Evening star., 1924-04-27
SATIRE HOLDS SWAY
AT GRIDIRON DINNER
Political Situation and Coming
Conventions Subject Of
Merry Skits.
NEW PRESIDENT INSTALLED
President and Distinguished Com.
pany Attend.

1t was to have been expected that
at the annual spring dinner of the
Gridiron Club at the New Willard
last night the club members, in their
acts, songs and their play upon
prominent men and national affairs.
would not overlook the Investigations
| by the Senate committees to suggest
themes for pertinent comment, and
so it fell out.
1t was a distinguished company as
sembled about the hospitable board
| of the club-the President of the
| United States. members of the cabi-
net, ambassadors of foreign nations.
senators, representatives and admin
istratiye officials of the government,
leaders in finance and industry from
out-of-town, as well as notable resi-
dents of Washington.
The decorations of the stately ban
quet hall breathed the breath of
spring. The brilliant lights reflected
from crystal and silver. There was
song and wit, repartee and jest, some
of it pungent, but all without sting
or malice There were words of wis
dom from eminent men, report of
which is debarred by the standing
rule of the club that at Gridiron din
ners Ladies are always present, re-
porters never"
After William E. Brigham of the
Boston Transcript, new president of
the club, had welcomed the guests
and the Gridiron Quartet had supple
mented the cordial greeting in song,
| the program of the evenings enter
tainment began promptly, furnished
by members of the club.
President InauGurated.
The new president Of the club, Mr..
Brigham, was then inaugurated. The
vehicle for the stunt introducing his
was the spectacle of two
members of the club engaging in a
noisy alteration. One of them was
protesting against the menu, exclaim-
| ing that it was an outrage to serve
pork and beans at Gridiron feast.
Guests could get them at home-and
probably do" it was said.
1t was explained that the presence
of this dish on the menu was a deli
cate tribute. A man from Boston was
to be inaugurated as president of the
club; a man late of Boston is Presi-
| dent of the United States and the
guest of honor, and another Bostonian
| is to be initiated as a new member.
"Oh, 1 protest" cried member
| There is too much Boston in this
| Inauguration"
| Better that, my friend than too
much Johnson" Then, turning to Mr.
Brigham the speaker demanded to
know the articles of his belief.
| IT believe in Calvin Coolidge, Henry
Cabot Lodge, John w. Weeks. Fred
erick Gillett, Frank w. Stearns
Billy Butler and the sacred cod. Yes
and in one other institution-the Bos-
ton Evening Transcript"
! Yes, just as thought. The White
| House and the Capitol and the Bos-
ton administration of the Gridiron
Club hang together"
| You bet, otherwise they Nigh,
| Fang separately.
| Articles of Faith.
There is something else in which
1 believe. I believe in respect TO,
and obedience to all law; in govern.
ment under the Constitution and in
the fine traditions and institutions OF
this, our country; / believe the gov
| ernment of the United States Is
sound; 1 believe in the probity and
integrity of its public servants, and
finally, I believe that now as in the
past and as it always will be, tha,
/ where stands the President of the
United States, there honor comes and
stands beside him."
so say we ALL" echoed the club.
The dinner was interrupted by an
indignant club member arising and
protesting that he had invited as
guests two congressman, but they
had been excluded by the secretary
Of the club and the executive COM
mittee.
How about this?" inquired Presi-
dent Brigham of Secretary ]. Harry
Cunningham.
Had Exceeded Quota.
"The gentleman exceeded his quota
of guests" explained the secretary
"and besides, one of his congressman
made threats
J II know they were in excess of my
quota but I understood there was a