Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-02-13
THE surLDEks .AxouEr.



Ex-Prsssds.a Clevsla,d M.kes Pssssssic
Response TO . Toast
At the builders convention in New York
yesterday afternoon the following oficers
were unanimously elected for the en-
suing year: President Arthur McAllis-
ter, Cleveland. Ohio: frss vice president.
Anthony Ittner, st. Louis; second vice pfesi-
dent, Ira G. Hersey. Boston; secretary, Vim. H.
sayward, Boston; treasurer, George Taper,
Chicago. A board Of directors was also
elected. The committee on resolutions recon-
mended . resolution demanding that the pro-
duct Of convict labor should be regulated by
the authorities. and another stating that il was
recommended to the convention to devise more
perfect apprentice system. Both resolutions
were adopted. It was then decided to hold the
next annual convention in Cleveland, on Mon
day, January Is. 1882.
In the evening the delegates banquetcd in
the Lenox Lyceum. seth street and Madison
avenue. The large banquet hall was filed.
there being S35 present. VIM. G. Smith of Me-
chanics and Traders Exchange presided. The
guest OF honor this year was cx-President
Cleveland, and these were the toasts proposed
and the responders:
''Our country" Grover Cleveland. ssOur
guests, Arthur McAllister. Cleveland. 'Edu-
cation" Gen Alexander s. Webb, City College.
Il. .. NJ
FORTY seventh Street Methodist Episcopal
Church: Sister exchanges" Joha g. Stevens
Phiiadelphia. "Our city and state John II.
v. Arnold, president board of aldermen.
M. Cleveland spoke in part as follows:
Mr. CLEvELANp's REMARKS.
when we consider the extensive growth Of
our country-its cities and villages and all the
physical features which contribute 30 much to
give to 1t foremost place in the civilization Of
the age-we are bound to acknowledge that the
builders OF our land have had much to do with
s securing for us the commanding position we
mold among the nations of the earth. 1t may
indeed be said that all the nations which have
ever existed have, like us, been largely indebted
Tor the grandeur and magnifcence of which
they could boast to those belonging TO the vo-
cation represented in this assembly. 1t will be
Impossible to find q complete description Of
any country, ancient or modern. which does
not mention the size and character of lite build
ings and its public and private ediices.
GRATITUDE FOB THE ARK.
- do not intend to do injustice in the en-
thusiasm OF this hour to any Of the trades and
occupations which have contributed to make
our country and other countries great. But
truth and candor exact the confession that the
Chief among these occupations in all times past
has been that Of the builder. He began his
work in the early days of created things and
since. The builders advent WAS sgnalized by
a service to mankind of which not another craft
can boast. No one has the harcihood to deny
that the construction of the ark was the turn
ing point in tie scheme for the perpetuation Of
the human race. The builders work in that
emergency saved mankind from watery grave,
ana II We suffer at the hands of his SUCCESSORS
In these modern times we should allow his first
job to plead loudly in his behalf.
THE AIMS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The National Association of Builders gives
promise in its declared objects and purposes Of
much usefulness. 1t recognizes the fact that
the relation its members bear to vast numbers
OF our wage earners furnishes the opportunity
for them to do an important and beneficent
work In the way Of reconciling differences be-
tween employers and employees and averting
Improbable and exasperating conflicts All
must commend the desire of the organization
for the adoption of effective precautions against
accident and injury to employees and for some
provision for such az are injured or incapaci-
tated for work. And all our people ought
especially to appreciate the efforts of your as
ISOLATION to aid in the establishment of trade
schools for the education and improvement Of
apprentices.
The apprentice not only becomes a better
workman by means of education and discipline
OF such school. but that very process must
also tend to make him a better citizen. While
he learns the things which give him an under
standing of his work and fits his mind and
brain 10 guide his hand, he also stimulates his
perception Of that high service which his
country claims Of him ss a citizen.
AS concluding thought let me suggest
that though the builders OF the United States
may erect grand and beautiful edifices which
shall be monuments Of their skill and evidences
OF our nations prosperity, their work is not
well done nor their duty wholly performed
unless, in pursuance of their contract OF citi-
zenship, they join with all their fellow country
mel in building and finishing in beautiful
proportions the grandest and most command
ing OF all earthly structures Our Country"