The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-13
Where Subjects Pertaining 10 Her Inter
est Are Discussed.
GOVERNORS IN THE OLD STATE HOUSE
They Have Assembled From All Parts OF
the war-scarred But Now Trium-
plant Dixie TO Proclaim to the
World tho Glories of
Our Southland.

The DAYS when the Confederate Senate
held its sessions within its walls. The
occasion was the Convention Of Southern
Governors, called to adopt plan for
Inducing immigration and capital to the
Southern States.
The aisles Of the chamber. as well as
the gallery, were filled with well-known
citizens Of Richmond and the seats with
in the railing were not sufficient to ac-
commodate the delegates to the conVen-
ton. Long before the hour of noon, set
for the assembling of the body, the room
was occupied by visitors, reporters. and
not a few delegates.
The first Governor to arrive was Muir
phy j. Foster, of Louisiana, who entered
the chamber, followed by his staff, his
silk tile in his hand and his Prince Al
bert coat tightly buttoned. His deport-
ment and distinguished bearing are en-
tirely in accord with what might be ex-
pected Of State famous for its dignity
and polite manners The Louisiana dele
cation took seats at the first row of desks
10 the speakers right, and made nota-
bic appearance.
Governor Jones. Of Alabama, was the
Der. and quietly took a seat in front OF
the right of the speakers desk. His Con-
federate gray coat at once marked him
as a Southerner. and ii was soon known
70 all that Alabama's brave and loyal
Governor was pre- sent 10 repl esent MS
State His calm. bright eyes watched
The proceedings with interest ana his
cordial manners were observed whenever
he acknowledged an Introduction.
20 Of Cardinal
ernor Fishback. Of Arkansas. and Cover
nor Stone, OF Missouri, arrived just at
noon. and entered the chamber together
in the order named.
DurinS the few minutes which followed,
when introductions were the order or
the hour and a soft buzz Of converse
ton was heard all over the room, the three
Governors stood prominently forward IN
the aisle leading to the speakers desk,
and held an informal conference win
Governor Mckinney.
AS they stood. the mark OF all eyes, the
strong contrast Of the four men vas
noted by all present. Governor Mckin-
uey. large Of head and body and his
strong. but pleasant oountenance, stood
vis-a-vis to Governor Fishback. whose
oorciai manner in conversation gives way
20 a rather austere look This is height
ened by peculiar stlye Of standing col
Carr. of North Carolina, on the other
hand has a countenance as frank as
that of a schoolboy, and his prominent
eyes and huge moustache would make
him a pronounced parsonage Wherever
he NAV be seen. His appearance was in
striking contrast TO the tall, broad
shouldered. yet frail-appearing figure, OF
Governor William j. Stone, or MISSOURI
whose pale oOuntenance, clear-cut fea-
hair inclined TO fall
sideways over the forehead, give him the
annoarance of a classical scholar or poet.
Governor Frank Brown, of Maryland,
who slipped in quietly and occupied the
seat 10 the left of Governor Jones. makes
the impression at first sight or Delng a
little youngish for so prominent posi-
fion. but he has a fine head and face. and
when he spoke. left no doubt that he
was accustomed TO associate with men
and affairs of weight, and showed no
signs OF the recent very severe Illness
through which he has passed
All the other Southern StaeS, save
Kentucky, Texas and Florida, were repre-
scented by State officials. coming as ac-
credited delegates from the Governors OF
such States.
Governor Mckinney, turning from the
little knot of Governors referred TO
above. raised his voice and said:
Gentlemen.-It is a time honored Gus
tom in the old Commonwealth OF Nir-
pinia before we commence any work or
inheritance to ask Gods blessing upon
our efforts and, with that custom in
view I will now call on Rev. DR. Nelson
70 open the convention with prayer.
DR.. Nelson stepped forward, and, while
all stood, poured forth the following in
vocation:
O thou. who ruleth in Heaven and
Of no Vyp
acknowledge thee as our creator and
preserver and benefactor. We come into
thy presence to ask thy blessing on the
deliberations Of this important conven-
ton. We thank thee for the coming to-
gether of the representatives of the South
TO confer about the development OF the
various and rich resources Of our South
ern land.
We sincerely thank thee that thou
hast safely brought them to this city, so
dear to many hearts. whence they came,
and we earnestly beseech thee that thou
wouldst so guide them that this fraternal
and patriotic conference may greatly
promote the material welfare of our
people.
o God help them as they together try
10 make the waste places OF our beloved
land to bloom and blossom as the rose.
Bless, O God. the Governors of these
Southern States and all the people there
OF. Grant us increasing prosperity, and
help us to remember that righteousness
exalteth a nation. and that sin is the re-
proach and ruin Of any people.
We pray. also, for the entire country.
We thank thee Tor the harmony that
prevails between all sections of our great
and growing country. Unite our hearts
more and more in love and reverence for
thee and in fraternal concord and SYM
patty for each other.
Bless thy servant, the President OF the
United States. and all who rule over us,
that they may rule in thy fear, and that
We may become the nation whose God is
the Lord.
O thou who heareth prayer, hear us in
these petitions, and unto thy great name
we would give glory and might and do
minion forever. Amen.
Governor Mckinney. again resuming his
position TO the front, said I'm substance.
follows:
Gentlemen,-I have no prepared speech
TO make. but desire, four our people and
myself. TO extend a welcome TO Virginia
When i speak of the Old Dominion. /
cannot but help feel pride, but | will not
now stop 10 glorify her
Now, In this most important period In
her history, when distinguished men come
from many other States to confer for
our common good. | cannot refrain from,
expressing my pride OF the old Common
wealth. There are so many men who
have gone out from Virginia that now
occupy proud positions In other States.
tssl that when these distinguished gentle.