Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1912-02-01
BURNS MEMORY HONORED
Vermont Scotchmen Observe
Birthday Anniversary.
374 People Gathered mt The Sherwood
for q banquet, which WAS Fol-
lowed by Speaking and
Dance.

men, was honored in Burlington Thurs
day In a manner bofittng the famous
bard of the Highlands. with grand
ball and banquet at the New Sherwood
| House. given under the auspices OF the
Vermont ScOtchmen. The affair. cele-
bratng the l53d anniversary of Burns
birth, was one of the largest ever given
In the city. Just 374 people sat down to
an elaborate repast after which there
we're addresses. songs and n dance pro-
gram of 20 numbers.
The large dining hall of the Sherwood
and tho adjoining banquet hall were
filled to overlooking. The sale of tickets
for the banquet had to he abandoned
as II was found impossible to accom-
modate all who wished to attend. Under
the direction of Proprietor Murphy OF
the Sherwood. and his corps Of able as
sistaAs. the banquet was served with
out single hitch.
| The committee In charge OF tho affair
deserve great credit for the perfect ar
arrangements. This committee was headed
by Henry Todd. and was composed Of
John Mcmillan, John Monroe. William
Steel. II. j. Ross, John Fraser, \. l..
Weddell Kenneth MacRae and A. j. w.
Greg of Barre Music for tho occasion
was furnished by Isaac Riddle. piper, of
Barre. and Lessons orchestra.
Many visiting Scotchmcn from Barre
and other towns in the vicinity were
present. and Burlington Scotchmen and
their friends turned out in large num-
bers
At the conclusion Of the banquet Henry
Todd, chairman of the committee on ar
arrangements. introduced the toastmaster
| OF the evening. Benjamin Strahan, Of
burlington. Mr.. Todd spoke of the man
ncr In which the celebration came to
be undertaken and extended thanks to
the Scotchmen for the loyal support they
had given the affair.
The first speaker was the Rev Ernest
| G. Guthrie, pastor of the First Church,
who responded to the toast, Robert
( Burns" Mr.. Guthrie brought forth smiles
by admitting that he had never been able
to master the Scotch dialect. He begged
his hearers to bear with him in this con-
nection and succeeded in bringing forth
many hearty laughs by his humorous ref
crences to Burns. Turning to the serious
side of the poets nature, MIR. Guthrie said
that Burns had restored a great and last
ing sense of nationality to Scotland. The
country. he said. was In danger OF be-
coming province Of England when
Burns began his songs. The speaker
pointed out that Burns had done a great
work for the peasants of the country.
No people, he said. ever loved a poet as
the people of Scotland came to love
Burns The poet spoke to the universal
heart. No man, he said. ever knew and
loved men better than did Robert Burns.
lol
speak few words and he expressed him
self as we'll pleased at being able to add
his tribute to the great Scotch bard.
Mayor Robert Roberts responded to
the toast "Scotchpen in America" He
said the verses OF Burns had an abiding
charm for him because OF the fact that
lis father used often to sing them. He
recalled some Scotch families in America
and what they had done to establish a
reputation for stability and honesty.
The address by W. W. Wishart of Barre
was not given as Mr.. Wishart telegraphed
that he would he unable to be present.
a number Of Scottish melodies We're rei-
dered by Lessons orchestra and vocal
solos were given 10y r. NJ. Bell and c. {.
Mackinr.
A short in,ermission followed the
speaking ana then the dance order was
begun. The program was opened by a
grand march, led by Piper Riddle. Dur
ing the evening the Highland fling and
sword dance were exec uied by the Misses
Barclay OF Barre in a highly artistic
manner. which met with hearty APP
lplause.
The dance numbers consisted Of the
true Scotch figures including the High
land schottische. Highland dance
Scotch reel and number OF others,
and the dancers entered into the spirit
of the music with a will 1t was an oc-
casiOn long to be remembered by the
Scotch people and their friends. Bob
by would have enjoyed 1t. truly.
The reception committee was com
posed of Henry Todd. chairman: A. l..
WeddelI. John Fraser. William Steel,
and A. J. W. Greig, Kenneth MacRae
acted as floor director and John a.
Macdonald was assistant. The ushers
were John Stuart, John Mcmillan. John
Monroe. John Fraser, Jr., Trevallick
Mcmillan. The decorations We're by Mr..
Murphy of the Sherwood.