The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1891-09-08
RADFORD'S RED LETTER DAY.
Senator Daniel Makes an Elo-
quent Speech
at the Ceremonies Attendant Upon the
Opening of Radford's Great Bridge
He Pays Glowing Tribute to the
Growing Young City and Talks mt
Length of the Resources of This Sec
ton and the Outlook for tho South.

ford, the young industrial giant of
Montgomery and Pulaski counties, has
had many red-letter days. but to-
day collapsed all of its predecessors in
grandeur, muificence, hospitality and
practical results.
Business houses and residences were
decorated with flags and bunting, the
mems shoulders and waists with sashes
and the ladies' checks with natural
roses. People, over 5000 of them.
gathered from every direction to Join
hands and voices with the citizens of
Radford in celebration of the opening
Of the great steel bridge across New
river, erected by the West Radford
Land Improvement Company, whose
possessions lie i'll Pulaski county. on
tho west side of the river, and the Rad
ford Improvement Company, whose
holdings are on the east, or Radford
side. These corporations deserve cspc-
cial mention for expanding $40, 900 in
providing passway for man and vehi-
Giles over the river and making it per-
petually free.
formed ut the Norfolk and Western
depot, in the eastern part Of the town,
and, headed by the Salem band. the
march began. Cheers greeted Chief
Marshal Jordan and his assistants.
Senator Daniel the orator of the day,
the JEFF Davis Rifles. of Salon, under
command Of Lieutenants King and Love
lock, and other favoritcs, as they passed
great crowds along tho streets on route
to tho western, or new portion of the
town, where the industries are located
At IL m. the procession returned and
! filed into the great bridge. When the
third carriage, containing Miss Mollic
Il. Barclay, daughter Of Col. W. ii. Bar
clay, and her escort, j. Iredell jenkins,
reached the center, a halt was called.
The fair young girl stepped to the floor
way and, after graceful Introduction
by Mr.. Jenkins, she spoke as follows:
10 RadfOrd'S brave citizens and sons;
to those who by their means or by the
labor of their hands have aided her in
her steady on ward march; to those who
| give her their good wishes and words OF
| cheer, would, in her name tender n
most cordial and grateful welcome to
her soil this day, and TO foot-hold on
| this wonderful work of skill and strength
and power, which like
This worlds latcst man.deviscd wonder. the far
. famous bridge or tho Tay,
Stretches and CLEANS in the distance, crccps our
DTOHu stream q or ana o
TIL 1t rests It's strong delicate fingers OH the
palm OF the opposite shore.
And as we admire its beauty and
grace and strength, may these be sym
bolS OF like attributes in the hearts of
those who shall pass above it; and NAV
the waters flowing benea tn and CARVING
refreshing and gladness to earth's other
wise dry places symbolic the influence
for good, tho magic working of peace
and happiness in hearts and homes a
which shall be the result of this beauty
ana strength of character in the hearts
OF those whose feet shall this day and
hereafter press upon thee, o Bridge.
And now | christcn thee 'Radford
Fridge, and in token of thy usefulness
and ength, and that thou mayest re-
Joice and glory in that name, / offer this
llbation to the GODS"
The libation was bottle of cham
payne. AS she broke this and poured
It's contents over the bridge tremend-
GUS cheer arose from thousands OF
Threats, and many handsome young
man cast enviouS glances at the escort
OF the leadership maiden, just sweet
sixteen, who had SO gracefully and
successfully performed the important
task assigned her.
The march was again resumed, and
moth tent on the west side of the river,
it was crowded with people who had
Deen there for hours awaiting the intel
lnctual feast they knew was in store for
them. The platform, rather small far
so great an occasion and audience, was
crowded, and 1T was some time before
room could be made for the newspaper
men present.
Marshal Jordan and George f. Casscll
appreciated the Importance of providing
facilities for tho scribes. who were anx-
1ous to chronicle for their thousands of
readers every interesting detail of an
occasion fraught with so much impor-
lance to this plucky, thrifty young city,
and soon had chairs and tables in place.
This was tho signal for the beginning
OF the feast of reason. Mr.. Cassell, in a
brief but exceptionally appropriate
speech, introduced Senator Daniel, who
spoke in substance as follows:
bridges mark the paths of destiny:
armies contend for tncm; the feet of tho
myraid tread them: the wheels Of com
MERGE would drag without them. When
a great bridge is built something great
has preceded it, or is about to follow.
Its existence implies mature projection,
power OF accomplishment and triumph
over obstacle. In the middle ages the
bridge and the castle went together,
and made familiar scene-the one
marking an important highway, the
other its defense. The castle comes no
longer as the companion of tho bridge,
for Peace spreads over it her wings,
and If there were war the rifled cannon
would laugh at the medieval castle as q
plaything. For many centuries bridges,
and weapons and the implements OF