The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-10-08

S Presented to MT Parker. beauti- os & fully engraved and set In a gilt 32 s2 frame. by the department heads of ss s3 the city of Birmingham. SS
 
 Absolute harmony, bubbling over with good humor, was the ruling spirit at the banquet rendered by John L. Parker to the officers of the city of Birmingham at the Hotel Hillman last night The host of the occasion was toasted in the real wine of friendship Every member of the Board of AL dermen. every city official representa- tives of the press, the old and the new mayors, testified to MT. Parkers high character and sterling worth. There were no more factions, but united city family, giving the retiring presi- dent a warm farewell, and assuring him of their desire to have him back again.
 Retiring President John L. Parker the host of the evening. presided at one end of the table, and President Harry Jones, the toastmaster. ruled the board at the other end. To MT. Par ker's right were Mayor George B. Ward. Alderman M. J. Gregg, City Treasurer George Eustis, Street Com missioner John McCartin, Chief of the Fire Department A. V. Bennett, Alder man John R. Copeland, Alderman B. H. Cooper Alderman Barnes Morgan Alderman Fred Fulghum, Alderman Dan A. Hogan, Judge N. B. Feagin, Alderman George H. Estes, City Elec- trician Will Abernathy Health Off, cer R. B. Hardness, Alderman w. R. Starbuck Auditor Petersen, Alderma n | Causey, Alderman D. R. Copeland, AL l derman Mcdonald. Chief George H. Bodeker, and Alderman R. w. Bur nett.
 To the right of President Jones were l the next Mayor, Frank P. O'Brien, Alderman c. c. Heidt Alderman Stock mar, City Engineer Nicholson, Building Inspector Matthews, Plumbing Inspec-
 tor Eckerly, Alderman Jack Greener.
 Bacteriologist E. M. Duncan, Burr Blackburn, B. H. Mooney, Atticus Null | lin, City Clerk H. E. Shropshire. Sec retary B. A. Pepperman,. Sanitary or | ficer Walter Burson Alderman John l Forney, Alderman Martin, Alderman 1 John W. O'Neill, Alderman Walter Moore, City Attorney E. D. Smith, Su- perintendent of Schools J. H. Phil | lips and Alderman Klotz.
 | After the very elaborate menu had been begun MT. Parker introduced President Harry Jones, the toastmaster, as the man like an elephants snout, who can pick up a pin and knock down a lion with l equal facility.
 MT. Jones made a short talk comment ing upon the harmony existing in the city ! hall, stating that there is absolutely no i friction in the municipal government, but that all are one great big family, who can shake hands and say, Birmingham now and forever,"
 | Mayor George Ward was the first called
 upon and as an after-dinner speaker he proved marked success. His talk was witty and kept the banqueters in a con stant uproar He complimented the va rious heads of departments as being the
 best in the south, and in speaking of MT. Parker said that he is one of Bir- mingham's foremost men, and "even 1 though he may wish to retire into the l shades of private life he will never be
 allowed to do so by the people of Bir- mingham."
 | Dr. J. H. Phillips spoke Interestingly l of the school system and congratulated the aldermen upon the successful passage
 of the school bond issue. Judge N. B.
 Feagin arose and said, "Demosthenes is I dead. So is Cicero, and I am feeling
 sick This sent the guests into an up-
 roar and he kept them laughing. But | speaking seriously, he congratulated MT. | Parker upon being one of the brainiest
 men of the city, a foremost man, "who l has shown his talent and genius in many 1 a tight place." and closing with well
 done, thou good and faithful servant" i Alderman Stockmar denominated MT.
 Parker as one of the straightest and most upright of men, and declared that
 he hopes to see him once more taking an active part in city affairs. Ed Smith made
 juicy little talk. and in speaking of | the host said, 1T can only say he is from | Sumter county, and I have said it all''
 Alderman M. J. Gregg added to this
 that "he is> equipped in every way to
 be the chief of any tribe in this country" | Speeches were made by John McCartin, 1 Chief Bennett, Engineer Nicholson and
 George Estes which were roundly ap-
 plauded.
 Chief Bodeker said,. Every man that wears the blue loves John L. Parker"
 Alderman Klotz said that he wanted MT.
 Parker back, and wished him the success
 and prosperity which he so well deserves,
 while Alderman O'Neill commented espe-
 cially upon his characteristic of sticking
 to his friends. Representatives of all
 three daily papers paid their tribute to l MT. Parker as their staunchest friend, l and the love feast broke up promptly at | midnight.