The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-08-28

IL was after lO o'clock when the
guests arrived, and after all were seated
the rooms were filled with as Jolly a
crowd as has eyer assembled in Roam.
oke. Col. A. Pope was the toastmaster
and he filled that arduous position in a
most acceptable manner.
Colonel Pope who presided as toast
master made an address of welcome.
lie assured the ladies and gentlemen of
the Juniata Press Association that it
gave the citizens OF Roanoke unbounded
pleasure to welcome them and, though
tho elements we're unfriendly, tho
people had done all in their power to
make tho visit pleasant one and that
swhat they had to give had been civen
freely.
He paid tribute to the beauties Of
the ladies of tho association and hoped
that when the visitors returned to their
homes the memories of their visit would
be so pleasant that they would want to
return.
Col. Pope introduced Col John e. Penn,
who responded TO tho toast, The Magic
City" Mr.. Penn said:
II have been hidden to respond to
the toast you have just read, Roanoke,
the Magic City Why the lot has been
cast upon me am at loss to under
stand, unless it DO that am now reck-
oned with the distinguished class,
called the oldest citizens Please do
not mistake me-oldest is to be under.
stood in Kickwickian sense and with a.
local meaning and with very decided
accent on tho local. am particularly
desirious that you should know. a rood
many fair ladies being present-that,
like certain young widower of this
town, who has just turned fifty years,
never felt younger in my life know
you will not be surprised when | saw
tour worhy mayor over there IS
much older man than l am. a man
who has resided in this town FIVE years
is an old citizen and one that has re-
sided here for ten years is looked upon
with profound reverence and respect,
like veritable Methuselah.
81 have been here over fl We years and
he over ten; but that is not the only rea-
son why he has BEEN chosen mayor. I
beg these ladies to remember that
have not intimated how long he has
lived elsewhere and still he is bach
elor. There are some liberties one can
not take even with public official.
But whether to live here one year or
five years, or whether the life OF the
CITY be one decade or five decades is
not matter OF particular moment 1t
is with cities as it is with men,
We live in deeds, not yeare; in thoughts. not
We should count time by hoart -throbs.
lie lives most who thinks most feels The nohlest
and acts the best
MIR. Toastmaster, il this city has had
a magic growth, it has been produced
by no wand Of the enchanCer! No genii
OF the East with his Aladdins Lamp
has built what is about us. Such pro-
gress as we have made is due under n
kind providence to brain AMI muscle, to
intelligent and persistent effort. The
mum OF industry, which knows no sleep,
ever pulsating with the energy Of new
men-thc rushing trains, hurrying like
race coursers to the goal-thc steam
clouds, which float like banners above
us, with golden and silver Innings
gemnel with stars brighter than were
ever set uron the flag of our country
are but the responses which labor gives
in the liturgy of we'll directed enter
prise We have not much to boast of as
yet. Coming as you do from the valley
OF the .luniata, tceming with enterprise.
OF which it can we'll be said
I.nnd OF the many voters
Thine every stream hath found n tongue"
Our progress must look small in YOUR
eyes. We are but learners as vet, and
you are tho Gamaliels from whom we
would seek wisdom. The prosperity Of
Pennsylvania is an inspiration to tho
newly-au atened enterprise Of Virginia.
Your people have grown wealthy from
the output of the mine and the shop
With your splendid example and teach
ing our people may learn lesson which
will make this land blossom as the rose
a few years ago enterprising spirits
from your State came down into this
country to spy out tho land, and already
some of them could return, as returned
the spies of old, Weighted down with the
good things they have found
III / were called upon to name tho
influence which had brought more men
and moro capital into our midst than
any other | would without hesitation
say tho press OF the country stands first
and foremost. Next to the sacred desk
your power for good or evil is without a
rival in this land. A celebrated English
writer has said if he were permitted to
make all the ballads he did not care
who should make the laws of q nation.
The days of the ballad have passed.
Inc press CT the country can make the
laws You can make and unmake mon.
oft and true can you say Of your handy
work, a breath can make them, as
breath has made
II trust have not dilated too much
on what this Magic City is, and before
taking my seat will tell you one thing
that it is not. 1t is certainly not q
dry town, as you have doubtless dis
covered to your sorrow, and il Roanoke
river could, by some magic hand, be
turned into our streets, you might we'll
say OF 1t as was said of the river Rhine:
THE river Rhine. II il well known
Doth waah the city OF Cologne
But tell me, nymph. what power divine
shall henceferth wash the river Rhines''
THE JUNIATA Valley
was responded to by Mr.. II. A. McPike,
OF tho Altoona Times. Mr.. McPike
Raid IL wac q my etaru 70 b;,,, ,,,b,, / -