Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1869-03-05
Last Day OF tho Press Association.

The Southern Press Association closed
its recent session at Mobile by paying O
grateful recognition of the hospitality oil
the Board of Trade of that city. We quote
from the Mobile papers
SATURDAY, February 20, 1869
The Convention met at one +. H., the mem
bers OF the Board Of Trade being present by in
vitation.
The President of the Convention rose and said
Mr.. President Of the Board Of Trade The
Convention over which I have the honor to pre-.
side desire NE to express their sincere thanks to
you, and through you to the members of the
the manifold and munifoent Kindness hospitality
and courtesy which We have received collectively
as we'll as individually. Nearly all of us came
can only say leave here adding another link in
the grateful memories OF our lives.
We recoliect the history of Mobile in time past
when she was justly styled the Queen Of the Gulf,
and no city stood higher for the lberality and
hospitality of her people, and the enterprise,
prosperity and energy of her merchants. We re-
collect in those dark and dreary days, where
naught save a fishing smack or government
steamer. carrying supplies to the garrison, ap
peared in your beautiful bay, save now and then
during the darkness of the night, when q ealthy
block tder would silently pass out carrying q few
those days We recollect, sir, how the people OF
Mobile banded together. and stood firm and
faithful to their brethren of the south.
On the excursion yesterday down this same
bag, we saw q portion of your merchant navy;
and even when lighted up By the battle-fres from
the fleet of the gallant Buchanan, the bay never
shone brighter than this occasion, being
lighted up with the bright eyes of Mobiles fair
daughters 1 an deputed to make you testimo.
NAL, and if we had presented you one in value
proportionate and in keeping with our feelings
and the hospitality which we have received, why,
sir, it would bankrupt the whole southern press.
Col Lamar here presented to Col. Woodruff q
pair OF handsome heavy silver goblets, contain
ing in the centre Goddess of Liberty in medal
lion, surrounded by wreath, They bore the
following inscription:
Presented TO TIE MOBILE BOARD OF TRADE
By the
Southern Press Association.
Mobile, Feb. 90. 1869.
Commercial Independence and the Freedom of
the Press.
In these signs We conquer.
Col. Woodruff, in receiving the goblets, thank
cd the President for the complimentary manner
In which he had spoken of Mobile and her peo-
pie, and the convention for the testimonials,
which will be retained by the Board of Trade as
q remembrance OF the meeting of the Southern
and the members of the Board of Trade and other
citizens the opportunity of making the acouaint-
ance of so large q number of the gentlemen of
the Southern Press. He asked that the Presi-
carry to their respective cities and their mer-
chants the highest regards and compliments of
the Mobile Board of Trade; and in conclusion
wished the members of the convention pleasant
and happy return home.
Both Cols. Lamar and Woodruff were heartily
cheered.
The convention then adjourned, having compile.
ted all the business brought before it, q