The Washington herald., 1914-01-04
MASONS ENJOY
MERRY evening
Enjoyable Time Had. by
Association Of Worship
full Masters.
LOCAL TALENT" SCORES
Speeches, Songs, Toasts, and Jess
Combine to Make Event
Memorable One.
An enjoyable time was had.

quet given last night by the Association
of Worshipful Masters F. A. A. NJ, of
the District of Columbia in honor of
their successors. to the grand master and
junior past grand master of Masons of
the District. and to the lecturer and
committee on work and lectures Of the
Districts Grand Lodge, at the Metro
politan Hotel, promised 'the boys" that
the above is what he would say in this
mornings Washington Herald. Being a
man of his word. the reporter, at the
risk of his reputation and position (both
he values very highly has started this
story with the otherwise absolutely
tabooed words.
First, the banqueters. being truly mod
est Masons, insisted that this be all that
should be said about the occasion. The
scribe, however. could not see IT that
way at ALL so here goes.
Occssion Is Noteworthy.
1t was the most successful AFFAIR of its
kind ever held i'm the National Capital.
''Nuff said along that score.
But il also was the funniest and at the
same time the most artistic and tasteful
affair ever recorded in the annals of Dis
trict Masonry. And only Masons know
just what that means.
II those who sat about the festively
decorated table in the banquet hall of
the Metropolitan Hotel last night
throughout the rest of this year laugh
only a hundredth part of the one great
big continual laugh they laughed last
night, they will laugh themselves into
laughing death.
Members of the Association of Worship
full Masters always have had a pretty
good rep for being naturally witty and
humorously inclined. The local talent
L. 1lGf
nights entertainment, however, the
witty speeches and the funny-yes. really
funny-stories told during and after the
twelve-course banquet, have inscribed
their names forever in the long and large
book that contains the records OF Ma
sonry's social events in Washington.
But not all was jest There were some
speeches that brought to the hearts of
the listeners a significant and earnest
message, though interspersed by sparks
of humor. Throughout the evening there
reigned supreme within that banquet all
the great and immortal spirit of Masonry
that thrills the soul of all the free,
the spirit that made the Masonic order
the world-embracing organization that 1t
is today.
About so members and friends of the
association were present Each took
home with him an artistic souvenir pro-
gram containing the menu-which, Incl
dentally was one that would have done
credit to the taste of a Lucullus-the en-
tertainment numbers and the songs OF
the evening.
Past Master Fred NJ. Book was the
toastmaster. Suffice it to report the
unanimous verdict of the banqueters TO
the effect that Mr.. Book is some"
toastmaster-with a long drawn ac-
cent on the some"
The banquet opened with a silent
"in requiem toast" for Past Master
John L. Painter. Then came a song
solo by Past Master Milton j. Fillius,
whose melodious voice and impressive
rendition led to a unanimous encore
"sunragette" Enters.
And then the fun began 1t began
with militant flavor
Bang-a thunderous blow upon the
banquet door: rush for the self-same
door by a handful Of brave men, pre-
pared to face anything. What they did
face was worse-'twas a suffrasist, and
militant one at that
Carrying a banner with the Votes for
Women legend, the intruder strenuous
ly demanded admission and the floor. |
After the protests that first arose were |
quieted down, the question was put to |
a vote and finally the banqueters, all
being advocates Oh square utdl, COIl- |
sented to admit her.
She wanted to make her plea for the |
poor, victimized female of the species"
and suppressed long enough. |
There followed a vigorous protest by the |
chairman. owing to a truly militant |
piece of eloquence, the sunragist finally |
gained the floor and silence.
However, instead of bringing the we'll |
known message of the militants in sup |
port of their cause" the newcomer told |
a sad story. the story of poor, un- |
fortunate wife, cruelty deserted by her
when she came to the end \
of her pathetic tale. the listeners shed |
tears. CWho said, of laughter?') Then |
the "suffragette.' who was 50 cleverly |
by Miss Viola Schippert |
suddenly recognized her husband. 1t
was Bert Wolfe who she now approached |
gently, asking him if he would hear once |
more the songs they used to sing in
days gone by"
Two well-rendered solos by Miss
Nippert, who was accompanied by Mrs.
j. Harry Cunningham. followed, and
were enthusiastically applauded.
Grand Master T. John Newton then
delivered an address outlining the
work ana ideals of the association.
H. Anglin appeared zen route"
disguised as a tramp, and told hard
luck story" As a test of his member
shiE in the order he was called upon
to tell funny stories. These not being
funny enough, he suddenly appeared in
evening dress and made an eloquent
speech.
Charles f. Baldwin, past grand master,
promised his successor the cooperation
Of the members during the ensuing year.
Charles D. Shackelford, worshipful mas
ter, earned much applause for some clever
scenes" while Rufus w. Pearson con-
graduated the incoming officers and /
then were told by ]. Claude KEEPER, past
grand master
Mr.. KEEPER was presented with a VIC
trola and china closet, Past Master Bert !
V. Wolfe making the presentation speech.
Cartoons Are shown.
One of the most attractive features was
the showing of stereopticon cartoons OF
the various members. This number was
given by ]. Harry Cunningham and Col.
hit with some original poetry, the follow
ing bling an extract from one which
brought especially loud applause:
They link the love that Masonry /
Entwinsd around the rushing world
And bring back mystic memory
As bright meteors flashing and hurled.
Where, at the altar. once we knelt Il
And swore to be as pure and true
As any heart that felt
The sunshine and the morning dew!
Italy Raises Duty on Tobacco.