The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1894-04-11
certed and vigorous effort for tho benefit
OF us all.
In closing, Mr.. Johnson said:


changing Views relative to matters OF vital inter
est to us all; and may God bless and promote
your efforts In doing what we all 80 much feel
the need of-that is, setting on foot measure.
likely to work for the improvement OF our situa-
tiop. the need of which is 80 apparent; and. as
embracing some Of the essentials OF what we
need may suggest motto for the convention:
II 10: "Smallcr farms and more OF them; better
tories; improved business methods and just
little politics MS we can get along with"
uo INC promoters tiers Of this enterprise have not
was available bearing upon the subject and to
sketch an outline OF what would seem to be a
the AFFAIR ali OF which will be submitted for
your consideration in due course Of time and as
the nrst step towards putting the convention in
shape for business will propose, rs temporary
officers for the meeting, the following gentlemen:
temporary chairman, lion. j. Hogo Tyler. of
OF Buena Vista.
The temporary officers nominated by
Mr.. Johnston were elected and Hon. 81.
5. Trout and James Simmons were
appointed committee to conduct them
to the stage, where they were introduced
By Mayor Trout,
Mr.. Tyler upon assuming the posi-
ton as chairman Of the meeting spoke
in part as follows:
Hon. J. Hoge Tyler's Speech
:, My friends OF the city OF Roanoke: feel almost
like prefacing anything I may have to say to-
OF carping. A few months ago when wanted to
have something to say the people of Roanoke
and don't want to have anything to say they say
must say it. However as you have been so
cordial IN your greeting and so complimentary in
Your actions we will square on these old scores.
! am rcjoced to be with you ON this OCCASION
When first saw the motto, OF this meeting |
felt that would like to lie with you and to par.
ticipate with you In the deliberations of this
convention, for have never allowed n convcp-
ton OF any kind, either in our State or section,
~ Hntf 1y, AF
interests OF the people. to pass without lending
my aid and sympathcs, and whenever possible
evening and found that was singled ont for u
speech on this occasion was truly ut loss to
know what to say.
Bnt my friends Notwithstanding it is broad
held OF thought aud many points may. suggest
themselves 1t is difficult for man with no
greater experience as public speaker than nv.
self TO so center those thoughts to so gather To-
Gethcr those ideas as 10 present them to an au-
diencc Ike this IN an Instructive manner.
GO not know whether VIC could convince the
people OF Roanoke that the times are hard or not
pat II you would Just come mp and go through
the country with me and see we poor old farmers
run our hands into our pockets and puii them
ont empty we could demonstrate to You that tho
times are tight.
But ms 10 tho object OF our meeting here to.
night; the plans that are going To be proposed
am glad to sec indeed that our distinguished
Tic leavcs Out lew for me to suggest Scarcely
any ut all.
One suggestion. however, would make tbnt
the times are 20 hard TINT we must cut the gar
mcht to suit the cloth. We must not lay out too
large work and enter npon too biz an enterprise
reputation of the people of Southwest Virginia,
and Roanoke especially, MS being practical men
When saw the first notice OF this meeting |
iclt mat would like to attend and participate
In its proceedings. for have never allowed a.
meeting to be beld III my State or section for the
promotion OF the material interest OF the pcopic
That have not given my aid and sympanthy.
and whenever possible my presence and sup
port.
Tint Vood will bc occorul;sbod ~, .h,..
ing have not the slightest doubt. and many are
looking with hopeful anticipation ut tho result of
and almost financial despair which has hoen
lowering over US like. Il heavy pail, and hope,
long deferred, has we'll nigh made us heart sick,
and when it seems impossible to awake onr,
selves to true appreciation of tho condition of
the people and their needs, or leave them got in
touch and sympathy with US, ana when ali hope
OF relief legislation is denied rs, there is nothing
left for pcaccablc law adding citizens to do but TO
endure and peacefully work out their swn saliva
And where is there more appropriate place TO
begin than here In Roanoke, by and among n
Peep VINO nave been the pioneers in so many
noble enterprises and who in times OF darkness
as we'll as day. ave kept the fires Of progress
aalight and, knowing no such thing as failure
In no land under the sun, with Nh equal amount
OF territory, can he found the same advantages as
Is possessed by Virginia, in soil, mines or elm
ate, and. grand Ms had been our noble old
mother In the heroic deeds OF her SONS and in the
virtue Of her daughters III days gone by, grander
every pore, stripped OF everything, snye honor
by u cruel war; when she babe her sons tear open
her bosom and bring forth from beneath her soil
rarcr ana riches Jewels with which to deck her in
more gorgeous spencor than ever before
AND us she had been the first to receive the
fearful shock OF war; she claim ed the rp hi and
the privilege to lead the van in the advancing
nosts or peace: And - mine after mine has been
deveioped; and Held, and forest, and factory have
oeen made to yield their increase. and y. the
locomotive has whlstlcd and whistled through
WIG, wiz ana trackless and almost undiscovered
spirit has been warmed with brightest hopes and
most sansulnc expectations No wonder tho
Southwest is now i'll such goodly numbers search.
ing ns IL were over her mountains and val cys
and across her meadows and her streams ready
TO clasp in warm embrace this beautiful young
city, the feet of whose sons were the first to
strike step 10 the inspiring mrsic of our march
to mutual material progress and prosperity
We hail yon proud young sister city, as queen;
ana az our leader in this struggle and around thy
brow the wreath OF glory shall be twined
On any occasion it wonld be an honor to he
ened 10 preside oyer meeting in Roanoke, but
what we trust Is the dawn to light us nlo
taircr and bril- liter day, brings do1ble portion
OF honor and accept the position OF temporary
presiding officer which you have rendered me
with truest pleasure, and | offer my humble
services and sincere nowlcdgements az poor
compensation Tor such q mark OF distinguished
favor
MIR. Thomas w. Miller, Of RoanoSe,
after Mr.. Tyler had announced the
meeting open for business. moved that
committees on permanent organization
ard plan of organization be appointed
and the chair anDou nced the following
Committee on permanent organizA-
hon-James S. Simmons, Roanoke;
Samuel & Johnson, Wythe: j. Howard
Wayt, Augusta; John II. Whaling, Pu-
laaki; e. M. Helm, Franklin
Committee on plan and Organization
Thomas w. Miller, Roanoke; A. &.
Preston, Bototourt; j. w. II. Allenonp
Salem; Hugh Preston. Radford; p +.
st. Clair, Giles; DR. James O'Keefe,
TaZeweil Samuel Walton, Mercer. w