The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-08-17


thus far and continue to uphold the citys
reputation for kindness aud hospitality.
OPENING OF CONVENTION.
1t was shortly after $50 o'clock this
morning when President Barquhar Ma
crae of the local Gardeners and Florists
Club called the delegates to order. The
president made brief but happy address
OF welcome in which lie said that he
hoped the visitors would have such good
time that when asked to come again they
would promptly give an affirmative re-
sponse.
THE MAYORS ADDRESS.
Mayor McGuinness, who made the ad-
dress of welcome in behalf OF the city,
was most happy in his eloquent remarks
and he was loudly applauded during and
after the clCse OF his poetical tribute TO
the work OF the national society and the
business of Horticulture.
Among other things his honor said: IL
affords me as much pleasure In bidding
you welcome as in joining in the In
vtation to you to hold your convention
here extended a year ago. / congratulate
you as the representative OF most nota-
bio and worthy business.
The true florist is indeed on artist.
He requires as much OF knowledge OF
color as the artist and his arrangement
of these beauties call for the most earnest
labor. The florist is an educatOra a teacher
of the true and beautiful. The child
learns to love flowers and flowers are the
symbol Of love and the beautiful during
all our lives.
The child picks the flower before IL goes
to school, the young man gives to the
maiden boQuet of the choicest flowers,
the bride wears choice flowers as the en-
bem of love and happiness ard as the
supreme token of love for our departed
friends we place flowers upon their graves.
No one can be thoroughly depraved who
has still Iovs for flowers The mayor
then extended nm invitation to the dele
gates TO visit the public buildings OF the
city.
In conclusion he said: 1 trust that the
memory OF your visit to our city will be
as right and sweet as the fragrance OF
y0ur own flowers.
MIR. WV. COWLES RESPONDS.
The response to the address of welcome
was hy w. w. Cowles OF kokoino. Ind.
lie said that it gave him great pleasure
TO respond to the warm greetipg OF the
mayor so graciously extended TO the soci.
ETY. of American Florists.
Taking everything into consideration
ID seems to me-" the speaker continued,
THAT as society we are very fortanate
In having the privilege Of meeting in this
city. Among other things TO enjoy the
hospitality which you so generously accord
us because Of your promise Co make it
pleasant during our sojourn among you;
and because of the reputation which you
sustain abroad i'm this direction
Mr.. Cowles then referred 90 the notable
event in the history of this city and state
that had mnde nil the delegates anxious
TO visit here. Attention was also paid TO
the many attractions that stranger had
noticed here Tho educational ndvan-
,.cas baro offored tho societv of the Amer
clan Florists" 7" said the speaker In con-
cIusion, "of which the society should
avail itself during the brief sojourn ara
great and we have no doubt that your
hospitality will warm our hearts and that
lessons from your thrift and industry viii
do us good.
I've hope that our coming among you