The Osceola times., 1883-05-19


stage, the word " "WELcoME,n meant
precisely what it expressed. On the
right of the stage, on the wall, sur
rounded by scroll of evergreen and
flowers appeared, The pen is might
ier than the sword;" opposite ON the
left, g Welcome, knights of the PEN"
by which and sundry other manifes-
tations the Pencil pushers were Civ
en to understand that they were wei
come, and to feel "to hum"
On the next day, Thursday, the
Opera house was rendered the Asso-
citation for their use, in order to give
the committee of ladies time to pre-
pare the Hall for "A grand reception
ball and banquet, which we will re-
fer to further ON. Throughout the
day lively, and at times, n rather
turbulent discussion was elected by
the reading OF paper by Mr.. Geo.
Russ Brown, on the subject of "The
Legislature, and the printing bill,
which permits the work to be done
outside of the state" There were
so many new members, fresh in the
business, who were eager to be heard
~ behalf Of the injured monopoliz-
ing press OF Little Rock, that the
old members who were in the har-
ness long before the organization of
the Arkansas Press Association, had
to content themselves In competing
with brother Simpkins, the colored
editor of the Little Rock Mansion,
in seconding all motions and resolu-
tions, 1t was nip and tuck between
them, as the President seemed to
have one eye specially fixed on him,
which gave him somewhat the ad-
vantage in receiving recognition.
Senator Brown, of Georgia, Con-
gresham Reagan, of Texas, and
Judge Cohroth, of Indiana, visiting
at the Springs, were invited to seats
in the convention and each address
ed the Arkansas editors in the order
named. Senator Browns eulogy on
the newspapers seemed so well-timed
and appropriate that we make the
following extract:
Arkansas has long since taken
an important position in our national
councils. The men you have sent
there to represent you have stepped
to the front and have reflected honor
upon you. 1t has been my pleasure
to know some Of them as personal
friends, and but speak general
sentiment when ! say your state is
held in high esteem. To you, as
editors, is due a large portion of cred
it for your prosperity. What would
state be without press-a an intel
ligcnt, enterprising press? Yours is
a great work. You must develop
the varied interests of your country,
morally, religiously; It's agricultural,
mineral and other features. We look
to you for all great matters of infor-
nation, Formerly people relied
upon the rostrum-thc orators of the
country. Bpt now we look to the
press. People don't go TO public
gatherings to be informed lay public
discussion. We read the papers at
home, by our fresides, and there get
our information. The Arkansas press
has done much to enlighton, elevate
and develop public opinion. Go on,
Yours is u noble work, Yes, go on.
Thursday evening the grand ball
and banquet, before mentioned, came
off at Castle Park Hall. The wealth,
the beauty and the chivalry of the
world noted Bethesda of America
were there assembled to do honor to
the Arkansas press. Dancing, ban
quoting and merry-making was the
order Of the evening, aud that in a
style of grandeur which bespoke
the libera!ity and whole-souled gen
erosity of the good people of Hot
Springs,
Friday, was devoted to reading
papers, essays, adopting resolutions
and the election of officers for the
ensuing year, The following are the
new officers elected! President, f.
A. Warren; First Vice President, G..
{. Colburn; 2nd. Vice President, r
c. Mays; Bird. Vice President, j. 5.
Thomas; Secretary, J. X. Bcttis;
Treasurer, Il. j. Hicks. Il. II. Ben
nett was chosen orator, and &. s.
Blackburn, poet. The Executive
Committee was appointed hy the
President and is as followsi Leon
Roussan, w. w. Folsom, 4. G.. Low
ry, w. A. Webber and j. II. New
man.
Col. w. A. Wehher, the popular
ex-secretary of the association, was
unanimously reelected, and declin-
ing the office, was unanimously re-
quested to reconsider and withdraw
his declination, which he declared
he could not do on account of other ,
pressing business engagements. Col. |
Webher is d whole team and is held |
in high esteem by the entire frater-
nitv,
Many important matters of gem
eral nature, as well as personal men,
tons are not alluded to, and which |
Justly merit recognition, but want
space forbid atpresent, Altogether,
the meeting was pleasant and har-
and its deliberations. we