Show THE PRESS BANQUET ilajor Erb Entertains Reurceentctlves of the Local Papers All important events should be inaugurated inaugu-rated with due ceremony The breaking of ground for great railroad lines the laying lay-ing of corner stones for public buildings the launching of ship have become almost chestnuts in the observance It is proper to no6 that thus early in the new year the well known host of that famous hostlery the Walker house has made a new departure in the manner of conducting the cuisine and brought this feature more prominently to the front A short time ago Major Erb decided upon up-on an innovation which was nothing less than the converting of the reading room of the Walker house into an elegant cafe The genial gentleman also decided to inaugurate in-augurate the opening of this pleasant feature fea-ture by entertaining a fnw of the representatives represen-tatives of the local press at a banquet which was given last evening The guests found the rooms fairly transformed trans-formed by the addition of tapestries flowers flow-ers snowy linen and all that goes to makeup make-up an attractive dining ball The tables wero spread across the room at the east end and shortly before b Oclock the moulders of public opinion gathered around it with the Major ot the head Then followed a banquet fit for the gods which came on m nine courses to the cheery pop of champaigne corks These invited were G C Cline R J Jessup Eleanor GrouchYoung unavoidably unavoid-ably absent of the Tnbune J E Hanson and D J Brown of the ficws A B Grea son and W S Wills ot the Time E G Ivins J R Letcner and Sara Rodgers Sloan who was compelled to leave early of TUB HERALD At the end of the repast the Havanas wore passed around and speech making ton limited extent was indulged in The first toast offered was Our host and to this Mr Ivins of TIIE RECALL J responded in terms most appreciative and elegant Mr Cline of the Tribune answered to The formations before us in a purely geological strain following the dips angles and spurs of the menu with the maizy skill of an expert under crossexamination Mr Browne of the JYeics discharged I his duty with a grace that would have done credit to Chauncy Depew and introduced his colleague Mr Hanson who responded to the sentiment Our calling call-ing Mr Greason of the Times closed the round of the papers by a reference to the fact that nothing was out of joint The absent ones were remembered by Mr Letcher of Tim HERALD who noted with regret the turned glasses and inclined chairs at the places intended for the lady representatives as well as of the old boys who would have been with them but for the early hour at which the banquet was held Tne last toast Good Night was drank standing and with a cordial farewell the company dispersed The following was time menu son Pi Consomme Royal Cream ol Asparagus nov Quenelles FISH Boiled Salmon a la Hollandaise Boiled SpanIsh Span-ish Mackerel Maitre dHotel Pommes Croquettes UELE7E Petits Bouchees a la Heine ENTREES Chicken Saute Marenso Croquettes of Spusuetii a la Romaine Apple Charlotte Ceieatine ROASTS Prime Rib of Beef au Jus Stuffed Turkey Cranberry Sauce COLD MEATS Corned Beef Ham Beef Tongue VEGE tABLES Mashed Potatoes Baked Sweet Potatoes Spinach with Eggs Stewed Celery a la Cream < DEsSnr Cocoanut Puddin Apple Pie Mince Pie Vanilla Ice Cieam Assorted Cekes Tea Milk Coffee |