Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquets.
too , and happy you are if you can detect your return ticket for a speedy return to your happy home . I have been at many a banquet where not a single voice was heard save that of the toaster , nor a single song . As for music in general , that modern musical monopoly , the piano , had either been transformed
into a sideboard or was conspicuous by its absence . I recollect one occasion ; one of those antediluvian " grands " had been so barricaded by broken bottles , plates , dishes , broken victuals and all witnesses of a glorious repast , that it formed a mighty fort and took [ considerable time to storm , and when this stronghold was successfully scaled at
last , behold , there were not sufficient strings to play a scale on . At the time of which I am speaking our lodge mustered in rather strong force . We had come a good many miles , in an open conveyance . It was a cold , rainy , dreary day . Having spent some considerable time in work , we had expected to find some substantial
hot repast , dressed in good old English style . How much were we surprised and disappointed Avhen the " Banquet " turned out a cold collation , for which , coolly , the modest sum of six shillings—waiter included—was demanded . Having partaken of the meal , we said grace , and , as good brethren , had graciously to be silent on thus having been taken in .
I fully recollect the room— " Methinks I see it now "—in which we were crammed together . A platform had been improvised from some empty casks and boxes for the greater lights , who had to balance the more solid part of their body on cane-bottomed chairs , and had to keep their legs in an unalterable stoical position ; the least
movement of even one of them would have precipitated half-a-dozen W . Ms , and P . Ms , in the chasm below , with a piece of cold shoulder of mutton stuck in their throats . It is but natural and pardonable , even for a brother , to suppose that such and similar " banquets , " such accommodations and all those
necessary high-priced " trimmings " are by far more calculated for the profit of our Avorthy " host " than for the benefit of a brother ' s pocket . Proceedings like these are immensely instrumental in scattering brethren , who have conscientiously attended work , to form themselves into small parties aud groups , and to look out for some
neighbouring inn or hotel Avhere they may be reasonably accommodated and more justly receive that comfort and those refreshments which are more corresponding to their tastes , Avants , and means . Such proceedings , as they are not uncommon , ultimately bring our " banquets " into disrepute and are the cause often of extinguishing a most essential and otherwise most enjoyable part of our celebrations and excellent gatherings . Whether brethren are poor or rich has nothing
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Banquets.
too , and happy you are if you can detect your return ticket for a speedy return to your happy home . I have been at many a banquet where not a single voice was heard save that of the toaster , nor a single song . As for music in general , that modern musical monopoly , the piano , had either been transformed
into a sideboard or was conspicuous by its absence . I recollect one occasion ; one of those antediluvian " grands " had been so barricaded by broken bottles , plates , dishes , broken victuals and all witnesses of a glorious repast , that it formed a mighty fort and took [ considerable time to storm , and when this stronghold was successfully scaled at
last , behold , there were not sufficient strings to play a scale on . At the time of which I am speaking our lodge mustered in rather strong force . We had come a good many miles , in an open conveyance . It was a cold , rainy , dreary day . Having spent some considerable time in work , we had expected to find some substantial
hot repast , dressed in good old English style . How much were we surprised and disappointed Avhen the " Banquet " turned out a cold collation , for which , coolly , the modest sum of six shillings—waiter included—was demanded . Having partaken of the meal , we said grace , and , as good brethren , had graciously to be silent on thus having been taken in .
I fully recollect the room— " Methinks I see it now "—in which we were crammed together . A platform had been improvised from some empty casks and boxes for the greater lights , who had to balance the more solid part of their body on cane-bottomed chairs , and had to keep their legs in an unalterable stoical position ; the least
movement of even one of them would have precipitated half-a-dozen W . Ms , and P . Ms , in the chasm below , with a piece of cold shoulder of mutton stuck in their throats . It is but natural and pardonable , even for a brother , to suppose that such and similar " banquets , " such accommodations and all those
necessary high-priced " trimmings " are by far more calculated for the profit of our Avorthy " host " than for the benefit of a brother ' s pocket . Proceedings like these are immensely instrumental in scattering brethren , who have conscientiously attended work , to form themselves into small parties aud groups , and to look out for some
neighbouring inn or hotel Avhere they may be reasonably accommodated and more justly receive that comfort and those refreshments which are more corresponding to their tastes , Avants , and means . Such proceedings , as they are not uncommon , ultimately bring our " banquets " into disrepute and are the cause often of extinguishing a most essential and otherwise most enjoyable part of our celebrations and excellent gatherings . Whether brethren are poor or rich has nothing