The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-23

postpone the erection Of our governors mansion and use the funds that are lying horded up in the vaults for soldiers home." In closing. the speaker in graceful terms, spoke of the women of the south and was roundly applauded.
 Ovation to Hobson.
 Captain R. p. Hobson was then intro duced by the chairman as the hero of the Merrimac. His reception amounted to an ovation and it was some minutes before the applause subsided sufficiently for him to speak. He said in part: 'It gives me a peculiar pleasure to be allowed the opportunity of addressing you engineers. l myself am an engineer by profession. l feel that l am one of you, and when the Brotherhood opens it's ranks, I intend to join 1t. The engineers organization Is a model for every other organization, for it has proved to the world that men can organize and yet command the re- spect of all.
 "I believe in all organizations of labor, and as long as organization stands for what is right, it can count on me in sea- son and out of season to defend it. Or ganized labor never has tried to dom- nate the country. Capital has. I am q friend of capital so long as it stays in it's proper field, that of developing our resources and opportunities But when 1t attempts to dominate politics you will find me a sleepess enemy to 1t. As you will, when manufacturers keep tariff wall well around this country, preventing you from getting relief from the outside Corporations spend millions to corrupt and buy votes. One-half the people pay out what they earn for excessive tariff Railroads are the arteries and veins of commerce. They are the means of our commercial and industrial life It is natural for them to want to make all the money possible, and they are honest in many contentious The rates should be regulated in order to bring about just and fair returns on their investments. This will result in improving and lengthening their lines, thereby giving better service and employing more men.
 Universal Peace.
 "I am an advocate of universal peace To bring this end about America should be the peacemaker of the world Disturb one country and a disturbance is created 10 some extent in every other. Therefore. America should be the universal arbitra- tor This is her misson-the peacemaker not only of this continent but of Europe as well. All the countries of the world are now intimately bound up.
 We should have navy adequate to give weight to our moral force If the navy of the United States had been of such pro- portions the Spanish American war would have been averted Millions of dollars and thousands of lives would have been saved If our navy had been large enough there need have been no war between Russia and Japan. We could have compelled Rus sia to evacuate Manchuria. and this hor- TOT and slaughter would never. have been. When a man once gets taste of war he is forever after a peacemaker"
 With masterful word painting Captain Hobson then described the inhumanlties of war, how the wounds and butcheries of the battle field did not end there but tore the hearts of those at home So graphic was his manner that at the con- clusion of his speech many were in tears.
 Other Speakers.
 After an interval in which there was music and hand shaking two other speak CTS were called upon. The first was Gen William W. Brandon. candidate for state auditor. whose talk. although impromptu was pronounced to be one of the best ef- forts of the day. He was followed by IT, C. Compton, candidate for railroad com missioner Mir. compton's speech was witty and telling. Governor Jelks. who was the principal orator last year was in- vited to speak on this occasion. but pub lie business prevented him from being present
 The programme from this time on until well toward midnight. with an intermis- sion for supper. was given over to danc- ing and merry making of all sorts. games. foot races among the ladies, races be- tween men handicapped with boys on their backs and gala time generally.
 No more enjoyable day was the expres- sion of all, had ever been spent at pie nic.