The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-08-01
JEWELLERS FROM
TWENTY STATES
Bring Dazzling Display Of Dia-
monds and Gold for Sixth
Annual Convention.
HOLD FIRST SESSION TO-DAY
Retail Association and Manu-
facturers Prepared for Hard
Work and Amusement.

twenty States are represented among
the early arrivals for the s.9a annual
convention of the Natic9 Retail
jewelers. Associations. " Ah con-
venes at the jefferson Hok.l a, 10
o'clock this morning. All the way
from the Atlantic To the Pacific they
eome-as prosperous looking and as
ever Inisrated TO l Southern city for
an annual pow-wow. There are men
from the State OF Oklahoma who tell
OF its magic cities sprung up over
night; men from Texas. who are BIZ;
and prosperous despite the ravages
or the boil weevil. and men from VIII
liam Allen Whites own Emporia, Kan
sas. who bring bizarre tales of the
manner in which Walt Mason and the
jumped into lasting fame.
All of them are enthusiastic abou
Richmond. and not few want this
city 10 be encored for next years con-
venticn. One Westerner said that he
had an idea before he left home that
they require mans pedigree in Nir-
ginia before they shake hands with
him. but that the moment he met the
local reception committee and was
taken 10 a club and treated to an or
thodox mint julep all fears on that
score were dispelled.
Their First Trip South.
For most OF the delegates in at
tendance. this is the first trip to the
South An unusually largo number of
these have come from the Middle
Western and Pacific States. a region
OF the country where the South is ap
parenuy but dimly known. The trip
was revelation to most of them.
and The progressive aspect of Rich
mond and neighborine cities is the one
big topic.
Yesterday afternoon and evening
was taken up in arranging exhibits
and getting acquainted. Between the
hours OF s and 10 an informal recep-
ton was held in the lobby of the JEFF
ferson by the national officers compli-
mentary to the delegates and visi-
tors.
In the afternoon the national officers
Of the organization were taken over
the city in automobiles by the recep-
ton committee of the Twenty-four
Karat Club Among the prominent
delegates included in the official tour
ing party was Colonel John l. Shep-
herd. Of New York. who was confined
in Libby Prison and Belle Isle during
the War between the States The old
site of Libby Prison was pointed out
TO him. and he took keen interest
IN CHANGING once more upon the scenes
OF his stormy youth. Al recent meet
ing of 500 G. A. R. veterans at the
Waldorf-Astoria. in New York. Colonel
Shepherd delivered an address on Rob-
ert e Lee The city OF Richmond.
With its numerous mementoes of Cen
eral Lees life and work possessed
deep interest for the eX-Union soldier
Trips were also made to Seven Pines
and other points,
Rcnly for Big Display.
More than score OF wholesale and
manufacturing jewellers have arrived
on the scene. and were busily engaged
yesterday in arranging their displays
Every branch Of the trade Is repre-
sented. from diamond cutting plant
in actua! oneration to the exhibits Of
jewelry boxes and street clocks. The
big New England watch companies
have large displays and a special corps
Of demonstrators to supply infornna-
ton. The wealth represented In the
various exhibits mounts into the hun
dreds of thousands, Such open display
Of valuahles attract the usual number
o! light-hngered folk. and extraordi-
nary precautions are being taken to
insure its safety. a force OF detec-
t!res has been detailed to the exhibit
section. and tho figure OF Captain T. j.
Mcmahon chief OF the local detective
force. was especially in evidence last
night. The display is far from COM
plete. large number of exhibitors
"ill arrive on the scene to-day. Every
hing vii! be complete by tonight
when the magnificent exhibit Will be
thrown open to the public.
Mnny Have Exhibits.
The following firms have already
NJ "a t,nt- a,