The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-21

The thirteenth annual session of the Alabama Press Association was called to order in the Council Chamber yes terday morning at 10 o'clock by Presi- dent Rufus N. Rhodes of The Bir- mingham News, who then introduced Rev. Charles A. Stakeley of the First Baptist Church of this city who in- voked divine blessing upon the meet ing.
 His Honor, Mayor Joseph, was un- avoidably absent and Hon. A. A. Wiley, who represented him, was introduced and made warm and hearty welcome address.
 Colonel Wiley paid beautiful trib- ute to the press. He described their efforts for the improvement and prog ress of the human race. Amongst oth- CT things. he said, they have unlocked the grim portals of the heavens, earths and seas. and explored the secret cav erns of their mysteries.
 We are told by the wise man, con- tinued Colonel Wiley, that there is a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down. and time to build up; time of war and a time of peace We live in a stirring period of the world s history. and standing here today, in the glorious light of the present, in full view of its progressive capacities, growth and expansion. realizing the magnificent opportunities presented to the members of the press for the good and veal of the State, we appreciate the force and significance of. those words of the Cardinal Duke, which have come ringing down the ages: Meath the rule of men entirely great the pen Is mightier than the sword
 We have had many wars, ruthless and unpitying wars. Desolation and devastation have followed in the red pathway hewed out by the fiery and cruel sword. While it cannot be denied that the weapon has accomplished good as well as evil and has contrib uted to roll onward and upward the car of progress and prosperity, yet the potentialitiesc for good, for the uplift- ing of the burdens of the human race, and for the upbuil1ing of the material interests of a country, unQuestionably, the pen as mightier than the sword.
 "Gentlemen of the Press Association, you see the results of your labors be- fore you and behind you. You have wrought wonders with your pens in this State. You have proven your selves to have been the nrop and sup port. the stay and hope for the preser- vation of civil libert. and the law of the land. Go on to serve your people,
 
 ity toward all and malice towards none. Do not be systematic time servers, but do your duty bravely and honestly, re- meTNbering that truth and courage are the guardian angels that stand ever around the throne of every good mans Iife.'
 President Rhodes then introduced Major W. W. Screws of The Adver- tiser who said:
 
 of the State Press Association: The citizens of Montgomery. as you have just heard from the representative of the Mayor. are glad to have you in their midst. I can speak with special emphasis for our Commercial and In- dustrial Association. which is the great center from which radiates our com mercial and manufacturing life and activity. They all know that it has been your lot to do more for public good than for private gain. and that in the various communities in which you reside. you are foremost in advancing every laudable undertaking.
 There is no need for elaborate ex- pression of hearty welcome from your CO., workers here for you know that you have it to the fullest extent There is a bond of affinity between those engaged
 
 closely together. no matter how widely they may be separated territorially or how greatly they may differ in opinion on public and other questions. Once a newspaper man, always a newspaper man. has become an accepted axiom, but in latter days it has to be amended to the extent of saying once a news paper man or woman, always one. There is a fascination about it. which renders other kinds of work irksome and unsa satisfactory. The rewards in a material sense, may not be so great as would follow from half the time and toll devoted to other pursuits, yet a deal of solid comfort and satisfaction results from earnest work in calling to which we are earnestly and heartily devoted(.
 In the name of the local press hid you welcome to Montgomery, and couple with it the hope that you are all enjoying a full tide of prosperity and that those of you who anticipate a trip to the Pacific may have a pleas ant journey and a safe return to your business and firesides.
 Mir. John c. Williams, of The Talla- deEa Mountain Home. responded to the addresses of welcome and thanked the two speakers who had preceded him for their cordial words of welcome. Montgomery. he said. was a city he- loved of all the people of the State and 1t was a joy to them to come here. They felt that they had friends here true and steadfast who would never be called on by the press of Alabama in vain. It was a city of historic in- terest and would ever be held in re- membrance not only by citizens of the State but by those who keen abreast Of the history of the country. He said