The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-12

delegate who had come to the city to attend the sessions of the association occupied a chair.
 It was a strong, prosperous looking assemblage. The entire assembly wore an air of force and masculinity. The men were neatly and unostenta- tiously dressed. The number of young men among the delegates was espe- cially noticeable, although the gray haired members. or the members or mature years, appeared to direct the proceedings.
 It was a keen and intelligent lot, and the members took an active and close interest in all the proceedings. number of ladies were present.
 Picking up a wooden gavel President Smith called the session to order. At this moment Secretary Buck arose say Ing: MT. President and Gentlemen Of the Association: At the last meeting or the Bankers Association, the absence of a gaveI was especially noticeable. Our president was reduced to the nec- essity of calling the meeting to order with a silver dollar. Now. our vice president and member of the Execu- tive Committee. Louis B, Farley, has determined there shall be no such em- barrassment this year. He has com missioned me to present to the presi- dent a golden gavel in each end of which is set twenty dollar gold piece. This, in itself. proves that the associa- ton Is showing justice and tmpartial- ity to both silver money and gold money"
 President Smith accepted the gavel in a brief humorous speech. T was called aside this morning by our vice president" he said. "to secret place and after he had demanded and rec ceived every assurance of affection and friendship one man could secure from another, he wound up by saying; Say, wish you would see that get those twenty dollar gold pieces back. '' President Smith called Rev. D. E. Cobbs, rector of St. Johns Episcopal Church to the stand and introduced l him to the assembly. saying that he would open the deliberations of the association with prayer.
 Mir. Cobbs offered a strong and elo- quent invocation. He prayed that the fullness of the richness of God and the greatness of his glory should be upon those charged with great respon- sibility. He pleaded that 1t should be so ordered that the unruly of spirit ! If there should be any, would be made to conspire to do the win of the Lord MAYOR CARR WELCOMED
 BANKERS TO THE CITY. Mayor Thomas H. Carr was then presented to the association to extend the welcome on behalf of the city | of Montgomery. Mir. Carr was greet ed by a hearty round of applause. The Mayor is rather modest about his speech making abilities. but in his brief address to the bankers. he dis | al fxun nf tho nrirnaPV qffrfhIfas of an orator. He had something to say and he said 1t clearly, earnestly and | effectively.
 1 In welcoming the bankers to Mont gomery. Mayor Carr spoke as follows MT. President and Gentlemen of the l Bankers Association of Alabama: | Tt is with peculiar pride and pleas. ure that I welcome you to this, tho | capital city of Alabama. As It's chiei executive, I greet you with open arm; | and tender to you the hospitality anC good offices of its people.
 | Tn these days of industrial activity and investment, when capital every | where seeks the best returns, I con slider it an omen of good fortune ant congratulate the people of our goot 1 city, that men of your pursuits and o | your character and intelligence shal assemble here. sincerely trust tha | while sojourning, even for a brief pc | riod among us. you will become SC | thoroughly impressed with our advan tages and so attracted by our facilities that you will consider 1t a privilege | to aid us in the upbuilding of this his toric and classic city.
 Let me indulge the hope that you deliberations while here will be con
 ducive of excellent results. The ques tions that will engage your attention during your sessions are vital ones underlying, as they do. the develop ment of every phase of life. l hope too, that your stay will not only b' profitable but pleasurable.
 "In conclusion. in presenting to yoi
 the proverbial keys and freedom of thu city, which I now do, l am sure tha
 you will agree with me that the key to no other city in our fair State coult
 be rendered that would unlock thu gates to the hearts and homes of
 more hospitable, a more gracious or {
 more intelligent community. And now gentlemen. welcome you, yes, thric
 welcome you to our beautiful and his toric old city"
 The Mayor was given a spontaneou
 burst of applause for his effort
 BANKER H. FITS
 MAKES THE RESPONSE
 Following the address of Mayor Car l Mir. J. H. Fitts, the venerable ant
 veteran banker of Tuscaloosa. was in
 troduced to respond to the addresses o
 welcome. MT. Fitts was in a happ!
 humor and his remarks were enjoye'
 greatly. He said:
 MT. Mayor. Brother Bankers of Mont gomery, Ladies and Gentlemen:
 Tn behalf of the visiting bankers.
 gives me great pleasure to thank you 10
 this hearty welcome. Our hearts indeed l would be dead to ever sentimental emo
 ton, if they were not touched and moved
 by this warm hearted. and whole-sou | reception.
 We understand and highly appreciate | the spirit which animates you. WI 1 know and feel that you are aetuated b! | desire to entertain us royalty and t | make our stay with you delightful! l pleasant It may be gratifying to you
 to learn that you have not undertaken l difficult task, for we have all come full! | prepared to enjoy to the fullest extent l all the pleasures and good things whicl
 your generous hospitality has provided |