The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1882-06-14
MISSISSIPPI PRESS CONVEN-
TION.
Address of Maj. R. Walpole Presi-
dent.


Members Of the Mississippi Press association
l am much gratifed to greet you, one and all,
at this our 18th annual meeting and re union
and while we have had our misfortunes as in-
dividuals since last we met together, while
our State has been vexed with disasters in the
shape of food and tempests, yet we meet to-
dav under favorable auspices. The skies look
down kindly upon us-the lands which no man
could see some weeks ago, are now in SPLEEN
did cultivation and promising an abundant
harvest, and the hearts of our people are
gladdened at the sight. am pleased to see so
many of the brotherhood present, as this is
probably the largest meeting ever held since
our organization came into existence-in 1860.
This is an evidence that our members are
taking the proper interest in the Association,
and realize the great good which has been al
ready accomplished by the annual mingling
together of the editors and publishers of the
State. Another pleasing feature of the meet
ing is, the presence of so many lady members
of the Association. The interest taken by he
fair daughters of our State in the success of
the Press-the Power, as has been said, that
greases the axle of every noble industry
breathes life and activity into every worthy
enterprise, and sets the wheels of every gen.
erous endeavor in motion, and keeps them re-
vOlving with constantly accelerating speed
can but animate and encourage those of us
who stand as sentinels on the watchtower,
ready, at the least opproach of danger, TO
tense of their rights and liberties. The pres
ence of these fair ones proves that our omen
are not inferior to our men, but that they are
capable of welding the pen and the needle
with equal facility. We welcome them with
feelings of sincere pleasure, and with right
loyal hearts, assuring them, meanwhile, that
their smiles and fair faces add greatly 10 the
pleasure of our yearly gatherings. May we
always be found in such goodly company.
THE PLACE OF MEETING.
We are proud to-day to meet with the peo-
pie of Natchez, place of historic interest and
always noted as being the home of brave
ehivalric men, and lovely, refined and cultured
paper was established in the south-west-it
was here that Prentiss that favorite child of
genius, first flashed his maiden sword as a
young advocate. and it is near this very spot
that he is sleeping his last sleep, and it was
here that Qaitman lived, whose flag was the
first, as one of his biographers states, that
waved over the Mexican capital. He, too, |
sleeps not far from here-and it was here that |
the first Territorial government was organ
lied, and it is here that lives in all the activi
ty OF vigorous existence, thriving factories |
and other industries that mark an age so pro- |
gressive as the present. The cordial manner
in which we have been received and enter /
tanned since here we have been is duly appre-
ciated, aud to the citizens of Natchez we
would say in acknowledgements of your flow
-
kind friends, are written in book, where
every day we will turn the leaf to read them.p
The kindness shown us to-day falls upon
grateful hearts, and we take it not so much as
! compliment to ourselves. but as q recogni-
ion of the services the Press CT the State has
rendered in the promulgation Of correct prin-
,iples and the fostering and building up of all
loble enterprises
To the gentlemanly conductors of the Press L
i Natchez we are under deep obligations for
Il II
beautiful citV as pleasant as may be. Wewill
AIRY to oar distant homes agreeable recollec-
ions Of their many kindnesses, and at the
mention Of their names our eyes will turn
ondly TO NateheZ-the scene of their noble
.fforts in behalf Of everything deemed honera-
lie in the sight of honest men.
WHAT GOOD HAs BEES ACCOMPLISHED BY THE
ASSOCIATION.
Seventeen years ago, at the capital of our
state, believe, this Association was organ
zed and probably as many as twenty members, !,
tut now look at it. Every meeting adds to J
ur membership, until il has grown from an
nfant, as 1t were, to full grown man; and !
ere wish to say something of the good 1t |
las accomplished during these years. We all !
ecognize the fact that the coming together
unualty of the editors and publishers of the
itate, brings about kindlier feeling and q
eeper brotherly love, might add, one for the
ther, than would otherwise be the case. The :
AAAEAAHE k1SckuSE lUE q lew ua3St EACn year.
ives us better idea and opinion of each !
Their, which is remembered when we return to (
ur homes and engage again in business.
to elevate the tone of the Press, and !
aeps down that yitupeTation and abuse 50 !;
ommon among the journalists Of our State in !
avs agone. The members Of this Association ! :
emember how often the Code as it is term
d, was resorted to by editors in Mississippi 7
reyi0us to the WarAhoW effen one journalist Z
for some faneied wrongl with weapon in hand. !
Tould invite his brother of the same profession
. meet him across the river from Ticksburg !
UGH state Of things does not exist at the :
resent time, and why because Of that fine .
tate Of feeling which prevails among the 1
lembers Of this body, brought about, I ciaim, T
trough the influence Of this organization. :
no other good had been accomplished By !
together in these pleasant re- i
Mons annually, this Is sufficient and should /
acourags us to keep fhem up. see another :
reat good derived from our Association: Wei
old cur meetings annually st different points !.
y this means We become generally acquain- :,
d with the people IN various sections Of the i
tate. and hence known better their condition 4
nd necessities, thus being enabled 70 serTe /;
lem more probably. i
HusIsEss MATHIS. IS
In this address I DO not propose to suggest q