The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-12-31
WATCH AND CLOCK.
The Tribute of His Laie Assistants to
Mr.. D. M. thompson.


For IL years Mr.. ID. NJ. Thompson has
been general manager of tho tremendous
interests OF the Knights-interests that
cover wide area of territory within and
without Rhode Island. and that while IL
years ago they comprehended about 13O,
600 spindles, today demand $4,000 spin
dies and employ an army OF about 1000
workers.
Last spring MIR. Thompson identi-
fed himself with, and became the
active manager for, the syndicate that has
re-awakened the great industry which the
late George III. Corliss built up, and today
he officially sewers his connection with
the Mossrs. Knight, to devote himself
wholly to the development of the syndi-
Gates big plant. With his family he has
recently taken up his residence in the
Corliss mansion adjacent to the works,
and on Saturday evening he was made the
recipient OF a testimonial of regard from
the big staff of superintendents and heads
of departments throughout the Knight
mills, who came from north, south, east
and west, to do a parting honor to the
chief whom they had served for SO many
years.
Messrs. A. L. Bracket of River Point,
NJ. G. Latham of Lippitt and Alfred
Hawkesworth of Pontiac were the COM
mittee who had charge of tho preliminary
arrangements for the superintendent and
assistants.
Nearly a hundred OF them came to town
by different trains. They assembled at
the rooms of the Board OF Trade and
marched from Market square to the
Thompson residence at No. 20 Wilcox
street. The big mansion was ablaze with
welcome lights from basement to roof and
there was a spread for the visitors In the
dining room prepared und.T-she direction
Of Mrs. Thompson and her daughter, Mrs.
Daniel j. Sully, who with Mr.. Sully had
consummated the arrangements, the
while prevailing upon Mr.. Thompson to
hold himself at home that night in readi-
ness for anything in the line OF
the unexpected that might turn up.
When the visiting party reached
the house Mr.. Thompson was confronted
with them in the hall. An informal re-
ception followed, and then superintendent
J. f. Hamlet, of Manchaug, stepped out
from the throng and addressed him as
follows:
"Mr. Thompson-Your friends employees of
B. B. & II. Knight, cannot permit you to re-
tire from the position you have filled so many
years with such signal ability and success,
with uniform kindness and courtesy to all,
with kind advice and wise counsel to those
serving the great interests under your charge,
without direct expression Of their esteem
and regard. II affords me intense pleasure to
represent a com mittee who in turn repre-
sent your numerous friends and en-
ployes and on their behalf to present you
with souvenir as a slight token of their ap-
pr citation OF the admirable and praiseworthy
manner in which you have discharged the
onerous and responsible duties appertaining
to your position. Your high character, integrity
and zeal, have won the esteem and confidence
Of your friends. and OF thoss brought into
immediate contact with you. Trusting you may
have abundant success and prosperity In the
business you have entered upon. and for
which you are so well fitted 10 adorn.
Permit me on the behalf OF those Irepre-
sent. to present you this watch aud hall clock,
wishing you a long life, filled with health,
happiness and prosperity"
Mr.. Thompson replied briefly and with
feeling. He recalled TO the men the de-
velopment OF their work together during
the period OF their association; expressed
his sentiments OF lasting friendship for,
and interest in, them ali; thanked them
cordially for their handsome tribute and
the sentiments which they bespoke,
and welcomed them to his house
with the assurance that it was theirs
for the evening to make themselves
fully at home in. Indulgence in the col
lation then followed and after couple OF
hours OF social intercourse the good
nights were said with mutual express
sions of good will and future success.
The clock, which is beauty, will stand
in the reception hall. 1t bears a silver pate
on which is inscribed Presented to ID. NJ.
Thompson and family by hi, assistants
OF the Is. B. a. X. Knight Manu-
featuring Co." The watch, magnificent
gold hunting-casc, with a heavy gold
chain and charm OF odd design bearing
a horseshoe and monogram engraved on
either face, is similarly inscribed 10 Mr..
Thompson personally and will find per-
manent place in his vest pocket.
Ii was an immensely enjoyable and in
spiriting occasion that will remain long in
the memory of all concerned.