Evening star., 1941-03-28
White Leads Singing
AT Banquet for Lee,
Arch.Foe on Floor
Gov. O'Conor, Legislators
And Whiteford AMONG
500 Attending
BY BEN II. PEARSE,
Star Staff Correspondent.

ANNAPOLIS, March 28-The
phenomenon of House Floor Leader
John S. White of Prince Georges
County leading community singing
at a dinner in honor of Delegate
E. Brooke Lee of Montgomery Coun-
ty, with whom he has had several
floor battles within the past few
days. was witnessed last night by
nearly 500 persons. including Gov
O'Conor and most of the members of
the Legislature.
The occasion was the annual BAN
quet of the Takoma Park Demo-
cratic Club. which this year was
designated in honor of Just Dele
gate Lee, former Speaker of the
House, secretary of State, chairman
of the State Roads Commission and
one of the powers behind the re-
gime of the late Gov. Ritchie.
Since Monday night Mr.. Lee, who
has publicly announced he wished
to be Just a Delegate" at the ses-
sion, has taken the reins of the
House practically into his own hands
and led three floor fights without
administration backing, patronage
or prestige. in which Mr.. White,
leader of the administration floor
forces, suffered three distinct defeats.
The crowd at the dinner included
not only large contingent from
Takoma Park, come to do honor to
their county leader. but Gov.
O'Conor, Senator Arthur H. Brice
of Kent County, president of the
Senate: Speaker Thomas E. Conlon
of Baltimore, Attorney General
Walsh, the Prince Georges and
Montgomery County representatives
in the House and Senate and more
than score more from both Houses
in addition to Mr.. Lees home county
supporters.
F. Byrne Austin, secretary to the
late Representative Byron of the
sixth Maryland district, introduced
Roger Whiteford, who presented the
guest of honor a scroll, bearing the
signatures of several hundred friends
and fellow Democratic workers, with
a message of good wishes.
Mr. Austin also introduced J. Bond
Smith, Takoma Park party leader,
who told of the progress Montgom-
cry County had made under the
Lee regime, climaxed by presenta-
ton of a gold watch and chain to
Mr.. Lee. Mr.. Lee responded and
the Women'S Democratic Clubs of
the county presented a basket of
flowers to him and Mrs. Lee.
Stage Farewell Meeting"
After the dinner the guests
marched back to the Statehouse
where the Delegates staged their
annual farewell meeting"
Gifts-with short Speeches-were
presented to important committee
chairmen, the floor leaders, and the
speaker. Gov. O'Conor witnessed
the ceremonies.
Memorial certificates were be-
slowed upon the Delegates and desk
officers. The Delegates attended
a dance.
To Speaker Conlon the House
gave diamond set in his wedding
ring. Mrs. Conlon placed the ring
on her husbands finger.
Republican Floor Leader Dick was
given sugar and cream set by
Majority Floor Leader White.
Mr.. White, who received pen
and lamp set expressed hope for
tranquil" ending of the session.
Beaming, Delegate James B. Mon
roe, Republican. of Charles, pre-
Sented each of the five women
Delegates with their presents and
received kisses in return.
DR.. Horace E. Flack, head of the
department of legislative refer
ence, received a silver cocktail set.