The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-19
Prominent Men of State At tend Banquet at Uni
 versity Club
ELOQUENT TRIBUTE
 BY MIR. UNDERWOOD
Dr. Denny's Words Sparkle With En- thusiasm and Hope for Future of Alabama University-Party
 Attends Football Game
By CLYDE w. ENNIS

By CLYDE w. ENNIS
 The erecting of the University club to Dr. George H. Denny, president-elect of
 the University of Alabama, was gwen yesterday in the form of luncheon. ct
 which men who typify the best thought or Alabama were present. The luncheon for | Dr. Denny, which ended the formal festiv- ities attending upon his visit to Birming- ham at this time, was attended by W prominent men of this immediate com
 munity and of Alabama.
 | Scholars, members of the courts, attor-
 neys, physicians, industrial leaders and
 distinguished men in every walk of life ! attested the warmth of greetings that
 have been showered upon pr. Denny since he has been in Birmingham on this vislt. | The luncheon was served In the Uni- versity club temporary ball room. The entire wall space and the stairway were adorned with college penpants of most or l the prominent colleges, while the chair in
 which Dr. Denny was seated was directly
 under a large pennant of his future ill., stitution-Alabama. The college spirit predominated in most appropriate way. l pr. J. H. Phillips, superintendent of the
 Birmingham school system and mem-
 Der of the University club, presided. He introduced the various speakers, of whom
 there were about six, subsequent to the official club greeting given by Edward D. Smith to pr. Denny, on behalf Of the University club.
 l President Smith said that time would be thrown away for him to endeavor to try
 his voice in giving greeting to Dr. Dem ny. He said the University club, the city of Birmingham, the district and, in fact, the state of Alabama received with unre- strained fervor the coming here of pr.
 Denny. He added that in welcoming him on behalf of the University club and the city words were wholly inadequate to ex- press the warmth and sincerity of that greeting.
 Dr. Denny Introduced
 Dr. Denny, the guest of honor, whose classic addresses are in demand through out the country, was immediately intro duced. He told the party that he had made no less than seven speeches lately and that it was getting to be very pain full. He did not attempt to make any for nal address, but every word that Tell from his lips was classic and fairly spark | led with hope enthusiasm and sincerity | to take up the great work he is to as- sume January l, when he becomes presi- dent of the University of Alabama. pr. Denny told those gathered that he was breaking the sacred associations or life time to come to Alabama, and that it caused him the deepest pain and regret. With a wonderful command of words
 pr. Denny said that the work In Ala
 bama he hoped would be up to what was
 expected He indicated again that he was not to be expected to perform any miracles in the new undertaking, but said
 he would do the very best that he could Every speaker at the luncheon heaped upon Dr. Denny the most roseate gar lands of compliment and praise, They said that Alabama needed his services and that his coming meant that there was to be born again state institution that would be up to any in the whoie country. Culpepper Exum of the city commits sion followed Dr. Denny and he made a most complimentary talk to the president elect and the gentlemen present. He re- | lcitated the state upon having secured the services of such an eminent educa- tor and said Alabama would blossom l forth in splender as the work Of the noted educator got under way.
 George Gordon Crawford, president of the Tennessee company. who was asked l to add his greetings to pr. Denny, said Jri nd ha | received in this state was given to pr. Denny, and he did not for moment doubt
 but what it would. that no greater hos pitality could be given a new citizen of the community. MT. Crawford pointed out the vast importance of the work as- | signed to pr. Denny and said that he believed that the distinguished educator would find plenty to do, and added that he believed the educational status of the state would be greatly advanced by pr. Denny's coming.
 Other Speakers
 | President w. P. G. Harding of the First National bank, an old Tuscaloosa citi- zen. Edward w. Barrett. Washington
 and Lee man, Congressman Oscar W. Underwood and President c. c. Thach 
 of Auburn, were the additional speak, CTS. Ht =~
 Congressman Underwood paid very eloquent tribute to pr. Denny when te said: Alabama is rich in natural re- sources, she is rich in coal, iron ore, and iron foundries. her agricultural possi- bilities are unlimited almost. and you see
 before you, Dr. Denny. men who have come here to develop these resources and make this state blossom anew. Tt is well to cultivate these resources and enrich the district. Yet we have boys and girls of this state, the real raw material, that must be developed. We have sent for you to do this work. You are to lead the hosts of education against
 the enemy, ignorance. The people of this
 state have placed into your hands the sword. You are a. trained general and can lead the hosts in this battle to win. | They did not send for an untrained sol