The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-08-23

master sat II. Lopez and near him was Congressman Oscar w. Underwood.
 J. A. Estes introduced Dr. Winters in few well chosen remarks and the toast master in turn executed his part of the programme with snap and ready wit. The banquet was opened with prayer. and the first course being finished pr. Win ters called upon Col Sam Will John, a colleague of Dr. Ragsdale in the legisla- ture. to respond to the toast, "Alabama." :" Colonel John was n fine form and made an address that was at once ringing and practical. After recounting the natural wealth and the glories of this state, the Nalor of her sons on the field of war and the achievements of Alabamlans in legs. latiVe hallJ, the speaker paid a glowing tribute to Dr. Ragsdale. He spoke earn estly in favor of new county and pro- posed that it be named after William Rufus King, a great stateman of Ala bama and one of the most illustrious men this count.' ever produced.
 Dr. Ragsdale was next called upon. but as he was rising from his seat Capt H. w. Crook interrupted, and In brief. eloquent eulogy presented the honored guest with a gold-headed umbrella in be- half of few friends as token of their cordial esteem. He was greeted with tumultuous applause. Dr. Ragsdale. with characteristic modesty, responded to Captain Crook and then spoke to the toast, The. New County"
 MT. LopeZ being called upon to give an account of the birth of Bessemer, made q talk of much interest The city was h. corporated April l2, 1887, and In the twen- ty years of it's existence, had made phe- nomenal strides but it's future, the speaker said, was full of promise of even greater things.
 M. S. Gilbert made a delicious speech on 'Bessemer's Future.' He told of his fathers intimate business relations with Sir Henry Bessemer; told of the steam ship Bessemer, the first steel craft ever constructed; how he himself had travelled the wide world over and had never tarried in any one place until he found Bessemer. Here he had lived for some time and here he expected to spend the rest of his days.
 Congressman Underwood responded to the toast, "Bessemer's Public Buildings" He was received with hearty applause and greatly eheered the company by tell ing them he had reason to hope that the United States treasury department would be ready to call for bids for the S65, 600 postoffice early in the coming fall. And he brought forth loud applause when he concluded by indorsing the movement for the new county.
 One of the hits of the evening was made by pr. E. W. Jones, editor of the Jones Valley Times. He was anecdotal and witty and during the ten minutes he was on his feet had the party con- yulSed with laughter
 Other speakers were Postmaster l. A. Lewis, on "The Bessemer Postofhce'; ; William Ryan of the Age Herald on 'The Passing of the Pass" J. H. Will 1iamson on 'The Attitude of the State on the Formation of New countless, {, -Chancellor R. B. Kelly. D. F. Rid dle of 0oodwater and John T. McInary.
 Letters of regret at not being able to attend the banquet were read from Senator Joseph r. Johnston, Lieutenant Governor Henry B. Gray L. J. Haley and Eli P. Smith, all paying tribute to IJr. Ragsdale.
 The banquet--a veritable love feast it proved to became to a close short ly before midnight. The committee. D.. H. Lopez, J. B. Morton and T. T. Huey were complimented on all sides for the marked success of the affair.
 Injured By Falling Machinery.
 k. R. Robinson, employed at the pipe shops, had the misfortune this morning to be struck by a piece of falling ma chinery and was dangerously if not seri- ously hurt. He was taken to the office of pr. E. F. Lacy. where the wounds were dressed and was afterwards taken to his home.
 The accident of Mr. Robinson was a peculiar one. He was at work when, ,ssithnnt uarninn- a niAoA nf manhinArv