The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-11-11

who immediately launched into one of the most spreading eulogies upon the usefulness of theatres probably ever made by the head of a commonwealth. To MT. Poli he gave credit by saying that probably no one man of the American people has done as much to popularize, plays and play -wrights and theatricals in general as MT. Po1i
 Governor Baldwin was followed by Congressman Thomas L. Reilly of Merlden who, after; some facetious po- Ht1cal remarks paid the highest tribute to MT. Poli for the work he had done and the cleanliness of his theatrical ventures
 Michele Riccio, Italian Consul at New Haven, in speaking of MT. Poli as native of his own country paid hitting testimonial and intimated that he might soon be honored by the King of Italy with the title of ChevaIier
 The following mayors then arose in succession to say what Poi had done for their respective cities by intro ducing theatres in their community. which all joined in agreeing had been highly instrumental in enlarging the cities as well as elevating public nor aitp:
 Mayor Francis T. Reeves of Water. bury, Mayor Clifford B. Wilson of DI4OSOpOIL, AadyOT LOUIS It. Cn0uoy or Hartford, Mayor Daniel J. Donovan Of Meriden, Congressman Thomas L. Reilly, Mayor George w. Wright of Worcester, Henry Lasker, president of the court of common council of Spring field, Mass, and represen n5ative of the mayor of that city; W. Ia. Cornell, ex- mayor of Scranton; Robert B. Lee, representing the mayor Of Baltimore, Md.
 In being introduced to the assem- blaze Mayor Clifford B. Wilson of Bridgeport was commended for the handsome majority which the people of this city had given him upon his second election. Col. U1lman incl denta1ly referred to the opposing can didate, only to find at the conclusion that Fred Mullins, accepting the re- marks in the most friendly spirit was the first upon his feet to call for three rousing cheers for the mayor. After the cheers had died down to an echo Mayor Wilson arose and his first ut- terance was to call to the attention of all present the magnanimous spirit which could be made in Bridgeport and which had just been evidenced. He then eulogized MT. Poh by stating that every year Bridgeport had grown about per cent since Mir. Pon came here and which he ascribed to the in- huence of the theatre in a community. In referring to New Haven he said that that city was good place to live, First, because MT. PoH lived there and second because of its prox- imity to Bridgeport He facetiously remarked upon the many good things that came from Bridgeport and called attention to the fact that the very silver testimonial which had previous ly been presented by Governor ald- win had, been designed in Brid geport by Sculptor Paul Morris. His speech was considered by those present the best after-d dinner speech of the occa- sion, unless the oratorical effort of Robert B. Lee, son of the famous Confederate general, which was a mas terpiece and inspired the assemb1age to join in singing the Blue and the Gray and My Maryland is given pre- cedence from it's delivery.
 Probably the greatest pleasure in the breast of the honored host last night besides the fact that headed by Father Coyle, who invoked the blessing, a number of the clergy were present, those highest in theatrical circles and in whom he has come in contact during his career, both favor cred to honor him For B. F. Keith personal representative Samuel K Hodgdon came personally from Mir. Keith who is now upon his honey moon and rendered tribute as well as from B. F. Albee head of the great
 
 spoke or sent letters of congratulation were Philip Troup, editor of the New Haven Union, John Van Zano, apos- tolic delegate at Washington; Fred erick Schanberger, of the James L. Kernan company, of Baltimore; liar ry Cohen, of Springfield; Daniel Hart, of Wilkesbarre, Pa Frank Mullane, of New York; William Morris com pany, of Chicago; Ade1rno Vanni, of Wilkesbarre, Pa; Jesse L. Lasky, of New York: J. H. Mayer, editor of 'tThe Billboard"; Marcus Leow, the New York theatrical manager; the Knights of Columbus Club, by Eugene F. Farley, the president; Local No. 400. American Federation of Musicians, through A. D. Smith, of Hartford; R. G. Larsen, of Boston, Mass.
 The company was representative and included from Bridgeport, Hon. A. Mo Neil, F. C. Mullins, Paul w. Morris Dr. E. Hermann Arnold, B. T. Buck ingham, J. T. Hartigan, M. J. Jordon, R. V. Miller, James J. Ludlum, F. J. Abercrombie, William Redheld, Carl c. Reck, Alexander H. Robinson, Dad