Evening capital news. (Boise, Idaho) 1901-1927, 1916-01-17
INSULT OFFERED
THE COvERNORAT
CLUB LUNCHEON
Offending Remarks by F. R.
Coffin Mar the Surprise
Luncheon Given in Honor
of Governor Hawley.

The birthday luncheon given in hon.
or of Ex-Governor James H. Hawley
at the Boise Commercial club today
was a largely attended and successful
affair, in spite of an unfortunate Incl
dent which marred the program to a
great extent Frank r. Coffin, the
first speaker, who was called upon to
speak of Governor Hawley's pioneer
life in Idaho offered what was con-
sidered by the guests at the luncheon
as a deliberate insult to Governor
Alexander.
Mr.. Coffin did not mention the name
of Governor Alexander, but his allu-
sion was so plain that none misunder-
stood the intention of the speaker.
Among other remarks which were con-
strued as referring to Governor Alex
ander was one in which he said that
Governor Hawley did not parade
about the state speaking from pulpits
and masquerading as reformer."
Hurried Change of Program.
The remarks were applauded by
few but were received in silence by
majority of the guests. Governor
Alexander withdrew from the room as
soon as the speaking program was
concluded. II had been intended to
cal on him to speak, but the Coffin
incident necessitated a change of pro-
gram.
Expressions of regret that such a
breach of common courtesy should
have occurred were heard on all sides
after the luncheon, even the most Bit
ter enemies of the governor declaring
that it was regrettable that what was
intended to be a happy occasion
should have been spoiled by one mans
action. The yelled attack was consid-
cred as especially uncaled for in view
of the fact that the luncheon was Civ
en- in honor of Governor Hawley be-
cause of the fact that during the past
year he had been designated by Gov
ernor Alexander as Idahos most dis
tuguished citizen.
Governor Hawley Surprised.
The luncheon was a complete sur
prise to Governor Hawley. 1t was ar
ranged by Secretary Childs in honor of
his sixty ninth birthday anniversary,
who had quietly notified members of
the club, so far as possible of the
plans He notified Governor Hawley
that a luncheon was to he held and
that he would be expected to deliver
an address, but had no idea that the
event was to be in his honor. The
dining room of the club was filled and
when. to his great surprise, Cover
nor Hawley was escorted to the seat
of honor. the guests arose and APP
plauded fully five minutes, much to
the surprise of the former chief execu-
tive.
II. j. McGirr president of the club
presided and called on Frank r. COT
fin as the first speaker. Following his
remarks Karl Paine a loyal friend OF
Mr.. Hawley, spoke briefly on his abil-
ity as a lawyer, his faithfulness to his
clients and his fairness as member
OF the bar and how through his oWr
individual effort he had grown from 9
young lawyer in Idaho City to one Of
the prominent members of the ban
whose ability was recognized. not only
throughout the northwest, but by at
torneys throughout the nation. lie
said one of the best qualities of Mr.
Huwley was that he was good loser
Judge William NJ Morgan of the SUI
preme court paid a glowing tribute tt
the former governor, stating that hi:
designation as "Idaho's most distin
ruished citizcn," at the hands o
Governor Alexander met the approva
Of the entire citizenship of Idaho al
he had long been known and men
toned as one of the foremost citizens
Of the state and he declared that II