The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-04-15
HONOR IS SHOWN
 ID MR, vANDNER
Is Retiring President Montgom-
 Light & Power Co,
GIVEN HANDSOME PRESENT
At Elaborate Banquet Many Words of Esteem for MT. Vandiver Are Spoken, Who Was Visibly
 Affected By Remarks.

Montgomery, April 14-(SpeciaI. )-Rare- ly does it fall to the lot of man to have the assurances of love and esteem in such large measure as were expressed for MT. W. F. Vandiver, retiring presi- dent of the Montgomery Light and Wa ter Power company at banquet given by the officers and directors of the com pany at Young's restaurant last night In addition to the kind words that were showered upon him in such profusion he was presented with handsome umbrel- la from those who had been associated with him all the way down through thir- teen years of the history of the company. Speeches were made by those around the board and a happy time resulted for every one present.
 With the advent of the bullion the fol- lowing were seated at the table, which had been elongated through two rooms of the main dining hall w. F. Vandiver, retiring president Robert J. Chambers, the newly appointed vice president and general manager; F. W. Bowen, secre- tary and treasurer; s. Roman, II. c. Davidson and s. ,Iassenheimer, direc- tors; George A. Montgomery, general superintendent; Theodore B. Mitchell manager of the new business department; ; Paul Reeder and l.. D. Teasley, book keepers; A. s. Lowrey, constructing en- gineer; l.. A. Docruer of the gas de- partment; B. S. Maultsby. formerly sec retary and treasurer, now with the Mont gomery Traction company; N. R. Nell son, night engineer; R. A. Mammac, line foreman J. H. Kling. cashier; John Bradford, collector; j. H. Casterline and Do rata ct lio,, Wheeler, assistant engineer; l.. A. Mooi> and c. l.. Armstrong, assistants to MT. Mitchell in the new business department: R. O. Blakey, manager of the Forbes Piano and Organ company; R. M. Hen derson, business associate of MT. Van diver; William Black, private secretary to MT. Vandiver; Horce Hood, Sr, of the Montgomery Journal: A. Bruce Ken nedy, city editor of the Montgomery Ad- vertiser, and Hervey W. Laird of The Age-Herald bureau.
 Happy Speech.
 MT Chambers served as toast master and in presenting the umbrella to MT. Vandiver made a happy little speech He said he was glad of the opportunity to express to Mir. Vandiver the high esteem and sincere affection in which he was held by all the men who had served him in the various departments for years. Taking all of the years of my association with him." said Mir Chambers. Into consideration, I can truthfully say that never had man a bet ter friend, a wiser counsellor or a more considerate superior officer" MT. Cham bers then gave MT Vandiver the credit Tor the rapid growth and wonderful pros- perity of the company, and concluded with the words, there Is no doubt that when l tender best wishes for your fu- lure prosperity and welfare I transmit only the thoughts of every one present"
 MT. Vandiver responded with much feel ing and before he concluded his voice choked up so with emotion that he could not talk. He said that 1t was one thing tO receive the plaudits of associates and another to deserve them, and if his asso- citation with those present for thirteen years had impressed them that h. had their whole duty and had been not only faithful employees and hard workers but good and true friends. He had told MT McMillan president of the company, that he had here faithful crowd of men and 1t was one of the sad things of the change that some of them might not be able to hold their places. He had been assured that no changes were anticipated He had told MT. McMillan that they would do to depend upon. Now boys" he concluded, don't let what I told MT McMillan of you be anything but the simple truth"
 Tears were in the eyes of Mir. Van diver when he closed and his voice chok- ed up so that he could not talk
 Kindly Expressions.
 Mir. Toastmaster Chambers then called on the gentlemen one by one to talk There were the kindiest expressions for the retiring president and every man who talked paid him high tribute.
 MT. Laird said he had known Mir Van diver for years and knew he had been a power for good not only in the com mercial world but in church and social circles as well. He bespoke for MT. Cham bers. the new local executive head the hearty support of the people and the press
 Secretary Bowen spoke of the progress of the company and of its bright outlook, giving full credit for the good work of the past and looked to good things In the future.
 Mir. Davidson. Mir. Roman and Mir Cas- senheimer spoke of the history of the company ->l the efforts of MT. Vandi- yer to carry 1t along through i'll as we'll as good report.
 Hood ea td ha ba laaap loyal M.