davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11

as ours. and there is no excuse for any one to stand idle at any time. It is very easy matter with me to always tell when a young man takes an interest in his employers business.
 The enclosed is written for your consid- eration you can let me hear from you
 Truly yours, etc.,
 M P. LeGrand. Dr. LeGrand doubtless foresaw that MT. Hobbie had the making of splendid merchant in him, when he wrote the let ter quoted above in which he said: T see no reason why you should not, in the course of time, become one of the lead ing merchants of Montgomery--at least hope so.'' The excellent advice con tained in this letter was evidently intend- ed to help him to attain the position that kind-hearted. discriminating, pr. Le- Grand saw was within his reach. MT. Hobbie. needed this advice and went to work with a strong determination to at tain the position predicted for him. His subsequent career demonstrated the cor rectness of pr. LeGrand's estimate of his capacity; and, at the same time, showed how faithfully he followed the sound ad- monitions of his first employer.
 On April 16, 1872. Messrs LeGrand 6 Co.,, paid MT. Hobbie a most striking compliment by appointing him general superintendent, and manager of their wholesale grocery department for the avowed purpose of relieving Dr. LeGrand of the care of that most important part of the firms business. This appointment was made in another characteristic letter that MT. Hobbie treasures as one of his most precious possessions. Like the one quoted above 1t Is interesting reading and is printed herewith, in full:
 once of
 LeGrand & Co.,.
 96 eS and 100 Commerce Street,
 Grocery Department,
 Montgomery, Ala, April l6, 1872. Henry M. Hobbie, Esq, Montgomery,
 Ala:
 Dear Sir-Having every confidence in your integrity, honesty, capacity, and correctness. we have this day appointed you general superintendent and manager in the grocery department.
 Your duties will be to watch and guard the interests of the business in every particular; attend closely to all customers and see that they have proper attention: see that goods are properly delivered and shipped; attend to answering letters, ordering goods. keeping up stock, etc.. etc. Your duties in the beginning may seem arduous, but, after becoming once familiar with them, we haven't doubt but that you will be equal to. the emer- gency. In assigning you to this posi- ton, 1t is for the purpose of relieving our pr. LeGrand as far as possible of the duties which have been heretofore encumbered upon him, and 1t is to be hoped that you will so conduct yourself as to win the esteem. and confidence of all with whom you may come in contact that your employers may have no cause for complaint of any dereliction of duty,
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
FINLEY MAY BE IN IT
MENTIONED AS CANDIDATE FOR
 MAYOR OF MONTGOMERY.
Interest VIII Not Be Awakened in City Capaign Until Legislation is Disposed of--Andrew's
 Hotel Proposition.

Capt. John G. Finley, County Attorney and former AlderWan, may become a candidate for Mayor of Montgomery.
 Captain Finley's name has recently been talked of fin connection with the office and 1t was said on good authority that he might announce hts candidacy.
 When questioned yesterday about his probable candidacy Captain Finley said that there was ample time for him to make an announcement. At this time he said he did not care to say whether he would or would not be a candidate. He intimated that he would await the Legis- lature's action on the legislation affecting Montgomery.
 The present lack of interest in the Mayoralty race, 1t is saids ia due to the fact that the announced candidates ana the probable candidates are holding back awaiting definite action by the Eegisia- ture upon the Montgomery legislation. 1t was said yesterday that until this legis- lation assumed definite shape the city campaign would not begin. The municipal campaign, in view of the proposed new laws for Montgomery, lacks denniteness as well as interest
 The announced candidates are J. T. An drew ,E. J. Meyer, J. H. Hartley and w. B. Haygood. Beyond the opening speech of MT. Andrew at the Court House We'd nesday night there has been no recent activity on the part of the candidates or their friends. The candidates have been content with seeing the voters in their daily business duties.
 The proposition of Mir. andrew to ex- tend municipal aid to the enterprise of building a modern hotel in Montgomery has been more or less discussed. Mir. An drew's plan to encourage the building of new hotel is for the city to assess and collect no taxes or licenses on any department of the hotel for term of ten or fifteen years.
 In talking of this proposition yesterday, a city official said:
 "Such a proposition is impossible under the new Constitution. A careful reading of the Constitution will show that mu- nicipal taxes may be remitted only in certain specified conditions. In no possl- ble way could the exceptions be con- strued to extend the municipal aid pro- posed by MT. Andrew.
 Even if the Constitution did not pro- hibit 1t, the proposition of MT. Andrew is rather too broad for 6 city to adopt as a policy. AS I understand 1t the plan proposes not only for the city not to collect any licenses or taxes from the hotel proper. but to excuse all depart ments including the bar, the billiard room, cigar stand a all stores in the building. which ma je run under the auspices of the hO do not think the proposition will any considerable figure in the city ca. ign"
 Col c. P. Jones, chaYaan of the Gen. eral Council. the body wrlch governs mu- niapal elections in Montgomery. said yesterday that in his opinion no meeting of the Council would be held until some time in March. He added. however, that meeting of the Council would oe called earlier at the request of members.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11

sale grocery business. He owns a num- per of fine plantations and is a very large planter. He is also a large owner of city real estate, and is one of Ala bama's heaviest individual taxpayers. William M. Teague, Vice President.
 MT. William M. Teague, Vice President of the Hobbie and Teague Company, is a native of what was formerly Benton, now Calhoun County, Alabama He was engaged in the mercantile business at Greenville, Ala, from 1866 to January 1. 1883, when he came to Montgomery and entered into a co-partnership with his brother-in-law, MT. Henry M. Hobbie, under the well known firm name of Hob bic and Teague, which has just been suc- ceeded by the Hobbie and Teague Com pany, of which he is Vice-President, and in which he Is large stockholder.
 MT. Teague's sound judgment high character, industry, close attention to bus- mess and pleasant manner, have made him an important factor in the uniform ly successful business of Hobbie and Teague for twenty years, and he has been able while actively engaged in the whole sale grocery trade to accumulate large interests outside of that firm. While he will retain his interest in the Hobbie and Teague Company, and act as Vice-PresI- 
 portion of his time to the outside inter ests referred to above. The new com pany will have the benefit of his counsel on all important matters in future, as the old firm had in the past; but he will not actively participate in the manage ment of It's affairs,
 Mir. Teague Is naturally very proud of his personal record as a business man and a citizen, as well as of the record of the old firm of Hobbie and Teague. to the building up of which he gave twenty of the best years of his life. It goes without saying that his pride in the new company and his desire for its growth and prosperity are as strong as for the old firm. so he will not fail to contribute substantially by his advice and attention to its interests, to the promotion of these ends.
 In retiring from active participation in the management of the affairs of the house. and in terminating his daily asso- citation with, and direction of. the em- ployes, MT. Teague desires to assure each one of them of his sincere appreciation of the uniform and unfailing considera- tion and respect for and faithfulness to himself. that have had so much to do with both the success and the satisfaction of his life. and he tenders each of them his best wishes for their future and his pledge of continued interest in them.
 Richard M. Hobbie, Secretary.
 MT Richard M. Hobbie, Secretary of the Hobbie & Teague Company, and as- sistant to the President and General Manager. has lived in Montgomery all his life. His education was begun in the public schools of the city. continued in Prof. J. NJ. Starke's University School. until his entrance Into the Usiversity of Alabama, where he studied for three years, when he went to Nashville to take
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11

special course in vanderbilt univefsity His standing was very high while in college, and his record was probably as fine as ever made in the three institu- tions he attended.
 Mir. Hobbie returned from college in June. 1897. and entered the employment of Hobbie & Teague. He has had a thor ough training in all departments of the wholesale grocery business: and this training. together with his fine character, pleasant manners and great aptitude for business. admirably fit him for the suc- cessful discharge of the duties incident to his present important position with the Hobbie & Teague Company. He was first receiving clerk for a year, then shipping clerk for two years then trav- cling salesman for two years with the firm of Hobbie & Teague. so that he now takes up the duties of Secretary of the company and assistant to the President snd General Manager, in buying, selling, etc., thoroughly equipped for the duties of the position. He is one of Montgom- ery's most promising young business men and bright future for him seems as- sured.
 Henry IT. Robbie, IT,, Treasurer.
 Mir. Henry M. Hobbie Jr., Treasurer and once Manager of the Hobbie 6 Teague Company, was also born and reared in Montgomery. He was educated in the public schools of this city, Prof. J. M. Starke's University School and in the University of Alabama. In all of these institutions he made an enviable record. He entered the employment of Hobbie & Teague four years ago as cof- lector. was rapidly promoted to the posi- ton first of bill clerk and then to that of cashier, so 1t will be seen that he has. alsoo, had an admirable training in vari- ous departments of the business for the position of Treasurer, Cashier and Office Manager of the Hobbie & Teague Con- pany. His friends and business asso- ciates are confident he will discharge the duties of his responsible and important position with great credit to himself and to the abundant advantage of abe Hobbie & Teague Company. He is young man of ability and character. applies himself assiduously to business and may confi- dently look forward to becoming, to again quote the language of Dr. LeGrand, lone of the leading merchants of Montgom- cry"
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
Henrv M. Hobbie, President.


 Mir. Henry M. Hobbie, President and General Manager of the Hobbie & Teague Company, has been identified with the wholesale grocery trade of Montgomery since his boyhood-a period of tnirty-four years-and the story of his life for this long period is one off4uninterruPted suc- cess, attained by assiduous attention 10 his affairs and rigid adherence 10 high code of personal and commercial honor It will be a wholesome story 70 read at a time when so many are carried from their moorings by the mad rush to be. rich quick. .sr---~ Az
 MT. Hobbie left Prof. Thomas c. Braes's school in June, 1868, and on Jan uary 1, 1869, at the age of 19, entered the employment of Messrs. LeGrand x Co.,, then the leading wholesale grocers of Ala bama. When he commenced work for this firm he had no definite understanding as to what wages he was to receive, but confidently trusted in the well known reputation of pr. M. P. LeGrand' the head of the house, for not only fair but just treatment as well. and the sequel showed that he had made no mistake Tn conhding in his employer to this extent MT. Hobbie devoted himself with entnusi- asm to the duties and labors Of hls po- sition. developing traits of character and aDtlLuQ6 HOT Du5lHSSS bAAeAS ON SANSS gave him a strong hold on the members of the firm, so that his rise was sure and rapid. On January l, 1870 pr. M. P. LeGrand gave him a check for $25O as the amount the firm thought about right for his services dur ing the previous year, and fixed his salary for the current year at 80 a month. along with the following kind and characteristic letter: oo I,eGrand & Go, Wholesale Grocers, 9S
 and 100 Commerce Street.
 Montgomery, Ala, Jan. 1. 1870.
 Henry:-Enclosed you will find check for two hundred and fifty dollars C$25O which we think about right for past serv- ices. From this date your wages will be thirty dollars per month-that is. if you see proper to continue. If the above Is satisfactory you can let me know.
 I am very much pleased with the man. ner in which you have applied yourself since you have been with us-have not the least fault to, find, and If you will continue in the course in which you have atarted see no reason why you should moi in the course of time be one of the leading merchants of Montgomery-at least hope so If you should find a more favorable situation 1t will afford me great pleasure to give you any recommendation you may wish.
 If you decide to continue with us ahal fexpect you to apply yourself assidu- ously to business; there Is nothing more disaRreeable to me than to see young men lettering about a store-which, am sorry to say, Is getting too much the case with some of our young men when there is no business doing. There is always plenty Sf work about such an establishment
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
REPRESENTATIVES or PRrNCI-
 PAL ALABAMA CITIES.
Prominent Montgomery Women Patronesses of Great Public Reception at Auditorium. Many Soldiers are
 Coming.

President Alex Rice of the Montgomery Commercial and Industrial Association announced yesterday the personnel of the various committees which are to have charge of the ceremonies attending the Inauguration of Governor Jelks on Mon day of next week.
 The ceremonies will consist of a great military parade at noon and a public re- ception at the Auditorium at night. list of prominent Montgomery women. pat- ronesses of the reception, were also an- nounced yesterday.
 As the ceremonies are arranged hv ana for the citizens of the State. leading citi- zens of the various sections of Alabsma have been named on some of the commit- tees.
 The arrangements for the inaugura ation, while under preparation by citizens of Montgomery, cooperating with citizens of other sections, will in no way conflict with any Committee that may be appointed bv the Legislature. In fact 1t Is expected that as soon as g legislative Committee Is raised the citizeng committee will sub init to that committee its plans for the inaugural ceremonies.
 The committees announced yesterday are as follows:
 Committee on Arrangemsnts--Alex Rice. Chairman: J. K. Jackson, Phares Cole man, George w. Jones. H. c. Davidson, F. B. Joseph, IT,. George W. Ellis M. P. LeGrand. A. c. Forbes, R. F. Ligon, J. L. Gaston. L. Strauss. F. P. Glass, Charles B. Teasley. B. s. GreiL Lee H. Well.
 As this committee has had and win have supervision Of all necessary busi- ness arrangements 1t Is composed solely of Montgomery business and professional men.
 Reception Committee-P -Phares Coleman. Chairman; Thomas H. Carr. H. c. Da- vidson, s. H. Dent. Jr.. Captain J. M. Tallxner, A. G. Forbes. Judge J. B. Gaston. W. A. Gayle, F. P. Glass. Horace Hood, Judge Thomas c. Jones. Hon. B. B. Joseph, M. P. LeGrand, N. Isobman, Jacques Loeb. General W. c. Oates, Ray Rushton, F. c. Shepard. L. Strauss. Alex Troy, R. H. Clarke. Mobile; H. T. Inge. Mobile: J. H. Webb. Mobile; A. l.. Mc- Leod, Selma; James H. Nunneiee. Selma; Eli s. Shorter, Eufaula: T. D. Sanford. Opelika; c. c. Whitson, Talladega: John B. Knox, Anniston; W. F. Lay. Gadsden; E. W. B. Barrett. Birmingham; Jones O. Moore, Birmingham. Rufus N. Rhodes.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
sKEToHs OF TEE oFFIcERs OF COMPANY

or have any cause to regret the position they have seen fit to assign you.
 You will enter upon your duties at once.
 Yours very truly, etc., LeGrand & Co.
 MrHobbie fulfilled the arduous and diff flcult duties of general manager of much the largest wholesale grocery ousl- ness in Alabama, for nearly three years, with such credit to himself and such satisfactios to Dr. LeGrand. and his as- sociates, that he was admitted to part nership in the business in 1875. His con- nection with the firm as a partner was pleasant, satisfactory. and profitable, to all concerned, for four years, when Dr. LeGrand decided to retire from active business and the firm of LeGrand & Co., sold out on January 1, 1879, to Mir. Hob- bic and Mir. W. r. Vandiver. These gen. tlemen did business together for four years, under the firm name of Hobbie & Vandiver. On January 1, 1883, Mir. Hobbie sold his interest in the business to MT. Vandiver and formed a copartnership with MT. William M. Teague, under the firm name of Hobbie X Teague. The firm did business with uniform success for ex- actly twenty years, or until the forma- ton of the Hobbie & Teague Company, on January 1, 1903.
 There is a singular recurrence of the four years in MT. Hobbies business ca reer. and nearly every important move in his life has been made on the first day of January He entered the employment of LeGrand & Co. on January l. 1869; was admitted to partnership in that house January 1, 1875: formed copartnership with MT. w. F. Vandiver January l, 1879; sold out to Mir. Vandiver and form ed copartsership with MT. Teague, Jan uary 1, 1883; did business with Mir. Teague for twenty years, or five periods of four years, to January l, 1903
 Mir. Hobbie as stated above will un- dertake the active duties of President and General Manager of the Hobbie & Teague Company, so that he will con- tinue to be actively identified with the wholesale grocery business of Montgom- cry. He will have ample opportunity to employ his fine busisess ability in main taining the growth of the new company's trade in the same steady ratio that char acterized that of the old firm of Hobbie & Teague. With increased facilities for handling heavy goods. the good will, es- tablished trade and high standing of the old firm, the counsel and assistance of Mr. Teague; the new Vigor and push thaa two younger members of the company will bring into it; there can be little doubt that Mir. Hobbie will so direct the new company that it's brightest prospects will be realized. He is in perfect health, men tally and physically, is in the zenith of his powers and there is every reason to believe that he will be, in the language of Dr. LeGrand, lone of Ehe leading mer- chants of Montgomery for many years to come.
 MT. Hobbie has accumulated a large amount of property outside of his whole
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
CJMMlllrrS WHICH ILL HAVE CHARGE
 OF THE IN.- -Us JRA LAYTON GER MONI| I|.<

Birmingham; J. L. Tanner. BIrmin1h John w. Tomlinson, Birmin8h&m; '. E Nathan. sheffields D. D. Shelby. H11z1< vile; M. w, Camper, Florence. Music and Parade A. O.. Borhe4. Ct41k man; R. M. seale. B. g. ct1t<3o& George "A: Thomas, A. F. cur<11, o&1&I B. Tyler, GeorgesW. HIlfs. |. H. fj<k0 J. l.. Gaston. n. M. Vandiv6< B. Greil. E. H. D. Warren. l.. II. xe19l11zs T. M. Westcott, E. l.. Merriam. 2. X- Worswick. s
 of the parade to and from the Gtate Cap itoI and provide for .attsndancs of th< brass bands on the parade and at tho x$ ception.
 Hall and Decorations--E B. Joseph. 5x.. Chairman; A. W. Le3ron, R. ! Chana- bers. J. A. Lyon. c. T. Kirkpatrick O. O. Nelson, Thomas I. Hewlett IT.. BeurE8 Stuart Joseph w. Holt, Charles B. Teas ley. D. H. Howe. H. P. Tressiar, Thomas Howe. D. l.. Whetstone. n. Hugger, Hos- ert Wooifolk, Leon B. Kehn.
 Floor Committee-J. K. Jackson. Chair man; c. G. Abercrombie. William L. &1- derson. H. T. Bartlett. James F. FerrelA R. s. Finch, Terry T. Greil, Gastou Gl1n< clifford Lanier, IT,, E. H. Lewis. H. E.| Ligon, Terry Richardson. Ike simon, Leo H Well, Colonel R. B. DuMont, Mobilet N. R. Clarke, Mobile; Hugh Mallory. Selma; Minthorne Woolsey. Selma Nor man winn, Demopolis; T. Sidney Er1ee<t Union Springs; l.. c. Lightfoot, Eufau14t w. c. Crumpton, Evergreen; Alex Ms Garber. TaIIadega; William H. MoElroxs Anniston; W. A. Walker, IT,, BlrmIng- ham; w. B. Bankhead. HuntsvtIle; H. c. Thach, Athens.
 The patronesses are as follows. Mru~ Robert F. Ligon. Chairman: Mrs. [. l. Mckinney, Mrs. B. J. Baldwin, nfrs. w. M. Marks. Mrs. o. P. Bartlett. Mrs. A- J. Miller. Mrs. J. W. Black. Mrs. C. Xs Moritz, Mrs. B. L.. Boykin. Mrs. Mcu< Cain. IT,, Mrs. w. ]. Drum. Mrs. Pharer Coleman. Mrs. Arthur Pelzer. Mrs. O. c- Cobbs. Mrs. J. s. Pinciard, Mrs. n. q. Davidson. Mrs. Alex Rice, Mrs. T. M- Ellis. Mrs. M. sabeI. Mrs. A. e. Forbe& Mrs. F. c. Stevenson, Mrs. ]. l.. oastof. Mrs. l.. Strauss, Mrs F. P. Glass. Mrs. Charles B. Teasley. Mrs. B.. &. GxeiI. Mrs. c. A. Thigpen, Mrs. ]. .. ff4a& Mrs. Jack Thorington, Mrs. Jno. H1xax~ son, Mrs. John R. Tyson. Mrs. J. K Jackson. Mrs. John TuIlis. IT.. MfA- George W. Jones. Mrs. W. F. vandivezs Mrs. E. B. Joseph, Mrs. Leon Well. Mr& J. A. Kirkpatrick, Mrs. W. M.N Wiiker~ son. Mrs. C. A. Lanier, Mrs. !. g. Wf}Xs cox. Mrs. M. P. LeGrand. Mrs. N. x<. Wood.
 The Committee on Transportation e4 troops has been busy during the past fe0 days and although the trafic facilities ef the railroads will be tested 1t is expected tFa,s the attendance of soldiers win na gssater than in many years.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
MELRosE HOTEL.
A New and Commodious House
 Opened for Boarders.

Opened for Boarders.
 Mir and Mrs. B. F. Yarbrough have purchased the May home, at 10S Church Street and remodelled it, throughout, from cellar to garret, adding all the latest and modern improvements and have named 1t "The Melrose' Hotel, where they have every convenience for the ac- commodation of the public; will keep everything on their table the market af- lords snd they invite the patronage of the public. The house is commodious asd will be made perfectly comfortable at all times in the coIdest weather, an improved heater having been put in. Mrs. Yar- brough has a tact for housekeeping. hav- ing been raised about one of the finest boarding houses in all the land, and she just knows what one wants and will give all the comforts demanded. It is the neatest and cosiest place In the city. A large barn has been erected for the care of the cattle and fresh butter and milk Is to be had there at all times. Before you settle down in your. boarding place. just call in and see Mrs. Yarbrough and you will be so well pleased that you will en- gage quarters there at once. Remember the place, 1o8 Church Street. -adv.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
Henry M- Robbie, IT.. rrsasursr.

and into the warehouse-giving in the two establishments. on opposite sides of the street about 5000 square feet of floor space, or considerably over an acre. Both of these places are equipped with dray scales, freight elevators. driveways and every convenience for handling heavy goods rapidly and economically.
 The Hobbie & Tsague Company has a splendid organization, a we'll established trade the best possible commercial stand heavy merchandise and the most fiatter- ing prospects for rapid and constant ir- crease in It's business.
The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-11
M. Robbie, Secretary.
to obbie Up Capital SlOO(
Groersan Meal dPhospht for Fou-th Brand b
 M atoy o e

prietary positions in the company, after having the best possible preliminary training under tho old firm will add the vigor that naturally comes with new blood.
 The Hobbie & Teague Company has splendid facilities for handling heavy goods. at their stores, l09 and 211 Com merce Street 54x125 feet, three stories and a basement; and at their warehouse. z0 and 232 Commerce Stret. 55 xl25 feet, two stories and basement, with a platform 155 feet long from which to load and un- load cars from the tracks of the Louis vile and Nashville Railroad directly from