Asheville daily citizen. [volume] (Asheville, N.C.) 1890-1900, 1891-08-10

The RailrOaders to show Their
Appreciation Give Capt. A1cBee
a AIaxniHcent Onering-The Pre-
sentaiiOn speech and the Re-
spOnse.
One hundred and ten of the employees Of
the Western North Carolina railroad
company assembled at Kenilworth Inn
on Saturday night to do substantial
honor to v. E. McBee, the man who for
years had been their chief.
Their recognition of his superior quail
tiles of mind and heart took shape in the
presentation OF handsome silver service
and magnificent diamond scarf pin
from the celebrated house Of Tiffany &
Co., New York.
Capt. McBee and select party of
closely intimate friends in his private car
arrived in the city on Friday from Sa-
vannah. The party consisted of Capt.
and Mrs. v. +. McBee, Miss Rosa Nc
Bee, v. Z. McBee, jr., Hon. and Mrs.
Charles Price, of Salisbury, Miss Carrie
Roberts, of Pensacola, Miss Frances Nc.
Nicely, of Salisbury, and Mr.. E. E. Hick-
son, of Savannah.
The affair Saturday night was one
distinctively Of the railroad people, and
but few persons not connected with the
road were invited. Between nine and
ten O'Clock the groups began to arrive.
As the company gathered, Professor Bas-
teri and his excellent orchestra enlivened
the hour with their music, while the
walk from the station was partly for
gotten in the flavor of a punch so deli
cious that the carved sentinel bears on
the grand stairway overlooking the
scene seemed to grin with grim delight.
According to the admirable arrange
ment OF the great dining hall of the Inn
the presentation took place there. Chairs
were conveniently disposed and when the
company had been seated, committee
consisting OF Messrs. Trezevant, Aldrich,
Foster, McNeely, Russell and Harrelson
proceeded to the apartments OF Capt.
McBee and requested the presence OF his
party at gathering of friends who
wished to tender congratulations upon
his recent deserved promotion.
As the party entered the hall they were
hailed with manifestations OF the great
est favor. When the applause had sub
sided the Hon. Charles Price arose
and addressing the superintendent. giving
voice to the sentiments Of thus" who's,
devoted friendship had made so happ,
an occasion, spoke as follows:
MIR. McBee:-l am commissioned by
the employees of the Western North Car
olina division OF the Richmond and Dan
vile railroad to present to you these
gifts, evidences of their admiration fol
you az a man and officer.
THAT which has made this occasion ha.
made these men happy; and while the,
are happy, may say, for each one, HI
has his grief The promotion which hal
come to you, is their happiness; you
loss to them, their sorrow.
"Your departure from this field of &C
tion is rich in its promises OF honor, res
possibility and profit; but, sir, it dis
solves an association tor years with mel
who, guided, comforted and supported
by you, never had sentiment live il
their hearts save love, LOYALTY and hdel
L ity to their superintendent.
"For ten years they have observed tn
: improvement, the growth OF the Westerl
North Carolina railroad, and with
each day has brought to them the Ger
viction that to yOur skill and manage
ment is it all to be ascribed. In thei
faithfulness to you, their devotion t
duty, they have caught the inspiration
from the spirit everywhere shown upo
your part to let these virtues be the rul
of your labors. The energy, the resoll
ton you have shown to complete thi
great work, at times pursued with lii
tie hope of success, they have tried t
exercise in doing their part to uphol
' and sustain you.
] There are many Of them who remembt
the time when the receipts of this raj
road for the year was but the sum
$4,000. Such it was when your han
was called to shape its destinies. In tn
{ day Of its prosperity, under no guidan'
but your own, of but ten years duration
it is the pride ofits owners and OF tt
state, and at the same time the admir'
ton Of every traveller who comes
strengthen and delight himself in Il
beautiful mountains Of our state.
T in this work, you sir, performed yo'
part. These men performed their par
You possessed that rare union Of disci
line and companionship, directing ther
which could only inspire their labers wi,
> love and devotion for their superior.
This remembrance, so elegant, |
chaste, so refined, 10 a fit mark OF Il
motive, which has prompted it.
"Let this memorial, rich in intrin,
- value, exquisite in mould and fashio
precious in the beauty Of its spark
illustrate to you, sir, the purity, the 81
cerity OF admiration, its donors feel
it's presentation. Sir, they have cor
here this evening to make this present
" tion, and to hear from you, such wor
OF appreciation, as to your heart q
commended. They have come to wi
you success in that high position,
which you have been elevated. Th
have come to meet you face to face al
enjoy once more that companionst
which has always carried you so close
tuClT HCuTLS. WHICH, L nave etaiu Shtu, =
OF part assigned me is performed, and
have only to regret. in retiring from Il
occasion, the poverty of my words
convey to you. in what respect part
ipate in the grief Of those tor whom
speak, at your departure from our sta
az assure you, Ar, not alone, but
whose fortune it has been to know v
Sp equally regret it. Now, sir, 40 tokens
love and admiration and for these mi
your friends, tender these gifts"
Mr.. Prices speech was most happ
delivered-it was q delightful tribl
from staunch friend and admirer a
worthy Of the fine reputation he bea
He was frequently interrupted with
cE plause.
" As Capt. McBee advanced to the ia
on which lay the beautiful gifts and
tones showing the intensity of the en-
ton that swayed him, began his
'ge sponse, the applause was deafeni
When quiet was restored Capt. Mel
Isl. said:
MY Friends and Fellow EMPLOYEES