Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-06-15
GOV. o'FERRALL SPEAKS
A Brilliant Address-Exhibits All In
Pfacc-ImpOrtnnt Topics Discuss.
cd = Election OF Officers Move
Looking 10 Holm Session of Car
BuiIders and Mechnnics-IwoI m-
por'ant Matters For Considera-
lion To-Morrow,

opened yesterday ut Old Point Comfort
at 10 a. m. in the auditorium of the
Chamberlin Hotel
The president. c. a. Schroyer, of the
Chicago and Northwestern railway.
opened the convention in Il few brief
words, that were followed by an elo-
Quent prayer by Rev. j. ]. Gravatt. of
Holy Trinity Church. Richmond. Va.
EN-GOV. O'FERRALL SPEAKS.
The chairman next introduced EN-
Governor Charles Il. OFerrall, who was
greeted with loud applause as he rose.
Mr.. O'Ferrall told of his appearance be-
fore the same body two years ago in
the same hall, and his welcome to it as
Governor OF the Commonwealth of Vir-
ginia. He was proud then, but he stated
that he was still prouder to be called.
as private citizen, with no robes OF
Office about him. to again address them
and again welcome them to Virginia.
Colonel O'Ferrall took as his theme
"Our Country" He dwelt eloquently on
our late war with Spain and emphasized
the fact that it had taught the world
that America still had brave sons to
fight her battles, on land or sea, and de-
fend her honor.
He also grow eloquent, because the
war proved that sectionalsm was Il
thing of the past and our country was
thoroughly reunited.
The speaker compared the youth of
our country with the age of the other
great nations of the world. He briefly
sketched the outlines of our history
and passed on to statistics showing our
importance as producer of coal, iron
and other minerals and ores and the
advantages given by nature to this
land of ours.
He also gave railway statistics of the
world. showing our Importance In this
line over any other nation Here he
paid fine tribute to the railroad men
of America for their part in the great
work of winning our vast domain to
utility for our citizens. He closed with
an eloquent tribute to our country and
the cause of good government.
VOTE OF THANKS.
At the conclusion of the address
President Schroyer rose and, in Il
brief reply, moved that all present rise
as u token of thanks to the noted
speaker. All rose and next n commu-
nication was read from Commandant
Gunther, of Fortress Monroe, extend
ing to the visitors the freedom of the
Government grounds and points of in
terest.
President Schroyer then briefly re-
viewed the progress OF railroad inter-
est for the year. and also the work
of the association for that period. The
reports OF several committees were
then heard. The arbitration committee
reported 33 disputes satisfactorily set
tied during the year, and the Finance
Committee reported the associations
finances IN excellent shape. and recon-
mended continuation of the present
rate of dues. Reports adopted
After Il recess OF five minutes the as
ISOLATION reconvened for purely bust
ness matters. and the reading and dis
cussing Of subjects prepared for topi-
cal discussion was entered upon.
SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION.
The subjects for topical discussion as
prepared by the committee are as fol-
lows
/. Is lock set and a knucklc- open-
ing device in NJ c. Is. automatic coup
lers essential to completely fulfill all the
requirements of an automatic coup
Ter?
Discussion to be opened by Mr.. w. S.
Morris. superintendent of motive power
of the Chesapeake and Ohio railway
2. In the interchange of passenger
equipment cars, what is and should be
the practice in regard to charging for
Pintsoh gas in cars lighted by this sys-
tenn?
Discussion to be opened by Mr.. Frank
kearden, superintendent of locomotive
and car department of the Missouri Pa
cific railway.
3. Is the almost universal practice of
allowing the horn of the NJ. c. b.
coupler to strike the end sill before tho
motion of the spring is exhausted
proper. or should the spring capacity
and the strength OF the draft rigging
be such as to permit of the whole
shock being delivered on them inste
of on the end sill?
Discussion to be opened by Mr.. John
S. Lentz. assistant superintendent of
motive power of the Lehigh Valley
railroad.
A. Has the splicing of air-brake hose
been round to be good and economical
practice. and should cars so equipped
be passed in interchange?
Discussion TO be opened by Mr.. F. w
Braz!er. assistant superintendent of
machinery of the Illinois Central rail-
road.
5. Fastening OF ladders. handholds
brake wheels and brake shaft brackets
on freight cars and the inspection of
same. from the standpoint of greater
safety TO trainmen.
Discussion to be opened by Mr.. F.. u
motive power of the Michigan Central
railroad.
c. Improved method of finishing and
polishing journals of axles.
Discussion 10 be opened by Mr.. ]. NJ
Holt. general foreman of car repairs.
Southern Railway.
Z. Desirabiiity of having uncoupling
levers extend across the end of car so
that they may be operated from either
side.
Discussion to be opened by Mr..
Charles Waughop, chief joint car in
spector. ST. Louis. Missouri
s. Better care and maintenance Of
hand brakes.
Discussion TO be opened by Mr.. G.. w.
Rhodes. assistant general superinten-
dent of the Burlington and Missouri
River railroad in Nebraska.
3. The best form of dust-tight and