Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-14

udy. rour nunuTeu OIL tnem, WITH more
than half as many ladies, are here in
attendance upon the twelfth annual
convention of the National Association
of Local Freight Agents Associations.
Thirty-three of the large cities OF
the country are represented in the
gathering, which is perhaps the largest
ever held by the association. The
members are the leading freight agents
of the big roads of the country, and
are all leading and philosophical men
in their respective cities. About
half of them have their wives and some
their daughters with them.
The convention was called to order
by President Malcolm Townsend, one
OF the Pennsylvania freight agents in
New York. The roll-call showed thirty
three cities and local associations to
be represented.
President Townsend made a short adj
dress, and presented the association
with banner. Upon motion of Cap
tain James w. McCarrick, of the Clyde
Line. this was accepted as the official
banner of the National Association.
THEIR BANNER ON CITY HALL.
At the afternoon session the Mayor.
through Mr.. L. I. Lamb. chairman OF
the Committee on ARRANGEMENTS Of
Tered to raise the banner over the City
Hall during the convention. The pro-
position was accepted and the flag will
be placed on the City Hall. 1t is
large white banner with freight car.
with wings. in the center. and upon it
are the initials of the association.
MAYOR JOHNSTON'S WELCOME.
After the opening of the convention
and the brief address by President
Townsend. Mayor c. Brooks Johnston
welcomed the delegates and their la
dies to Norfolk In the following adj
dress. Mr.. Johnston's effort was a par
tlcularly happy one, and he was lib
orally apDlauded. He said:
Mr.. President and Delegates of the
National Association of Local Freight
Agents.
ITO me has been assigned the very
pleasant duty of extending to you a
welcome to our city. 1 have no oratory
10 display; no boQuetS of pretty com
pliments to throw you but as a busy
man to busy men, 1 greet you and as
sure you that 1t is no mere form of
words when I say: Norfolk gives Won
most hearty welcome
Gentlemen your OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
than most others-represents our entire
country. Each local agent must neccs-
sarily come in contact with, and know.
10 some extent, every shipper and re-
| ceiVer of freight from his own station.
ana that means the personal acquaint-
ance of your organization with the en-
tire business world of our country
Great. indeed. does this fact make the
influence your organization might exert
III unitedly. centered in any one direc-
ton. Norfolk's manufacturing inter-
ests are rapidly developing and already
are of no small proportions. Yet the
| TACT remains
commercial city.
| Ihlrty 70 forty steamers enter and
ieave our city daily, receiving from and
delivering vast quantities of freight to
the nine railroads operating Twelve
thousand miles of road, covering al
most the entire South and West, which
make our harbor their deeD wafer fer
minus. This gives to all that pertains
10 our commercial welfare q pecuIior
iaclnatlon; and you. gentlemen, having
so close connection with this inonort.
ant interest OF ours. are very near TO
us.
During your stay within orr citv
may hunger and thirst be unknown.
may the soothing influence of our
paimy air, tempered at it is with old
oceans magic touch, give renewed
strength and vigor to body and mind
May your daily program be so ar
ranged that you may be able to see
what great things kind nature has done
ior us, may the phenomenal growth NJ
our city, doubling It's population within
tue iast decade. with the vim and on
ergy OF our business men added tbaro-
10. make such deep and lasting innres.
sions on your minds that herea fter In
al your thoughts and calculations n
me coHmercial interests of our conn
tiS, Norlolk shall loom uo as n very
important factor.
Il Will now turn you over Ia tho +on
der mercles of the entertainment com
mlttee, assured that they will do FIJI,
Justice to Norfolk's reputation for hos
pitaiity and emphasize my words WeI-
come to Norfolk"
after the applause had subsidized. Mr..
LOT brown. the agent at Chicago NJ
me Chicago. Burlington and Ouincv
raiiroad. was introduced by the nresi,
uent to respond to Mayor Johnston,,
welcome on behalf of the associotion
MR. BROWNS RESPONSE.
Mr.. Brown. in responding to tbe
mayors address of welcome. said.
FROM the tone of editorials in tbe
oaiiy papers 1t is both hazardous and
Unpopular for anyone to make a speech
especially If the speaker saws anv'
thing. Therefore. I conclude that orr
president has acted wisely In selecting
me to respond, in the name of the Ma
tional Association of Local Freirht
Agents Associations and In his behalf
to the cordial welcome of the Mayor Of
Norfolk.
1.-THE National Association OF Local
Freight Agents Associations, organ
lied in st. Louis In 1888, has met ench
successive year In the leading cities Of
the United States, and in order to
maintain our reputation in this respect
Norfolk, Va. was selected as our meet
ing place this year