Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-28

TIE MAYORS WELCOME
Eiouucnt Prnyrr by RrY. =. q. Hate h-
err 'rirr Address by President
Williams of tho Ccutrni z.nbor
Unio" mud President Nocii of Fed
""-C"nm'i'rc- Appointed
aIcciin, ut Engci's IsaiI.

The State Federation OF Labor of
at 1920 Il. IN. at Engel's Hall, on Main
street. The meeting was called to order
by Mr.. NJ. ID. Colonna- Rev. S. C.
Hatcher. OF the Queen Street Methodist
Church. then offered an eloquent
prayer. lie recognized the dignity OF
labor by reference to Joseph, the car
pentor, the father of Christ.
Rev. Hatcher was followed by Mayor
c. Brooks Johnston. who welcomed the
delegates in the following words:
MIR. JOHNSTON'S ADDRESS.
Mr.. President and Delegates of the
Virginia State Federation of Labor:
Norfolk has reason to congratulate
herself upon the fact that so large n
number OF industrial! organizations have
selected our city as the place for their
annual gathering. 1t has been my
privilege TO welcome several such as
solutions each OF which have repre-
sented large and important interests;
but none more IMPORTANT, none more
Fundamentally representing the inter
ests of Virginia than yourselves.
Labor. the foundation OF all our
prosperity; labor. the fountain Of all
wealth: labor without which al the
comforts OF life, yes. even our civiiiza-
ton would vanish away.
Gentlemen, YOU are here to-day as
the representatives OF labor, with all
tnat the word means to us, as city
as State. We'll may You feel proud
that you have been chosen to repre-
sent so grand cause. and in welcom-
ing YOU to our city l congratulate You.
Largely through the efforts of Mr..
Charles G. ki2er. one of Norfol!l's
ablest representatives in the last House
OF Delegates, our Virginia Legislature
recognized the interests of labor by cs-
tablishing labor bureau. and. | am
informed, that the efficient commits
sioner Of this bureau is now. by the
powers vested in him. gathering facts
and formulating plans therefrom that
must i'll the near future work for the
bctterment of all labor: and let us
nope. make life more worth the living
May your deliberations he guided by
the source of all wisdom: may your
determinations show that you are built
on the broad gauge" plan--that you
believe in the brotherhood of man
ana that your creed is: whatsoever
plans for the injury of others. plans for
the injury OF themselves. and he who
would uDbu!ld himself must hope and
plan for the upbuilding and bctterment
Of all classes round about him. No
man liveth to himself"
For many years of my life have
been connected with skilled and un-
skilled labor and feel deeply interest
ed in al! that pertains TO the welfare
of the wage Garner. But. gentlemen.
am here. not to deliver an address. but
10 extend to You Il most cordial wei
come within our gates: and I now call
upon the local representatives OF labor
TO attend 10 their pleasant duties and
sec 10 II mat yo'i are mos; royalty pro-
vided Cor
VOTE OF THANKS.
As Mayor Johnston took his seat a
motion was made to give a rising vote
OF thanks to Mayor Johnston and 10
Key. Hatcher for the address of vel
come and prayer. Thereupon all rose
Mr. Johnston then rose. and in few
words voiced his pleasure ut bein.,
present. aside fra.n- his duty as the head
OF tie city government Rev. Hatcher
also httircly expressed his; pleasure In,
of labor.
PRESIDENT WILLIAMS SPEAKS.
President c. c. Williams. Of the Cen
iral Labor Union. was then called upon
ana addressed the meeting. oDenine. Nv
stating his inability To make a speech.
but Immediately be-lieine that state
ment by delivering a very we'll phraseA
address lie ftated that this was the
Grafton since its organization. Tho
speaker stated that the Central Labor
Union has achieved much in Norfolk In
the past twelve months. and that the
union has grown much stronger in this
time ne welcomed every delegate to
the convention 10 Norfolk
Mi Williams expressed his, constant
readiness 10 raise his voice in the adj
VANCE 1t organized labor. lie also ,x-
pressed His pleasure ut the interest
shown this year by the large repre-
Seniatinu go much larger than when
iae fed ration met here two years ara.
He made his address BRIEF. as he said
ne had been kept up all night by sick
child
PRESIDENT NOELL SPEAKS.
The next speaker was President W.
II. Noel of The State Fedora ton OF La
Der Mr.. Ncr'l opened his remarks
Win short story of an eminent teach
ei, who taught his pupils the art OF ex-
tmporAne0us speaking on subjects as
signed to them.
lie thcn voiced his love Of labor and
MS inieres; in labor organizations. Mr..
NOEL then recalled The remarks Of Mr.
Johnston in regard 10 the laborinc
class ana said ne was glad that the
Mayor OF this city had such a high re-
gard for labor.
ADJOURNMENT
On motion the chair then appointed
committee on Credentials. composed
as follows: Mossrs L. V. Curtis. or
Norfoik: j.. V. Reed OF Roanoke, and
j. Is. Casey. of Portsmouth; and COM
mttee on Rules OF Order. composed of
Messrs G. c. Williams. OF Portsmouth: