The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-11-23
WARM WELCOME FOR
HEAD OF WOODMEN
Root Guest of Honor at Ban
quet Last Night
UNDERWOOD CHEERED
House Leader Makes Brief Talk.
Commander Root Speaks on Fra
ternalism'- Meeting at
Orpheum This Afternoon

over 200 members of the Order of
Woodmen of the World assembled last
night in the banquet hall of the Ho-
tell Hillman to do honor to Joseph
Cullen Root of Omaha, Neb, sovereign
commander and founder of the order.
Among the assembled guests were Il
large number of ladies. members of
the Woodmen's circle, the ladies'
branch of the order.
The feature of the evening was the
address of Sovereign Commander Root.
who was assigned to the subject of
"Fraternalism' The speaker fully
maintoined his reputation and in his
brief address paid tribute to the last
ing good the fraternal orders had ac-
complished.
A pleasant surprise was a short visit
to the banquet hall of Congressman
Oscar Underwood, who came unan-
nounced and was given quite an ova-
tion as soon as the assemblage became
aware OF his presence.
He was introduced by the toastmast-
er, DR.. H. A. Elkourie, and made a
brief talk in which he expressed his
regrets at not being able to be pres
Ont earlier in response to the invi-
tation that had been extended to him.
He paid a graceful compliment to the
membership of the order and asked
to be excused as he had other en-
gagements. He was roundly applaud
ed at the conclusion of his brief talk.
The banquet was greatly enjoyed;
II was choice and splendidly served.
The tables were profusely decorated
xxvhf ~ I.
added pleasure was given the guest
by the several vocal and instrumental
selections rendered by the Hillman
orchestra, quartet of pretty young
ladies' Miss Irene Mowrer, violin; Miss
Louise Stannard. flute; Miss Francis
Handibeau. cello; Miss Vista Legg,
paino and voice.
DIR. Elkourie was at his best as
toastmaster and was happy in his in-
troductory remarks in presenting each
speaker. He made the opening address.
The Brotherhood of Man." which was
an eloquent and forceful effort In the
absence of Walter d. Seed, who was
assigned the toast of Consistency
Judge Samuel d. Weak1ey was called
upon and ably responded to the sem
timent of the toast.
At this point Congressman Under
wood was introduced and made a very
happy, though brief, talk.
James re-
sponded to the toast of "City Build
ers; Who They Are" George Wooley to
Love-" l.. Z. Holloway to Honor" and
@. III. Younger to Remembrance"
- The POSTMASTER in words of glowing
praise then introduced the guest of
honor, Joseph C. Root. to whom the
toast of "Fraternalism' had been as
signed. He was given a great ova-
tion as he arose to respond.
Thanking the toastmaster for his
words of praise the speaker stated
that fraternalism was not the work of
any individual no matter how prom
fnent he may be, but is like a bun
die of rods which singly might easily
be broken. but banded together are
almost unbreakable. He stated that
fraternalism had proved factor in
the great world peace movement and
that it was a means to bring about
a greater bond of friendship between
men and nations, and that the Wood
men of the World. were destined to
play an important part in this much
to-be desired condition.
George Ratterman was called upon
for the closing talk, which he made
In his usual happy vein. He ended
most pleasant and enjoyable evening
by singing lullaby which brought
hearty round of applause
This afternoon the Woodmen VIII
meet at the Orpheum where Command
er Root will make an address on
"Woodcraft." He Will be escorted from
the Hotel Hillman to the Orpheum
theatre by a full regiment of the uni
form rank of the order and large
delegation of the ladies of the Wood
men circle.