The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-25
STATE OFFICIALS
 SPEAK IN BIBB
GOVERNOR coMER, GENERAL BRANDON AND SUPERlNT END- ENT GUNNELLs ADDRESS 25oo PEOPLE AT cENTREvlLLE.

Centreville, October Especial. )-Yes- terday was indeed a gala day in the his- tory Centreville. The occasion was an education rally. Early yesterday morn ing people began coming to centrevllle from various parts of the county and soon the town was filled with a throng of happy men, women and children. At 10:S0 o'clock Gen. W. N. Brandon began his address to an audience filling every pos sible space in the large court auditorium of the county court house, even standing room being at a premium. It was. indeed, scene well calculated to inspire any speaker to flights of grandest oratory.
 In front of and to the right and left of him sat and stood more than 1000 peo. pie and in the background were deeors- tions symbolic of patriotism. An Amer ican eagle, which some months ago had been killed by Deputy Sheriff Oakley and beautifully mounted, spread it's broad wings over the speakers stand and above this waved the national flag, bank of the most beautiful ferns rested beneath the eagle and flag, and above all was the design in beautiful evergreen: Hail, Friends of Education
 Those who expected to hear an orator were not disappointed, as the address of Colonel rBandon, which lasted more than two hours, was a masterly effort and he was applauded to the echo. During the time he spoke not one person left tho room, but many who were on the out side struggled to get where they could catch every word uttered.
 The address was along educational lines and no doubt served as an inspiration to all who heard it. When he concluded General Brandon was showered with con- gratulations. General Brandon was intro- duced by Senator Reynolds, who made an appropriate and happy introductory speech. At the conclusion of General Brandon's speech the people were invited to the barbecue grounds, a very short distance from the court house, where a most elaborate barbecue was served. More than 2000 pounds of meat, consisting of mutton, kid, pork and beef had been prepared. It was the universal comment that the meat was cooked in the best possible manner
 In addition to the barbecue meat and loaf bread the laales had prepared delca- cles of all kinds, and after the crowd of probably 2500 people had eaten there was enough left to have fed another crowd equally as large
 On the noon train Governor Conner and Superintendent of Education Gunnells came from Montgomery, and were im mediately driven to the barbecue grounds, where an informal reception was held.
 After dinner the crowd repaired to the court house to listen to the remaining speakers. Superintendent Gunnells was then introduced by Senator Reynolds and made a most sensible and interesting ad- dress, in which he cited many instances where young men in Alabama. starting out under most trying circumstances. reached honor and distinction by their own efforts He was given much atten- ton.
 The last speaker was Governor Conner, who was introduced by Representative Fuller in a brief speech, in which he stated that Governor Conner had stood by the people. On rising to make his ad- dress Governor Conner received quite an ovation. He expressed in q feeling man ner his appreciation of the most appro- for the speakers.
 He reviewed the work of the last legis- lature for schools in Alabama. and his to the people along educational lines and morality.
 The Mobile and Ohio train to Montgom- cry was held here until 4:3O o'clock in order that those persons coming from Montgomery might return last night.
 Between 2000 and 5000 persons were pres ent yesterday, and all manifested great interest in educational affairs Not an incl dent occurerd to mar the pleasure of the occasion, and it is a fact worthy of note that not one person present showed the least sign of intoxication.
 Hoffman's orchestra of Montgomery furnished delightful music for the occa- sion