The Irish standard., 1918-12-28

der the orders auspices.
It was an unusual occasion and
worthy of the attention paid to it in a
letter to William P. Larkin, director
of K. of C. Overseas Activities, written
by one of the guests, Sergeant Law
renee Leo Cassidy His letter, in part,
follows:
'sFouas. France, Nov. IS, 1918.
"My dear Brother Larkin:
'You will please pardon the pencil
but it is the only thing available just
now and am anxious to acquaint you
with, what l regard. as one of the
most magnificent endeavors made by
the order over here.
LAST night at the Hotel du Croi-
settle, one of the prominent hotels
here, one hundred twenty-five soldier
Knights sat down to banquet which
was one Of the best have attended in
many day. To those of us Who have
become hardened on a diet of corn
wooley and bareback, sitting down to
full course dinner was new and
thrilling experience. But it was not
the meal that particularly attracted
me, but rather the splendid good-fel-
lowship that effervesced in every cor
: ner of the crowded room.
Everyone seemed to feel at ease in
finding himself in the company of men
whom he could know and trust. And
when you reflect that this was the
first time that these men had gath
cred under these auspices for many a
: day, you can gain some idea Of the
general happiness that prevailed A
marine jazz band furnished the enter
tainment and the intervals between
courses were filled by singing in which
all joined heartily and happily.
There were three priests present
- and several officers, all of whom Joined
in the occasion with the same degree
of enthusiasm as did the humblest
private.
cat the conclusion Of the dinner, the
post prandial exercises We're conduct
ed under the direction of Mr.. Bromley,
- the head secretary, who incidentally,
is most popular and charming gen.
tleman. ! had the privilege and dis
tinction of making short address,
and don't think 1 ever again will eX-
perience the feelings that filled my
heart in talking to that audience.
eve concluded about eleven o'clock
a tired, but extremely happy lot, all
filled with the one hope, that soon we
would join again. Much credit is due
the secretaries for their work in con-
nection with the dinner, but think
especial credit is due Brother Alfred
J. Minous Of New Amsterdam Council,
who is in the service here.
"Just now I am in the X. of C. Club
House, and my only regret is that 1t
8 not twice its size. The library, in
which I am writing, is crowded to it's
capacity; while in the next room a
lumber are gathered around a Vic
'ther, but all happy. In third room,
which is used as pool and billiard
'arlor, the boys there are busily en-
aged, while outside, in the courtyard,
crowd is gathered around roaring
og fire. On table in each room
.here is q box of cigarets and box
f much-appreciated candy. The place
cozily fitted up and, while it is
ute cold outside, we are comfort
BILE here. Altogether 1t is place
gu may we'll point to with pride, and,
ersonally, am very proud to be
of the order-more now than
yer before, and have often regarded
as a very high distinction.
Il have many occasions to hear COM
tents of the boys as to the work be-
lg done and particularly by the order,
nd invariably, the opinion has been
LAT the X. of G. has done more than
share Of one thing, am now
ertain, the policy of not selling any
ling was a most wise and judicious'
le. We are free from criticisms and
te boys are made to feel that the club
their property while the secretaries
q only the custodians.
"In my enthusiasm, have bothered
~ longer than l intended, but
ought you would be interested i'm
'aring another chapter in the book
praise which must be written for
is magnificent work in which you
we been so important factor.
With best regards, am
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
(Signed),
-ug. Sgt. LAWRENCE LEO CAS-
SIDY,
Property Accounting Div,
&C. o. O., A. E. F., u. S. A., P. O..
I'LL"