Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-03-07
LOCAL MATTERS.


For the Middle Atlantic States party
cloudy weather with local rains or SHOWS
follow, d gel orally during Sunday by fair
weather, variable winds, generally Wester-
ly, in southern portions, slightly warmer In
extreme northern portions, nearly stationa
ry temperature in remaining portions of the
district, aud lower barometer.
PREsESTATIoN.-Atn noon TO day Hon.
John s. Barbour was the recipient of a cost.
~ and very handsome gold watch aud chain
gift from the employees of the Virginia
Midland Railway Company in token OF
their esteem and love for the late President
vi the road. The ceremony took place al
the Railroad Office King street and was
witnessed by large company who mani
tested deep interest ia the proceedings. The
presentation address was made by Mr.. Jonas
Fisher who said:
Gentlemen, officers and employees of the
Virginia Midland Railway Company: You
have been cslled together by common con
sent TO do honor TO our worthy retired
President, the Hou. John 5. Barbour, whose
uniform kind and courteous attention dur
ing the ihirty-three years of his Official
career won for him the high esteem and
personal regard Of all, and with this con.
sderation We heartily join in bearing testi
mony Of our sincerity, and by your direc.
tons, US chairman of the committee,
present to you, Mr.. Barbour, this watch,
chain and seal, together with the accom-
panying memorial, which will express more
fully the sentiment of the donors, and will
now BIZ read by Col Reid, one of the com
mittee.
Col l.. w. Reid then read the following
The employees of the Virginia Midland
Railway Company, of every rank and con
diton, from tho humblest laborer to the
most important member Of the staff with
one voice and by common consent, thus unite
to express their hearty goodwill toward the
Hon. John ). Barbour, and in fitting words
10 tell their ;SorrCV that.ae hss esignea the
Office OF President of their road.
In this infancy of the company he was
placed at its head aud controlled Its desti-
lies Tor over thirty three years. He found
it scarcely reaching beyond the corporate
limits of Alexandria wa9ing doubtful
struggle for existence. He leaves it with
four hundred and eleven miles of completed
Railway spanning the State and vilalzng
its midland belt. The feeble plant which
was confded TO the nurturng energy of his
youth developed with his maturing years
until the industries of Commonwealth are
gsrnertd to its mighty stem and far reach
ing branches.
His lireess vigilance preserved it from,
lhs devastation of war, and his hopeful fore
thought upheld it amidst the despair of re.
turning peace. The outlook was never Sc
gloomy that he did not foretel better day
and be planned the extensions of the road
during the darkest period OF financial de
preston.
For whole generation, during every VI
cisstude Of sf,rtuEe, under each changing
name, with Successive owners and differing
management, the great interests of the
Company have been under his control; he
has been the faithful custodian of millions,
and with one accord he has ever been kent
al the helm. Greater tribute cannot be
paid, and his character needs no other Ell
logy.
Such the man, under whom it has been
an honor TO serve, and in whose success his
employees proudly claim a share.
As President be was strict to enforce dis.
cplDe, yet be so tempered justice that the
voice of the judge was ever softened by the
heart of the advocate.
While prompt to require obedience, the
feelings of his subordinates were never
wounded by unnecessary word or deed
and from their official intercourse spranp
the kindly affection which secured sub
willing ieaity.
In parting with him as his chief each en-
pIoyee of the road feels personal loss and
mourns an official friend at once able anu
willing TO protect, and whose sympathies
We're In full accord with his wants. But
although the official tie is broken, they still
claim and know him to be their friend, and
Will hold him as such as long as life shall
last
TO attest this friendship, committee has
oeen directed to procure and tender to Mr.
Barbour, in their behalf, a watch, chain and
ZEAL and to beg that he accept the same in
token of the gratitude and af1ectiouate re-
saio OF those with whom he has been sc
long associated.
The committee, in dischargiug this duty
aeed not assure Mr.. Barbour ofthe pleasure
II gives them to convey the sentiments here
expressed GU behalf ofthose whom they rep
resent, nor need they say that they share
mcst keeny the universal regret at hi:
leaving the company. Very Respectfully,
JONAS FISHER, Chairman.
H. W. REID, ?. H. EVANS,
=; +. WADDEY, w. H. MARBURY,
1Hos. RUDD, G. NJ BLACKBOARD,
q. MHUNTINGToN.
Inc address is engrossed upoB velum, il
oook form, aud is Que of the handsomes
specimens of chirocraphy ever done in thi
souutry, and Is very hn n.is ouely bound ant
encas,d
so; Mr' Barbour, in accepting the testimonial
:, 'i'men, my friends ard associates o
ss virginia Midiand Railway Company I
Snrfus ue pleasure TO meet YOU here to
NY and trust it VIII always give M
hasuie 10 Gvet you anywhere aud every
mere regret lbat have had no op,or
10y 10 prepare myself To acknowledge ii
~; ottlag terms tie distinguished com
t;u'eht which YOU cff-r me. 1t the tongn
WV ~ responsive e!oquence my heart |