Meeting of Ohio Society of Nations at the Waldorf Astoria

NO IMPERIALISM, SAYS MCKINLEY.

President Talks to Ohio Society of Nation's Enlarged Duties and Responsibilities.

GOLD STANDARD SECURE

Roosevelt, Woodruff and Governor Nash of Ohio Among Principal Speakers at the Big Banquet.

The Ohio Society held its annual dinner last night in the big banquet hall on the second floor of the Waldorf-Astoria, Manhattan. It was interesting for many reasons. The President of the United States sat in the place of honor, at the right of the president, Mr. M.J. Southard and the Governor of the State, Theodore Roosevelt, on the left. The Governor of Ohio, George K. Nash, and Lieutenant Governor Timothy L. Woodruff flanked them on either side, while beside them loomed Senator Mark A. Hanna and Cornelius N. Bliss. Other distinguished citizens at the guests' table included James E. Campbell, John K. Richards, Addison Brown, George B. Wilson, Levi P. Morton, Stephen B. Elkins, James H. Hoyt, General H.C. Corbin, H. Clay Evans, Charles Dick, John Barrett, Tunis G. Bergen, Julian T, Davies, Henry T, Towne, General Wagner Swayne, General Thomas H. Hubbard, The Rev. Edwin H. Kraus, James J. O'Gorman.

At the tables which covered almost the entire floor space of the banquet room, were several hundred guests, among them such representative man as R.C. Kerens,

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Daniel Appleton, William Brookfield, Brayton Ives,

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The feast was an elaborate one, perhaps the best the Waldorf-Astoria could put forth. It was enjoyed by full 500 men and was altogether a great night for New York and the society. It brought out a brilliant aggregation of women who filled the boxes and galleries and applauded the speakers whenever they touched a popular topic in their speeches. A reception that was undeniably cordial was given to President Southard when he arose to initiate the toasts of the night which swelled to an enthusiastic outburst when he called for every man to arise and lift his glass tin drinking the health of the President of the United States. After the toast was drunk there was a lout, long applause, which was silenced when the President's lips began to move. Not a word of his speech was lost. His declaration that the country was on a gold basis and committed to hard money moved his audience to the full limit of their enthusiasm. His reference to the war with Spain, the opening of new markets in the East for the country's commerce, the increase in pay of labor and the employment of more labor were all rewarded with warm applause. His emphatic utterance that the treaty with Spain could not be abrogated and bound us to the full measure of our fidelity, evoked an outburst that swelled to a deafening degree when he said plainly and forcibly, "We are not for imperialism: nobody wants it."

The rest of the President's speech was punctuated with applause and when he finished his hearers arose and cheered loudly for several minutes. The Ohioans had not expected more than a few sentences from the President, and his interesting declarations on the absorbing questions of the day were a source of pleasure, entertainment and profit to them.

Governor Nash of Ohio followed the President, and spoke on the Governors of Ohio. The warmth of the audience's attachment for their old home was unmistakably shown in the reception shown to the speaker. Governor Nash is by no means as interesting a speaker as the President, but his topic was interesting and his treatment of it was enjoyed to the fullest.

New York's identity was not lost in the great gathering of these men who came from Ohio. Genuine receptions were accorded both to Governor Roosevelt and to Lieutenant Governor Woodruff, both of whom made speeches and added greatly to the enjoyment of the night. Woodruff struck a most friendly home and found in it many a man who, from the general applause, feels kindly to the Lieutenant Governors vice presidential boom. He spoke before the Governor and made a decidedly excellent impression. He was liberally applauded at its close.

President Southard Initiates the Speechmaking.

After the cigars were lighted Mr. M. L. Southard, president of the society, arose and said:

"We are fortunate, gentlemen, in having with us this evening, as our guest of honor, the President of the United States. We honor him as the chief executive of the nation, as a native Ohioan, and for his genial character and great achievements.

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