The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1899-03-03
Handsome Tribute Paid the
New Boat BY Our Citizens.
RIGHT ROYALTY WELCOMED
The City's Namcsake Christencd
and Captain Rainey Presented
With Beautiful Natch.

On last Tuesday evening about !
o'clock, in an impressive and appropri
ate manner the christening ceremonies
of the "City of Greenwood" were gon,
through, and the beautiful steamer sent
on the errand for which it was destined.
with the best wishes of this entire peo.
pie. And no matterupon what waters
it may whether in the placid
stream Of old Yazoo or tossed upon the
waves of the father of waters, the hearts
and prayers OF our people are with the
| city's nalnesake and its owners. Early
in the afternoon the announcement was
made Of the affair, and in consequence
of that fact large crowd had gathered
on the wharf and bridge in advance of
the hour set for the ceremonies, while
sweet music was being discoursed by
the colored string band for the pleasure
of the throRg, until the hour arrived.
The stately steamer was launched in
front Of the P. Line warehouse. where
1t was boarded by those who were to
take part In the occasion together
with large number of onlookers.
Beautiful little Miss Sallic Kimbrough
performed in most charming and
graceful manner the pleasant duty Of
sponscr.s She stepped to the front and
in a fsw fitting remarks christened the
City Of Greenwood" by breaking a
bottle OF champagne over the bow Of
that magnificent bearer OF commerce.
MIR. r. I. Sones, vice mayor, in few
well chosen words welcomed Captain
Rainey, Mr. Murcke and their new
craft. He snid that lin the name OF
our fair city, her commerce, her people
and especially the young womanhood,
in whom they have chivalrous knight
l welcome you Capt. Rainey and your
boat" Mr.. Jones concluded by aaying
that Mr.. Pollard had something to pre-
sent to Capt Rainey that would show
in substantial way the appreciation
and esteem in which the people held
him.
Mr.. r. V. Pollard then stepped for.
ward in Chestelfieldian manner, and
in few humorous and eloquent re.
marks said that 'the old adage that nc
tions sometimes speak louder than
words had proven true in this case"
He then told the story of the two dar-
kies who were being married, and the
bride upon being asked If the groom
loved her, replid that Il guess he
dos or he wouldn't act MS he do" 50
1t was with the people Of Greenwood
they loved Capt. Rainey for his many
kindnesses, or they wouldn't have acted
as they did on this occasion. Mr.. Pol.
lard told how proud the city was Of her
nsmesake, and how anxiously they had
waited her cominy-and how their
heart, thrilled with joy when she hove
in sight. He then presented Capt |
Rainey with handsome gold watch as
q slight token of esteem in which the
people held him, and for the many |
courtesies and pleasures he had extend.
ed to the young people on numerous
occasions.
Capt. Rainey stood motionless for |
moment, with the expression OF deep
and ineffable gratitude beaming upon
his face e-fOr he was indeed overcome
He gathered himself together sufficient.
ly d say that he appreciated this gift
from the people, and would ever labor
for the upbuilding and advancement Of
their fair city Greenwood.
The crowd then hied themselves
away, some going to their respective
homes while others went directly to
Montgomery hall, where snmptrous
spread had been pref ared in honor OF
Capt. Rainey and Mr.. Murcke, aud the