The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-20


iawn In the glen and the eaglets on the
crag, whore nature reigrs sublime and I'M
disturbcd-these are united with the
Father OF Waters and are lost in the great
stream that sweeps with majestic curving
force in front Of these bluffs. Following
the same course, even Us the pioneers pur-
sued the trail OF the buffalo and the In
dian, YOU have come down from the mount
ain cities, the valleys and villages and the
blue grass regions TO hold your eighteenth
annual convention in Memphis. The dew
drops and the mist, the rains OF heaven
and the spray OF the cascade may be lost
in the river TINT flows by, but we trust
that no member OF the Tennessee Pfess
association will be lost in Memphis, save
as he may lose his heart and return to
search for il.
The lightning's Cash ON the mountains
brow that riyes the gnarled oak and
cleaves the bowlder from its prehistoric
resting place has been chained, harnossed
up, utilized and put on duty in the mod
ern daily newspaper office In congratu-
lating ourselves upon these great changes
we should not forget TO pay all honor to
the press OF the olden time, and to the
men who, by their devotion TO principle,
their will power and genius, commanded
respect and made the achievements OF the
present possibility. You have been fit
tingly welcomed here TO one OF the metro
politan cities OF the south, whore the
press has been honored and sustained in
fearless, noble efforts for the cause OF
truth and justice and for the bcitermcnt
Of mankind; where the names Of Van Pclt,
McMahon, Latham, McClanahan, Dill,
Jere Clemens, I. y. Rocket, Gus Sig
naigo. Wm. Hutton, Birney Marshall, NJ.
G. galloway, Albert Pike, Raphael
Scmmcs, and the hero martyrs. II. A.
Thompson and Herbert Landrum, and
host oil others OF greater and less lame,
ere found in the files OF the papers and
craven in the memories OF the people.
Tho silver. mounted gavel of this asso-
citation was made from the first press ever
used in West Tennessee, n press used ut
Paris, in county that has furnished two
Governors and seems willing 10 furnish
material for two or more United States
senator's. Tha, must have been u power
ful press. We are proud OF this relic. II is
one oi the heir.looms OF this association;
iis history is intimately blended With that
OF the state, and by comparison II illus
tratcsthc wOndrous changes wrought within
the last quarter OF 4 century. In this h9ll
thufe are no politics, no severe crccd5 and
no lines drawn Ia make ~ East, Middle
or q West Tennessee. Here we will inter
change thoughts and cuuriesies come to
know each other better, and come 10 an
understanding in regard to many matters
that concern the professional newspaper
mnn and the publ, at large.
The welcome rendered today, | can as
sure you, is more than formalily. Mem
phis is not unmindiul OF the aid and SYM
paihy rendered in darker days, when the
prssol the whole state responded in words
OF encouragement, and substantial help
poured in from every city, village and ham
let. These things can never be- forgotten
by this generation. The workers OF the
press everywhere are cminenily liberal
and never turned deaf ear 20 the appeal
oi charitable cause or public enter
prise, church festival or politician.
They are often imposed upon, often assist
in making great men out OF small ones,
who aftcrward cut their acquaintance un-
I'll jus, before the election, often help
others 10 position when they cannot help
themselves, aud they seldom become
worldly wise in money matters. hut
there il n color, glow OF enthusiasm and
passion for the work ia the real newspaper
man that compensates for disadvantages.
After all, the blessings Of life, those things
really worth living Tor, are more equally
distributed than we generally suppose.
THO consciousness OF duty well performed
under ordinary circumstances is worth
moro than money pr fame.
What splendid services the press OF
/ Tennessee have rendered In the last
twenty years ia bringing about good feel
| ing between parties. factions md locali-
! ties-i In smoothing down the ragged
edges, ia upholdmg law and order, pro.
noting q good understanding, In encour.
aging the cause OF education and temper
anco: pointing out tho avenues 10 prosper.
| ity through peaceful aud varied indus.
| tries, and In u thousand ways advancing
| tho best interests Of society. | do not
propose 10 go into statistics, but will mere
! Is refer e. the fact that tho opportunities
| for thrifty emigfants for skilliul labor,
| for manufacturers and for capitalists, have
been announced In season and ont Of sea
son in the weekly aud daily papes OF the
State for many yeaIs. The result has
been realized Ia q large accession Of labor
aud skill, combined with means and in.
tclligoncc A spirit OF the broadcast con.
scryatism prevails all over the State, owing
mainly 90 the tone aud spirit Of the
papers. The partisan press has disap-
pearcd; personal journalism has gone with
II, and men are not ostracised any more
for their opinions upon any question. Al
must stand upon their merits.
There arc only twcnty-iour hours in {
day aud night nj this signal service station
but arrangements have been made fol
your convenience 10 turn part OF the nigh
into day, 10 We trust that Notwithstanding
crowded program there will be aIDpl,
time for work and social enjoyment.
Thanking You for your courteous atien
ton, have the honor 10 announce tina
the association II duly called 20 order ant
ready for the regular order Of business.
SIT srrErmrs oygR.
This terminated the SIT spccch. making
and the association settled down 10 hard
pan business. The first thing on the rcgi
lar calendar was reading minutes of thu
last meeting As the secretary had then
could read nc his leisure, tl,is order wm
dispensed with.
Messrs. Louis J. Brooks and A. J .Grigs
by were appointed TO Gil vacancies on Tia
executive committee, caused by the alb
scnoc OF II. VI. Doak. Of Nashville, an,
AdolpL Ochs, Of Chattanooga.
Mr.. slater, the heavy weight Of TN
association, was appointed scrgcant.at
arms by the president, and acknowledge,
the compliment and responsibility In sucl
a characteristics Int GRACEFUL OF hand man
ner ~ To impress uhc delgntos with the i'm
pcnsiiyc necessity Of strict order.
sEcRErARy's Rrr'onr.