The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-11-11
GOVERNOR AND EIGHT MAYORS
 HONOR MR. POLL
Silver Tablet Presented to Great Magnate of Theatres
 By States Head.
Mullins and Mayor Wilson Ex- change Laudatory COmpli-
 ments to Cheering.
Rv orr stan correspondent.l

New Haven, Nov Hone of the most comprehensive, startling and deep-rooted tributes ever paid to theatrical naagnate in this country was rendered Sylvester z. Poli, of this city, at the Hotel Taft last night, when in honor of his silver anniversary as a snowman and theatre manager a hand some silver tablet was presented to him by Governor Simeon B. Baldwin in behalf of a committee representing the most fIlustrious politicians, journalists and theatrical producers of this coun- try.
 Not only was the governor there in person, but eight mayors represent ing four states in the union and an equal number of congressman, jour naIists and others high in command of stagedom openly testified to the qualities of the man who through pers severance has succeeded in estab- fishing a large chain of theatres bear ing his name and in popularizing the drama throughout the land. Over twenty representatives travelled from Bridgeport to occupy two large tables in the dining room of the Taft and Mayor Clifford B. Wilson in a stirring after-dinner speech, said to be the best ever made, spread not only the name of Poi broadcast but also the fame of Bridgeport which he most hu- morously pictured in reality as being the backbone of New England The gathering was most propitious in that for the first time and under most em- barrassing circumstances, it brought the real friendship between the de feated candidate for mayorality hon ors and the successful one to light, in public.
 The banquet, which was scheduled to begin at o'clock, was somewhat delayed by the arrival of two special trains bearing guests from Washing ton, Baltimore and New York. The entire rnezzanine floor of the Taft as well as the banquet hall and ball. room on the top floor were required to hold the guests, numbering over 450 who had gathered for the occa- sion.
 The function opened with a recep- tion to MT. Poli in the palm-room. Attended by Rev. John D. presented to MT. Poli, Governor Bald win and Mayor F. J. Rice, of New Ha- ven.
 The scene in the gold and white banquet hall, which had been fitted for the occasion by a monster speakers ta- ble the entire length of the room and fronted by a myriad of smaller ta- bIes, cannot be expressed other than by the word magnificent. In the gall 1ery was fitted a spotlight banked by palms, below which Mrs. Pol and her two daughters were seated to witness the ovation to the head of the family. At one end of the hall a large stage had been built and with an orchestra to furnish music during the evening, a continuous vaudeville performance was rendered by artists sent from New York and local theatres specially for the occasion.
 The following menu was served: W (COcktails)
 Grapefruit Cocktail Celery Olives Radishes
 
 (Sauternes)
 Aiguilette of Soles, Manhattan style
 Potato Duchesse
 CBordeaux)
 Outlets of Sweetbreads, St. Cloud
 Puree of Fresh Green Peas Roast French Partridge au Cresson
 Lettuce Salad
 G. H. Munm's)
 Fancy Ice Cream
 (Kristaly)
 Fromages
 Crackers
 Coffee
 At the conclusion of the feast, Coi. I. M. Ullmann, who P been ap- pointed toast-master arose and after reviewing the life of MT. Poli with its difficulties, perseverance and ulti- mate success introduced the speaker of the evening, Governor Baldwin,