The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-02-02
Mss MARY CAMPBELL
 PRESENTS LOVING CUP
A Day of Brilliant Events Closes With Dinner and a Dance at the Battle House in Mo
 bile.
BY BARNEY SHERIDAN, JR.


 Mobile, February 1-(special )-within the shadow of historic Fort Morgan and almost in the identical spot where the thickest of the battle of Mobile Bay was fought, the handsome silver service, q gift from the people of Birmingham was presented to the cruiser of that name at noon today, Mayor George B. Ward of Birmingham making the presentation speech. Capt. B. T. walling responded for the officers, as the stately new vessel rode the waters of the bay just inside the fort
 The Birmingham party with the dele gation of Mobilians who acted as escorts to the visitors boarded the light house tender Ivy at the city wharves this morn- ing at o'clock and after a run of three hours ran alongside the scout cruiser Bir- mlngham, riding at anchor.
 After introductions and greetings, the service was presented by Mayor George B. Ward, who was introduced by Lieuten- ant Governor Henry B. Gray the mayor speaking in part follows;
 "The people of Birmingham have watched with proud and intense interest the various stages in the career of the cruiser which bears the citys name. We know that 1t Is a good stout ship into which has gone the best of American skin and honest workmanship. We know that wherever the Birmingham sails the glor- ous traditions of the American navy will l be upheld and the honor of our coun- | try's flag maintained. 1 We have thought it singuiarly appro- l priate that the cruiser should be so chris l tened for ship and city are new types 1 one in naval construction, the other in city building. Speed is the pre-emnent quality of each one unequaed in cover ing the sea, the other unrivaled in coy ering the land.
 Tt is not necessary for me to say that the hopes and prayers of our people will follow the ship and it's gallant crew upon l every sea, and in every cline
 That there may be something more substantial to accompany you than our prayers and hopes, we have brought to you slight testimonial of our regard. In the name of the people of Birmingham, present to you this service, with the hope that it may not only prove useful, bat on many occasion may serve to re- mind you of our good will, friendship and devoted allegiance"
 Service Accepted. The service was accepted for the ship by Capt. B. T. Walling in a brief but well-worded talk. He spoke in high praise of the enterprise displayed by the citi- zens of Birmingham and the wonderful growth of the place and concluded by saying that the handsome silver service T I, The return trip to the city was made after luncheon was served on board the cruiser and a general inspection held, the officers and men showing the party all over the new cruiser bearing the name of the Magic City.
 The party reached the city about $50 o'clock and tonight the officers of the Birmingham were guests of the Birming ham party at a dinner and dance at the Battle house, the occasion being a society one and attended by hundreds of Mo ble society men and women. the officers and the men and women of the visiting party.
 Loving Cup Presented.
 Gen Rufus N Rhodes, on behalf of Miss Mary Campbell, the fair sponsor, presented the officers with beautiful loving cup.
 General Rhodes, in speaking for Bir- mngham, voiced the devotion of the country to the American navy jn glow ing words paying tribute to its achieve ments in war and peace. The speaker made an earnest plea for the American merchant marine and throughout his re- marks he was frequently applauded- With an eulogy of the women of the United States he handed Captain Mailing the cup and. concluded with 8 panegyric of reunited country and the flag of the free which he said shall float for ever in imperishable glory on land and sea.
 Vessel Sails at Dawn. The officers bid goodbye at midnight and left for the Birmingham. which sails at dawn tomorrow under peremptory or ders from the navy department The Bir- minsham party will leave tomorrow at noon for their homes. One of the features of the entire pre- sentation and visit of the Birmingham party was the manner in which the spon- sor Miss Campbell. was received. She was introduced to the men of the cruiser as their sponsor and she was given three cheers and tiger the same being re- heated for her as she left the cruiser. Miss campbens reception by officers. from captain down to the tackles, was decided feature of the day. Description of Service. The silver service presented to the cruiser is extremely handsome and will serve as a beautiful decoration to the officers table The Birmingham party brought the service to Mobile with them from their Birmingham home. The ser vice consists of a silver bowl, the ladle. nedestal and two dozen cups, all neat ly arranged in mahogany chest. The howl stands 36 inches high and on the face bears likeness in miniature of the new cruiser while the opposite side shows in miniature the Paisley furnaces and steel plant On each side of the bowl is an eagle in flying position, carrying wreaths in its talons and clusters of cot ion blossoms, characteristic of the south. The inscription on the bowl is ITO tho