Birmingham state herald. (Birmingham, Ala.) 1895-1897, 1896-08-06
FIRST IN LINE.
Joe Johnston Artillery, Battery D, Serenade
Leaders at Their Homes Happy
Remarks

The first in line to serehade and con-
graduate democracy's leaders in Jeffer-
son county were the Joe Johnston artil-
lery, Battery d.
Last night the battery, headed by
Weber's band, with Capt. Paul Gllardoni
in command, marched from the Volun-
teers' armory out Twentieth street to the
palatial home of Capt. Joseph F. john
ston, the newly-elected governor of Ala
bama. Arriving there, the battery was
drawn up in line, and after a stirring air
from the band. Maj Ed McCrossin, as
the speaker for the battery, rendered
Captain Johnston their congratulations
at his success.
Captain Johnston thanked the speak
err, the gallant captain and Battery ID foa
their kindly forethought in rendering the
delightful serenade and Offering their
congratulations. He then referred to the
great victory, hard fought and fairly
won and spoke of what 1t meant for the
grand old state. He paid a gallant trib-
ute to the democracy of Jefferson county
and Alabama and said they were always
to be relied upon.
Governor Johnston paid a handsome
tribute to the gallant O'Brien and jovial
Cunningham, also the members-elect of
the legislature. He then reviewed the
silver question and referred to the CAM
champion. Bryan, would, as he had done,
lead then on to a still greater victory.
After few selections from the band,
closing with %Dixie," which caused the
audience to send forth cheer after cheer,
the battery formed by twos and with
the band at their head, marched into the
city and out to the residence of Dr. II. M.
Cunningham.
Here Major McCrossin again intro
duced the battery to Senator Cunning
ham, and the band played. The doctor,
in his usually brilliant and happy style,
thanked the battery for their kindly
greeting. He said he appreciated the
honor conferred upon him by his people,
and would not prove recreant to the trust
imposed upon him.
After "Dixie" and good night the bat
terry marched to the residence of Capt.
Frank P. O'Brien. A selection was play
ed through and, as the captain failed to
show up, Lieut.. George DeWhiting OF
battery ID suggested that the band play
Dixie" as he knew Captain O'Brien
had never failed to respond to that tune.
The band played the soul-stirring air
and lol the newly elected sheriff fell In. y
His appearance was the signal for a
great cheer, which was given with a
hearty good will.
After the introduction by Major Nc
Crossin Sheriff O'Brien thanked the bat
terry in feeling words. He spoke of Mon
udy NlCtOTy dS DClh6 oodOiy ilhRoitdnt
to Jefferson county, not only that 1t was
democracy's victory, but a ratification of
the constitution of the United States,
which gives to all mankind the right Of
worshipping God as their consciences
dictated. He referred to the bitter and
unjust attacks upon him by a secret or
ganization condemned by all true Ameri-
cans, and said that Mondays action by
Jefferson's true manhood was vindica-
ton of the foul ISLANDERS heapcd upon
him.
He said that while he hoped he would
never have cause to need the services of
Battery d, he was satisfied they would
be ever ready to respond tolhis call.
The crowd cheered this closing remark,
and after a handshake all around fell
into line and marched to the State Her
aid office, where the respects of the bat
terry were paid with music and cheers.
Success to Battery ID and may 1t prove
a great addition to the Alabama state
troops.