The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-09-08
IIOu of OratOg Shows Warmth of Birmingham's Welcome
 to the Visitors
GENUINE LOVE FEAST GOES
 FAR INTO THE MORNING
Prominent Birmingham Men as We'll as Distinguished Men Among Visit ors Are Happy In Expres-
 sions Fitting Occasion.

The Bee Line" was welcomed last night with so much oratorical honey that at some hour this morning Birming- ham saw bevy of tired bees vending their way sleepyward.
 The greatest banquet ever held in Bir- mingham was admirably carried out at the Hotel Hillman. The spirit of Ala bama was never linked together with such noble links of iron and steel as by the spikes of love and friendship. community to country, capital to labor, which were driven home last night at the banquet to Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic visitors.
 Rufus N. Rhodes reached .the climax of his career as a toastmaster." His words were always loudly applauded. The menu souvenir card was beautiful and appropriate piece of artistic printing. Frank Harms orchestra surprised the guests by the rendition of 'The A.. B. & A. March," an original composition. The menu consisted of five courses and was served by MT. Nabb to over 600 guests in manner congratulated on all sides. The hall presented a wonderful scene; men of all walks of life; while corridors and private rooms were also filled by eating scores.
 Reference to Guests of Honor.
 General Rhodes opened by declaring that five minutes would be the limit for the flow of oratory, with the exception of President Atkinson and Vice President Arkwright, whom he called the Demos themes and Cicero of the railroad world. Tn speaking of the railroads he declared that Governor Conner and every man in Alabama wished to make every railroad money-making institution. He stated that Governor Conner had wired his in- ability to attend and introduced Congress- man Oscar w. Underwood as a man of character and a public citizen who is destined to hold still higher honor.
 Mir. Underwood Speaks.
 MT. Underwood opened by saying:
 Alabama and Birmingham welcome you and the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic with open arms, not only be- cause 1t gives us an outlet to the sea for our products but as the forerunner of prosperity to our country.
 "A year ago there came to us a panic like a thunderbolt out of clear sky, not caused by flood, fire or pestilence, crop failure, or any material reason" He compared the panic of 1893 with that of 1907, showing that the causes were entirely different.
 "There was no reason for this panic but lack of confidence. We have these gentlemen who have set example to all of us.
 Last year every man pulled back the throttle and looked around to see what his neighbors were doing, but this rail- road looking ahead. saw Birmingham and her future, and marched right on regardless of others.
 Let us resolve that prosperity is here and if any one says us nay, tell them to go to-"
 Introduces Atkinson.
 MT. Rhodes remarked that resolutions being in order, it was time to resolve to do everything in power to make the At lanta, Birmingham and Atlantic posi- tive and glowing success. "Its In the blood of the Atkinsons and I have the honor of introducing to you the peer of them all, than whom no one has done Birmingham greater service than Harry M. Atkinson"
 Mr. Atkinson was greeted by an out burst of cheers, and napkins waved in the air added touching effect.
 President Atkinson introduced his re- marks by a statement of his feelings on the occasion. You all know how this
 
 you for it, nor live up to your kind words" He then said
 President Atkinson Speaks.
 q wish first to express for myself and the other officials of the Atlanta, Bir- mingham and Atlantic railroad our grati- ficaton for this reception tonight. It Is impossible to express it strongly enough. The construction of the road began three years ago last May and has baa continuously the ent time Of course, those of us who have been engaged in it-and I can as- sure you that we have had three and one-half years of constant trials and struggles-are pleased at this gathering here tonight and what it means.
 .'The completion of the Atlanta, Bir- mingham and Atlantic railroad gives Bir- mingham a new independent railroad system to tidewater, comprising in round numbers about $50 miles, with steamship connections from Brunswick to New York and Galveston The road has been built according to the highest standards, and it is capable of handling heavy traf- fic Eighty pound rails have been used throughout. The grades are low and the curvature easy. Our terminals in New York; Brunswick. Birmingham and At lanta are comprehensive, and the equal of any in those places.
 ''The basic plan of the road is a long water haul from the east to Brunswick. Ga, and distribution by rail throughout southeastern territory and through the Birmingham gateway to the west The road gives Birmingham new direct con nection with New York. New England and all points in the east, and vice versa. The road, judged from an stand points, is undoubtedly the best connec- ton Birmingham has today with eastern territory. Of course, you all appreciate the significance of this and its import, ance in the future development of your city.
 In ,o.ch With Patrons.
 ..All the officers of the road live on It and are constantly in touch with it's