the presentation of a mum Der of prominent progressives. Most of them had sought the bosky shades of Sherwood forest for the sake of its tall | timber. hence they fell easily into Robin g merry crew. There was Little John (Jim Garfield and twill Scarlet La- Toilette" and "Friar Pinchot," and good Dame Marketing" besides. Robin Hood, 1 who. introducing himself as an outlaw, sang: g'But Outlaws Now, You See, Are