Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-20
ASSOCIATED PRESS.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE oRGANI-
ZATION.
Advisory hoard for the south
Annual Ranquct-Gifts To Officers
for Services Acknowledgment by
Colonel Covardin.

CHICAGO. May i9.-The annual meet
ing OF the Associated Press was he'd
In the Recital Hall Auditorium to-day
The attendance was very large. In call
ing the members TO order. President
Lawson congratulated them on the out
come OF the contest with the United
Press saying they should continue 10
demonstrate by their wisdom that they
were worthy OF the high estate TO which
they had come.
The Board OF Directors, in their re-
port. stated that year ago they de-
clared the Associated Press had made
great progress toward the accomplish
ment of it's original and proper purpose
"the control and administration Of the
news-gathcring and Notwithstanding
business Of the country by the news
papers Of the country" 1t was their
privilege and pleasure now 10 justify the
claim that the progress of the preceding
year had its complement in the achieve
ments of the past few months, and 10
announce that the idea had been ac-
complished, the Associated Press now n
Guiding In its loyal membership all the
established newspapers Of the country
with comparatively few exceptions III
was q matter for mutual congratulation
that the contest which had for nearly
four years divided the press of the coun-
try, had been brought to conclusion
which commanded general acceptance.
as permanently assuring the best inter-
ests of the whole American press. The
Associated Press meets its enlarged re-
sponsibility with membership of 6Sl.
yearly income of about S1,70OOOO. a leased
wire system Of % 29i miles. and the daily
receipt and delivery at each Of the more
important offices Of over $1,000 words.
The following directors were unani-
mously reelected: Clayton McMichael,
Philadelphia North American; Frank b.
Noyes. Washington Star; Frederick Drls-
coil. st. Paul Pioneer Press; John Norris,
New York World.
The following were elected on the Ad-
visory Board for the Southern Division:
II. II. Cabannls, Atlanta Journal; a. X.
Pickett. Memphis Scimitar; A. :. Ochs,
Chattanooga Times; J. II. Baskette.
Nashville Banner. and Page NJ. Baker,
New Orleans Times-Democrat.
On motion it was declared the sense Of
the gathering that the Board Of Directors
see If remedy cannot be found TO pre-
vent the Western Union Telegraph Com
pany from furnishing news bulletins 10
saloons and individuals who do not pub
lish a newspaper; or II they do, get no
regular Geographic news service.
The association then adjourned.
ANNUAL BANQUET.
The fourth annual banquet of the Asso-
ciased Press was given at Kinsley's this
evening, the association itself being the
hosts as well as the guests this year
Trere were 40 members present. every
seat being occupied. year ago one
large table. arranged In the form Of
horseshoe. was ample This year the
same form was used. but IT was neces-
sary 20 have an adj, ton in the centre,
extending the full length Of the room.
After the first course. the loving-cup
was passed around by Goneral-Manager
Melville T.. Stone, who announced the
name OF each member as he drank, the
mention Of the name Of all the better
known members being greeted with ap-
plause.
Just before the coffee. St. Claire Nc
KelVev. of the Brooklyn Eagle, arose.
and said there were many new faces
present. They were more than welcome.
They belonged to the present and the
future. The Old Guard proposed TO attest
their appreciation and esteem and aifec-
ton for the exemplars of past services
as an inspiration and an incentive for the
future Mr. McKelvey then. on behalf
Of the Old Guard. presented President
Lawson with a silver service; General
Manager Stone a silver loving-cup; As
sistant- General Manager Diehl a gold
watch. and each OF the present and for
mer directors a silver medal, all Of the
gifts containing appropriate inscriptions
acknowledging the services rendered.
The conclusion Of his speech was greet
ed with cheers.
President Lawson. General-Manager
Stone. and Assistant-G General Manager
Diehl were somewhat surprised. and
made very brief acknowledgements. re-
turning their sincere thanks for the ex-
preston Of regard and confidence.
WATTERSON-HOW ELL-COWARDIN.
Henry Watterson spoke for the direc-
tors, expressing their thanks He was
thankful for the peace and believed that
it would be a lasting and prosperous
peace. At last there was an associated
press. and he hoped it would endure
ninety years the life of most of the con-
tracts. Applause0
Clark Howell. Of the Atlanta COnstitu-
ton. spoke briefly. He believed that the
newspapers now had an organization
which would strengthen as it grew, and
last forever. making it unnecessary for
any member now in fellowship TO join
any other news association whatever.
The broad and liberal spirit manifested
by the management toward its late OPP
ponents would prevent internal dissen-
sons. and enable II TO overcome every
future difficulty. as it had the serious
ones OF the past few weeks. magni-
ncent structure had been erected, and the
new members Joined in the feeling of
pride Of the old ones. and with them, were
ready 10 burn incense 10 the efficiency
of the Associated Press. (Applause)
Colonel Cowardin, of the Richmond
Dispatch. was introduced and after
"forgivng them ALL" expressed his great
gladness at being present, and "one Of
them"