The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1904-10-27
Formal Inauguration Of the
Work on the Appomat-
tox Diversion.
MARTIN THE GUEST OF HONOR
Large Gathering in the Opera.
House and Speeches Of Com
graduation and Music.

(spec,al q The Times. p,.pa.ch.,

Special to The Times Dispatci1.)
PETERSBURG. VA, Oct. 2s.-Tlie onl-
ciul Tinauguration OF the great work OF
{ diverting the flood waters Of the APP.
ponatton river two miles and a half
around the city through q new channel
was celebrated this afternoon at the
Academy OF Music in the presence OF q
concourse Of people that packed the
building from pit to dome.
Rainy weat ther. necessltated a. change OF
1 the plan OF 4 holding the ceremonies
across tho river near the opening OF the
new channel. but no damper was thereby.
cast upon the enthusiasm OF the people,
who ga thercd IN great throng at the:
Academy, and made the house resound
with oft-repeated cheers and applause.
Every speaker was accorded a great well
come, and Senator Martin received m
ovation. {: IN III
Il THE SGRAYs ARRIVE.
When the Petersburg Grays marched
Into tho auditorium, and the orators Of
= the occasion came upon the stage the
( band struck up a@martial air, and the
audience, rising to its feet cheered to
the echo ttesiWell known Virginia states
+ men and pias G. m EN- who have al llssg given
OF their best to the successful beginning
Z OF what, in the opinion OF every speaker,
as expressed on this occasion, promises
to be- the greatest achievement In the
commercial history Of the city.
Mr.. T. S. Beckwith, president of the
Chamber Of Commerce, presided and.
introduced the speakers Rev. DR.. W. G.
Starr offered beautiful and appropriate
prayer, and the opening address was then hen
delivered by Mr. r. b. Davis, who was
accorded the closest attention and hear
tily applauded, Mr.. Alexander Hamilton
spoke in highest praise OF the men who
had laborcd long and well for the suc-l
cess OF this work and in eloquent
terms, accorded honor to whom honor Is
due, paying a handsome tribute to Mr.
Garter r. Bishop, and to his brother who
died before he could see the acknowl-
gedgcment OF tho genius Of his great
plan.
OVATION no MARTIN,
When Senator Martin came to the
front, and was introduced by Mr.. Beck-
with as a "Virginianl of Virginians," the
audience cheered and npplauded for sew
eral minutes. The Senator expressed his
great pleasure In being present at the
celebration of an event, In which It made
y him proud to feel that he had takcn
any part. and acknowledged In most
appropriate words his gratitude for the
honor accorded to him by the, preceding
speakers.
Senator Martin awarded high praise to
the committees OF Petersburg men who
had appeared before committees OF the
House and Senate In behalf Of the diver
sion plan, and said that he took to him
sci no more credit for his part In obtain.
In. the appropriation for the work than
would he due to any representative OF
the peDple who did his duty. and es-
pccally complimentcd Mr.. Bishop for his
faithful perseverance in furthering the
work He emphasized the great impor-f
tnnce OF transportation facilities to the
commercial prosperity of any community,
and expressed his belief in the success of
the diversion and Its great value to the
city, which. no said, was only too well
deserved, as Petersburg had not waited
for the government to aid her, but for
many years, had annually spent several
thousand dollars for river and harbor
Improvement
Senator Martin concluded his speech
with a high tribute to tho courage and
patriotism OF Southern men and a grace
full nowledgment Of his cordial recep-
tion.
Silver Spade to Captain Bishop.
Interesting speeches were made by Cap
tain r. Il. Winslow. OF the United States
Engineers; President Grim. Of the At
lantic Dredging Company, and Congress-
man southall, and then Mr.. Simon Sc
ward. president Of tho BOARD OF Alder
men. In pleasing address. presented Mr..
lBlshop a handsome silver spade, espa-f
cially designed az a testmonial from the
Chamber of Commerce, to his services
In behalf OF the city, a i
Great cheering followed and after mu.
sic by the band, Mr.. Bishop responded
In an address that may be only justly
characterized. as a model OF is KIND,
gracefully acknowledging his apprecla-
tion OF the honors paid to him and IN
beautiful language according due honor
to his associates In the work and TO
those organizations In Petersburg winch
we're ever ready with their aid.
Mr.. bishop paid a beautiful and poetlc
tribute to the A. p, Hill Camp, OF Con-
.fednwte Veterans, and closed with the
words, ITO the distinguished senator
here prcsent ana to his frle,Nas in tho
House OF Representative, arc due the
honors of this occasion, for the accom- :.
nllshment OF that which was made pos
sible by the efforts of your Chamber Of
(.11nmerce, Mr. President, and those OF
the other organizations mentloned. For
your patience with me and this crown
Ing proof of your affection for me. can
only say.,sI | thank YOU"
Il mo ceremonies were concluded With
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