The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-02-28

narration Of several stores tndt u y
voked unbounded laughter, he said:
.The occasion which assemblies Us
tonight is of no small moment. We
have come together to celebrate the
anniversary of the first birthday of an
institution which has done a great
good for our city. The Chamber o.
Commerce. by our united effort, can
be made not only to cement our cltl-
zens more firmly for our material bet
terment but aid in the uplifting of our
entire community and Of our beloved
State. Representing as I do the gov
ernment Of municipal affairs, can but
look upon the growth Of this adjunct
of the city with the keenest sense OF
pride and satisfaction, and being one
of that corporate body myself, take
the greatest pleasure in welcoming our
g,iests, not only to these boards where
we have the .feasts Of SOUL and eN-
pect ..the low-of reason but also to
our city herself-her gates are open
she is yours. The obligations are ours
NOT yours By your presence we are
honored-not you; you are therefore
welcomed, thrice welcomed to our
midst, so
Here's health to you and wealth to
you,
Honor and gifts a thousand strong;
Here's name to you and fame to you,
Blessing and pleasure a whole life
long.
But lest bright fortunes star grows
dim,
And some times cease to move for
you
We'll fill our bumper to the brim
And pledge lot of love to you"
The Introduction of Hon. r. I. Man
ming, who responded to the toast OF
s.South Carolina, - was the occasion of
an ovation to the Game Cock City's
prospective governor, and a most fiat
tering tribute to his worth and merit.
So unbounded was the enthusiasm that
evidenced itself as the speaker arose
from his seat that it was fully five
minutes before he could utter a sylla-
BILE. Mr.. Manning said that no South
Carolinian could have SO cold heart
that he would not be moved by the
beautiful reference made by the toast
master, and I have been thrilled by
the allusion that has been made to my
occupancy Of the. position of chief ex-
ecutive of this grand and glorious
State. He alluded -aast beautifully to
the great honor aid pride that one
must feel to be governor of such a
people as are citizens Of our beloved
State. He regretted the absence of
Gov. D. C. Hayward and truly said of
h m. that Sumter yields to none in her
loyalty to him and in her appreciation
of. his ability as chief executive. He
said that he would not speak upon the.
political questions that are now SO,
greatly disturbing the people Of our
State, but that he would confne MS
remarks to the industrial phases OF
the achievements Of South Carolina.
He would not allude to her splendid
record advantages Of soil and climate
or of her prestige of which we are ali
so proud, or Of what she is to achieve
in the future, but he would make
some references to the industries Of
the State. We have the garden spot
of the world here in South Carolina.
Our rice production per acre is excell-
ed by none. The sea island cotton
raised in this State has no superior in
the world. It is used by Frenchmen
in the manufacture Of silk. Lancas-
ter county can boast Of the largest
production Of cotton per acre ever
made without the use Of fertilizers.
Marlboro county has to her credit
record OF 256 bushels of corn produced
to an acre. He then spoke Of the mine
of wealth in our phosphate beds which
had yielded the State $225,000 a year,
and of our great water power with
capacity to run the spindles of the
world. Time was when cotton was
our sole crop, but not so today. We
are now raising beef hogs, vegetables,
products of the dairy. poultry, sheep
and even the ninble goat. Senator
Manning then referred beautifully and
feelingly to Commissioner OF Immi-
grafton Watson whose patriotism COM
PEELED him to decline a very fattering
offer, and to remain in and work for
this State for a much smaller salary.
Senator Manning dWelt at length up