Page:The international cricket match.djvu/34

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16

DINNER TO THE ALL ENGLAND ELEVEN.

On Friday evening, October 7, a splendid dinner was given at the Astor House, to the All-England Eleven, by the St. George's Club. The banquet was in the Ladies' Ordinary, which was very tastefully fitted up, the flags of the St. George's Club being at the head of the room. Mr. R. Waller was in the chair, and was supported on his right and left by Messrs, G. Parr, J. Wisden, and others. Dr. Irving, of South Carolina, was one of the invited guests. Dodsworth's band furnished the music, and there was a capital Glee Club present, consisting of Mr. A. P. Peck, 1st tenor, Mr. J. Philips, 2d tenor, Mr. Thomas Price 1st, and Mr. George Lockhart 2d base; Mr George W. Colley presided at the Piano.

After the cloth was removed, Novello's non nobis Domine was sung.

The President opened the proceedings in a neat speech, in which he alluded to the fact that the Spartans were framed for outdoor games. Indeed, he believed that the noble and manly game of Cricket was traceable to these people. He, however would not now argue that point, but requested the company to fill to the first toast, which was

1. The noble and manly game of Cricket.

The toast was received with three times three, and the Band played "Rule Britannia," and the "Star Spangled Banner."

The President then stated that the Queen's health was received with enthusiasm, not only by Englishmen, but by Americans, for her exemplary conduct, as a wife and a mother. He gave—

2. The Queen—God Bless her.

Three times three and one cheer more greeted this sentiment, and the Glee Club sang "God Save the Queen," the whole company standing and joining in the chorus.

The President then said that this free and enlightened country demanded respect from all, whether aliens or citizens. He was sure therefore, that the company would do honor to their chief magistrate. He gave—

3. The President of the United States.