The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1909-01-28

4 than one hundred, with number of
/ invited guests, assembled at the $. B.
! A hall, on West ZarragOSSa street,
manner the 18th anniversary of the
! cotton workers organization Long
! tables were filled with good things to
eat and drink, and around these sat
those who toll in the bay in the cot
ton exporting work of the port. The
master OF ceremonies was John
O'BTien, who capably filled the duties
assigned him.
A number of guests were seated at
table assigned for those not mem
bers of the order, and at this table,
among others, were seated Solicitor
Scott NJ LOftin, Marshal Frank D.
Sanders, lanes Leonard, of the
American Federation of Labor; A ).
Cox, stevedOre for the Gulf Transit
company. The gathering was re-
markabIe in many ways Men of
Drawn and muscle occupied the floor
in responding to toastS offered, and
were applauded loudly.
The opening ceremony was char
aeteristic of everything which fol-
lowed. This was speech by Mr.
John O'Brien. which was as follows:
Mr.. O'Brien's Speech.
Friends and fellow workers: On
this, the 25th anniversary of the Cot
ton Screwmens Association, l want
to congratulate the members of the
association upon the splendid condi-
ton we find the association in, and
the harmony and good feeling that
has always existed in our midst.
The port of Pensacola is also to
be congratulated upon the conserva-
tive spirit of the association, and the
splendid body of men who compose
its membership.
To our invited guests, give them
hearty welcome tonight, in the
name of the officers and members of
the association.
Gentlemen, the feast is prepared.
Fall to-"
Others Who Spoke.
Mr.. O'Brien's remarks were fol-
lowed by about an hour of feasting.
after which several gentlemen in
the hall were heard. The first
speaker was the president of the as
SOciation. ThOs. Kent. He made a re
view of the general organization of
the cotton work at the port, and in
his remarks recalled the conservatism
which has for years been a feature
of the organization. He mentioned
number of instances when men were
part of the local wOrkmen during !
stress of work, but the men had been |
treated generally all right by the cor /
poratiOn for whom they labOred. His !
remarks were heartily Cheered
Scott VI. LOftin. who was present !
by invitation, informed the working
men that he had broken an engage |
ment for the evening which he hau /
made previous to the receipt of the in /
vitation in order to be with them. and !
this remark called for loud applause. 1
Mr.. LOftin spoke at length, and was /
frequently interrupted by Outbursts /
of applause.
A s. Cox, who was also an invited /
guest. took occasion in his remarks
to compliment the association for the |
conservatism which had been shown /
in the past. and assured the gather !
ing that the Gulf Transit company
stood ready TO meet half way any /
proposals affecting the work at LIS
port,
Marshal Frank Sanders was also an
invited guest. He was not a speech
maker. but did take occasion to thank
the assembled union men for the
privilege of being there and assuring
them of bis support and cooperation
in all future endeavors.
Arthur Mcconnell, one of the old I
est cotton Screwmen present, detailed
history in connection with
the inception of the expectation of !
cotton at this point. He was heard
with close interest.
Organizer Leonard.
James Leonard. of New Orleans |
general organizer for the American
Federation of Labor, was introduced
and spoke at length, urging the men
m no SrYff ]
their work, and sticking together in
all that their oath required. In the
course of his speech, he made COM
PARSONS of the port of Pensacola I
with ports which had suffered in the
cotton trade and export, and he de-
tailed the troubles in every instance.
Of course the locals heard this with
interest. and since thG fact daWEed so |
plainly that conservatism had won
out here to a marked degree. there
was a feeling of appreciation and Sc
curity against any such occurrence
At Pensacola. AIr. LeOnard'S discus
sion covered wide range of subjects,
but all of them unprecedented partic-
IlaTly TO labor and correct organiza-
ion. At the conclusion of his ad-
ireSs. d number of gentlemen went to
him and cordially greeted him
Letters Of regret at their inability
% be present were read from Mayor
Goodman and Comptroller Morgan
At the conclusion of the speech
making general congratulations were
heard. and the happy and jOVial men
separated about midnight
Music for the evening was fur
lished by BaFriOS's orchestra
That rosy HOLSTERS Rocky Noun ,
ain Tea complexion can't rub OF. :