The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1909-07-10

PRESS CONVENTION OPENS AT
GREENVILLE.
Speeches OF Welcome and the Re-
sponse Delivered Last Night-One
Hundred and Twenty-Five Editors
or the State Are Present-Trip to
Clemson Today.

Greenville, July 6.-The occasion
OF the meeting of the editors Of the
State Press Association in this city to-
night was an inspiring sight, and the
meeting promises to be the most sue
cessful in the history of the Press As
ISOLATION. Interest was running high
when the editors began to congregate
in the spacious lobby Of the Ottaray.
Greenville's beautiful hostelry, and
the editors and their wives promena-
ded through the hotel and on the
piazzas until a few minutes of 8
o'clock. when the convention began.
President Aull. of Newberry, called
the meeting to order, and w. T. ia
cobs lead in beautiful prayer. G.
H. Mahon, Mayor Of Greenville, was
then introduced, and spoke to the as
sembly welcoming the editors to
Greenville.
F. F. Capers, president of the
Board Of Trade, welcomed the visi-
tors in behalf of the Board of Trade.
]. T. Arnold, president Of the Bust
ness Mems Association, welcomed the
editors In one Of the most eloquent
speeches heard during the evening
He dwelt at some length on the i'm
portance OF the press and their asso-
ciation with the business men, and he
said that the business men and the
editors were friends, and would ever
be so.
j. r. McGhee. for the local press,
said that he welcomed his brothers in
misery, and that he appreciated the
trials and tribulations of the editors,
and he knew that they were glad to
come to Greenville. even though they
were worried over what was happen
ing at home and that he was glad to
welcome good men Of a good State
to good city for a good time.
John Wood. secretary Of the Board
OF Trade, spoke in welcome in behalf
of the entire community, and his wit
ticisms and eloquence were literally
applauded.
President Aull responded with a
historic speech, telling of the work
the Association had done in the past
and predicting great things for the
future. He said that Greenville had
been favored by the Association, as
out Of thirty-f1ve meetings Greenville
had had the pleasure Of entertaining
five-in 1850, 1855. 1888. 1898 and
1903. He paid his respects to the
former presidents of the Association,
and called the fact to mind that two
oe the former six presidents were in
the hall. He said that Greenville had
put on long pants and paid compli-
mnt to the thriving city, which has
Spartanburg, Gaffney and Anderson
as her neighbors. He spoke of the
ladies in the Association, as did Ar
ncld, who said that he supposed
ladies had not been mentioned in the
programme, as when men were men
toned they were supposed to en-
brace the ladies.
The meeting was held in the beau
tiful white reception hall Of the Of
taray and many were seated around
the speakers. A large number of
ladies were present and the fanfare
oe enthusiasm in which tn Associa-
ton opened Is considered a herald of
successful meeting.
The plans include a trip to Glenn
son College, with a special speech at
night by DR.. Lee Davis Lodge, of
Limestone College.
The oldest of the editors say the
meeting is going to be one of the best
and most beneficial in the history of
the Association, and the interest of
the people of Greenville in making
the meeting a success is received with
pleasure by the visitors. About one
hundred and twenty-five delegates are
present.