Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1873-12-25
RIPLEY, MISSISSIPPI.
Presentation Of a Gold watch 10 Rail-
road superintendent Robson
Speech Of President Eaikuer.

From a Special Correspondent
RIPLEY, Miss. December 20. IS73.-It was my
pleasure on Thursday to witness a very pleas
ant transaction at this place. which was the
presentation OF splendid gold watch 10 Ma
lOr 7. b. Robson, general superintendent OF the
Ripley railroad company. A large crowd Of
citizens had assembled in front OF the court-
house when Colonel Falkner, president OF Jne
company, took his stand in the
porticO and spoke in substance as follows:
"Gentlemen-I, as the president of the Ripley
r dlrOad company, have felt 1t to be ny duty
to guard its interests, and at all times
keep vigilant eye on the employees. While
doing this, have discovered that Major Rob
son, the superintendent, has been gambling
larLely. He has played deep and successful
game. Here Major Robson blushed and
shook his head.l MaiOr Robson has not only
gambled, but he has played the mo 1 success
ful game. It has always been the case that
honesty, energy and industry would win the
hearts of business men, and that kindness
and courtesy would win the affections Of the
people, Major Robson has played the game
10 perfection, and has succeeded IN winning
the hearts Of this community. Major Robson,
you have demonstrated the truth OF those
lines written by Pope:
Honor or shame from no conditions rise;
Act well your part. there all the honor lies
You have shown that honor may be
won by a man occupying subordinate posi-
ton. You have always come % time while
operating the Ripley railroad. You nave a.
ways come to time when hard work was to be
done. The wheels OF time viii run on and
wa [ for no man. Time should be measured,
and in order to do this, it is necessary TO have
10 measure it with" Here the colo
mel drew from his pocket a splendid gold
watch, which to this mOmend Mr.. Robson had
never seen. He was totally ignorant of the
object of the meeting.l 81 have the honor,
MAJOR" continued the colonel, Ito pre-
sent you this beautiful timepiece,
purchased for you by the merchants
OF Ripley for your energy, courtesy, kindness
and efficiency as a railroad manager" The
following inScri ptiOn appears on the inside Of
the case: "Presented TO p. b. Robson, general
manager of Ripley railIOad, by Colonel Falk-
ner, president of the company, and the mer-
chants of Ripley, tOr-his efficiency as rail-
road manager Major RobsOns reply was
short, modest and dignided: "Gentlemen,
while managing the Ripley railroad have
no language is strong enough to convey an
idea of the qualification which
feel at this generous manlfes-
tstion of approval fIOm the people here.
ness they have bestowed upon me while labor
ing among them. prize this beautiful time
piece more on account OF the sentiments
which companied its presentation, than for
its intrinsic value, and shall always endeavOr
to discharge my duty so as TO retain their con-
neT, to thank the merchants Of Ripley" The
major retired amid the shouts o the crowd,
and soon the whistle sounded the signal to
start 10 Middleton. An immense quantity Of
business is transacted here, which reminds
us Of the appearance OF the bluff at Memphis
in days OF yore, when hundreds of wagons,
loaded with cotton, were to be seen crOWd1ng
the streets. The narrOw-gauge road has
wakened up the people, and every body seems
busy. About two hundred bales change hands
daily here, while the railroad is doing good
0''----' - - '''' - aRAMBLER."