The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-15
ALMONS RECEIVE
 HANDSOME GIFTS Tokens Given to Speaker
 and Mrs. AlmOn EXERCISES AT NOON Merritt and Arnold Are Conspicuous in Presentations-Othe Gifts
 for Attaches of the
 House
EXERCISES AT NOON

Montgomery, April 14.-(Special)- )-Judge E. B. Amon, speaker of the house Of representatives of the Alabama legisla- ture, and Mrs. Almon were today each presented with handsome gifts by mem- hers of the house. The gift to Judge AL mon was a handsome gold-headed cane, and the token to Mrs. Almon was a sil- yer sugar bowl.
 in addition to these tokens, gifts were presented to W. F. Herbert, clerk of the house, and to John Adams, assistant clerk.
 The occasion was made one of the most interesting that has taken place on the floor of the house during the present ses- sion of the legislature. The tokens to Judge and Mrs. Almon were presented by Henry Merritt of Macon and Joe Arnold of Calhoun, respectively. AS the pro- nounced leaders of the minority and ma jority forces in the house it was deemed particularly appropriate that Representa- tives Merritt and Arnold should figure in the exercises, and the speeches of both were peculiarly fitting and worthy of the occasion.
 The presentation exercises were held just before 1 o'clock, at which time, on motion of MT. Lavender of Bbb, the house temporarily recessed in order that some formalities might be dispensed. motion was then made that Speaker AL mon be escorted 10 the front and, with Representative Sullivan in the chair, Judge Almon was formally conducted to seat in front of the press table.
 Mr Merritt of Macon then took the floor and presented to Judge Almon a handsome gold-headed cane. In his speech of presentation MT. Merritt paid a fine tribute to Judge Almon, declaring that all the members of the house had learned to love him with a sincerity and a devotion that would finger throughout the remaining years of their lives.
 MT Merritt said that Judge Almon had been a fair and impartial presiding Of ficer, and that his decisions had never been questioned. He declared that during the present session he had been with the minority, but that nevertheless he had an opportunity to use the big stick, and that he intended to make the most of his opportunity. He then presented to Judge Almon the cane.
 Mir. Arnold, recognized leader of the majority, then presented to the speaker of the house a handsome silver sugar bowl for Mrs. Almon, whom the Cal houn representative said the members of the house had learned to respect with the greatest esteem and admiration. MT. Ar mold paid a tribute to Mrs. Almon. "The wife of your bosom and the queen of your household" said he addressing Judge AL mon, and I sincerely hope that you will accept these two tokens an evi dence of our great affection for both of you"
 T wish I had the words to express my appreciation" began Judge Almon, in ac- cepting the two presents. We have been here now for three months, and while many of us have differed on certain ques- tions, there are no scars left. We are all friends and you will carry with you, wherever you go, my best wishes. The friendships which have been made here should continue to exist, and I hope we shall some day have a reunion of the legislature of 1911.
 Tn behalf of my wife, l wish to ex press to you my expectations for her for the handsome gift you have present ed to her, and I wish for you all con- tinued success and prosperity in what ever you do, and wherever you go."
 MT. Lavender then took the floor and presented to w. F. Herbert, the clerk of the house, a handsome cut glass water set.
 MT. Lavender said in his presentation speech that MT. Herbert had been efficient and capable in every sense and that he had made one of the best clerks that the house of representatives of the Alabama legislature had ever had.
 MT. Herbert replied in a most fitting | manner, saying that he should treasure | the gift when his head became hoary with age, and that he should keep it with in l creased affection for every member of the | legislature.
 silver walter was then presented to | John Adams, the assistant clerk of the | house. by Mir. Williams of Barbour, who | paid MT. Adams a fine tribute for his | faithful and efficient work. MT Adams replied briefly and in an | appropriate manner.
 l The house then recessed until 3 o'clock this afternoon.