The semi-weekly messenger., 1908-03-17

A large and representative audi
ence OF ladies and gentlemen greeted
the distinguished jurist and he was
given close attention throughout his
address, his remarks having frequent
ly brought forth hearty applause.
Judge Pritchard stated at the out
set that this was his first speech In
the prohibition campaign and M M
wanted his position definitely under
stood, he would read his speech from
manuscript, which he did. his 10
marks. however, aving lost none OF
their effectiveness or force by reo-
son or this.
On the stage with the speaker
were seated Mr.. III. Il. Fenneu. pies
ident OF the local anti-saloon league
and Messrs. w. NJ. Cumming and w.
II. Sprunt, officers In that organiZa-
ton; also Rev. T. A. Smoot. pastor
OF Grace NJ +. church; Rev. A ID.
Mcclure, pastor Of st Andrews PreS-
| byterlan church; Rev. Il. Il. Noe.
rector of the Church of the Good
Shepherd Rev. +. ID. Hale. ID. ID.
pastor of the First Baptist church.
and Rev. j. S. Crowley. pastor OF
Emmanuel Presbyterian church; also
Messrs. r. w. Herring. ID. l.. Gore
and several other gentlemen.
President Fennell. in calling the
meeting TO order. expressed his gra-
| tification at the large attendance and
he stated that from time TO time
during the campaign other meetings
| would be held at which addresses
would be made by prominent men.
the public being extended a cordial
welcome TO attend all Of these meet
ings
The Lords Prayer was then recit-
ed In unison by the audience, after
| which Rev Noe made a pro. .ound
and eloquent appeal in prayer for the
success OF effort for the cpiritual-
izing of the city's life and that there
may be a real and splendid triumph
OF the principles OF right and truth
The speech OF introduction was
then delivered by Iredell Meares.
ESQ, Of the local bar He was ex-
ceedingly gracious and complimentary
in his references to the speaker Of
the evening and following short
sketch of the latter's life said that
il should be an inspiration to every
man who wishes to rise above tho
| level; that from early struggle hs
had risen to a life OF achievement
and position. In his duty Mr.. Mearea
said Judge Pritchard was courageous.
| impartial and resolute and that his
life was marked by superior ability.
character and energy. The lesson To
be learned, was he said In conclu-
sion, that a man OF courage stands
by his convictions come veal. come
woe.
Mr.. Meares' complimentary refer
! ence to Judge Pritchard frequently
evoked applause and the orator OF
| the evening was given a gracious
and hearty welcome as he arose and
began his speech.
AT the conclusion OF the address
the audience was dismissed with tho
benediction by Rev. T. A Smoot
The members OF the anti-saloon
league are highly gratified at the
auspicious opening OF the campaign
I in this city, the attendance last night
and the interest that was manifested
having been a source OF great plea
/ sure TO the members.
| Judge and Mrs Pritchard reached
: the city yesterday morning from
Asheville and during the day, while
guests at the Orton, several well
known citizens and personal friends
OF the Judge, called 70 pay their re-
spects and TO welcome the visitors to
the city. Judge and Mrs. Pritchard
will leave this morning for Durham.
where another prohibition address
will be delivered this afternoon.
Judge Pritchard spoke as fol-
lows:
Mr.. Chairman. Ladies and Gentle
men:
1t Is always a pleaure TO be afford
ed an opportunity 10 visit the Caps
Fear section, and I assure you I es-
TEEN IL a great honor 70 be Invited
on this occasion 20 participate in tho
opening Of the anti-saloon campaign
p yop C:i:.
While I regret exceeding that tho
Legislature In Its wisdom "a no: " .
ft to give rs an uncon2itior7; y s!i'-
bition law for state. nsvertf''ess I
appreciate the fact that We arc "a
have an opportunity to vote on the
question 'n the near future.