The semi-weekly messenger., 1907-04-19

smith. Mr. {. {. Moor, Mr.. ). Al
hen Taylor and Othcr--A SrIcn-
a!@uu Mas Served.
The annual banquet OF the MGR
chants Association given last night at
the Colonial Inn, was a notable event
in The history Of that thriving business
organization which was enjoyed t. the
utmost by the - business men and
their guests who were seated around
the banquet board.
The dining room Of the Colonial Inn
beautifully decorated for the occasion,
the walls being hid behind masses of
southern SnlilaX, while in the windows
there were banks Of palms and ferns,
The low hanging chandeliers were also
covered with quantities of southern
Smilax. The banquet room presented
q pretty spectacle.
length of the hall. being joined by
table at the upper end, the speakers
and guests of honor icing seated at the
head table. President L. B. Rogers
Of the Merchants Association, presided
as toast master and he made an excel
lent one, his short Introductory
speeches being models of their kind. In
his opening remarks he extended q
gracious and cordial welcome, on be
half of the Merchants Association, to
those in attendance. At the head tabie
with President Rogers were seated the
following gentlemen: Norman II.
johnson, Esq, of Raleigh; Hon e. D.
Smith. of Columbia; c. c. Moore, Of
Charlotte; j. Allen Tailor, president Of
the chamber Of commerce. and Mr.. w
"a. French, Jr., of the arrangements
committee
The banQuetters entered the banquet
hall about $50 and under the direction
OF Manager Goldsborough Of the Colon
ial Inn, the following delicious menu
was served:
Oyster Cocktail
Martini
Celeri Almonds
PIanked Shad au Beurre NOu
POmmcS Parisiene
Queen Olives Tomato
SQUAD Maitre d'HOtel-
Rommes de Terre en- Puree. Petit POes
Colonial Salad
Ice Cream en- Form MacaronS AssOrtis
Fruit
Cream Cheese Toasted Waters
TopOrtO
Cigars Cafe Noir
After the fourth course President
Rogers called the banquetters to order
and in sprendid tribute to the abil-
atty and energy of the first speaker,
he introduced Norman H. Johnson,
Esq, who responded to the toast, fIThe
merchants Association and its Work. 3"
Mr. Johnson is attorney general for
the Merchants Association of North
Carolina and to his work and efforts
is due more than to any other one
force the organization of the mer-
chants in the different cities into as
soclationS and then the organization
OF the state association He showed
the advantage of these organization
and how they have benefited the
members and the state, by furthering
and promoting commercial LEGISLATION
He pointed out how the North Caro-
lima cities have suffered from high
freight rates, and said if there was
4 united and concerted effort made
relief would be granted and Whining
ton would become one of the most
; important commercial cities on the
Atlantic coast If business men will
take up these subjects and work to-
f4Sether they can protect and conserve
their interests. He advocated most
earnestly that the only advertising
that merchants should do is through
. the newspapers, which from a long
:. study he declared was the cheapest,
most judicious and certainly the most
satisfactory method that merchants
could undertake. Mr.. Johnson ap-
peated to the merchants to organize
:, and to have confidence and interest
in each other and to work together for
tie best interests of all. Mr.. John
son was well qualified to speak inter
destingly on this subject and hearty
applause was given his fine effort.
The next toast was by Hon. E.. d.
smith, general organizer Of the
Seut1ern Cotton Growers Association