The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1912-03-30


There were nearly three hundred
persons present at the annual busi-
nccs meeting Of the Chamber Of Com
merce Tuesday. which. from star,
20 finish. was successful. The occa-
sion was replete with interest for the
people OF sumter and many matters
connected with tho Chamber Of Com
merce. the welfare OF the town. and
the future prosperity OF the Game
cock City" were set forth.
Chief of the attractions 9, the meet
tng was the famous Meistersinger
quartet from Charleston. Again and
again these sweet singers were en-
cored. the audience being Of one mind
In their desire to hear more from
them. Mr.. Charles f.. Ashburner.
frst general manager of Staunton.
Va. made a short talk and explain
cd fully the operation of the plan of
city government such as that desir-
ed for Sumter by the Chamber OF
Commerce.
The reports OF the president and
secretary OF the organization were
heard with interest. as was the an
uouncement Of the appointment of Of
hcers for the ensuing year. The re-
ports OF Mt. r. 1. Manning on the
situation with regard to the construc-
tion OF the Seaboard Air Line and of
Mr.. +. L. witherspoon concerning the
hotel situation were received with in
terest.
Following the completion Of the
business Of the evening several COM
merciai secretaries from cities in this
State. who were present. were called
on to make short talks along lines
connected with their work, all Of
which were very interesting and some
Of which were very witty and pwt
the big crowd. some Of whom had
commenced leaving, I'm good humcr.
The business part OF the session.
part which was generally very much
enjoyed BY ail--comrencsd shortly
before ? O'Clock when all OF those
present were invited up to the Arm
ory Hall. which was tastefully dec
Grated for tho occasion. and seated
alosg the Ave rows OF tables which
extended the length OF the hall.
whore a substantial repast OF chick
En- stow was served by the ladies Of
the Aid socisty Of Temple sanai who
had prepared for the large crowd
present.
The Mcistersingcrs.
Tho Meiutersingers. Following the
supper. many for the first time heard
this famous Charleston quartet. The
selections were appropriate and the
frst was so well received that anoth-
sr was demanded at once from the
singers. The second selection brought
On q third and there were many who
slapped and applauded the singers
for still more of their music. From
their first appearance in the hall.
when they were roundly applauded.
the singers were applauded at every
turn. so to speak. and II Is possible
that had they sung more. many of
those present would have been will
Hing right away To go to Charleston
to hear more In the near future.
were mostly melodies and coon songs
and were all light. catchy airs which
were "the kind that took" At sew.
eral stages during the proceedings
the Meisterslngers were called upon
and each time they responded. and as
one person said. each song is just a
little better than the one before" and
then he added. IF that were pos.
sible." That Is just the way the
members of the Sumter Chamber ct
Commerce looked at IL last night ant
that In the way they will think OF q
for many days TO come.
The coming OF the Meisterslnger,
added much to the pleasure of tn,
occasion and II Is safe to say that an!
time they ever want n warm welcon,
anywhere they are sure To find 1t IN
Sumter. the hearts Of whose peopl,
were certainly captured last night -!
their music.
Reports.
Dr. Baker then made his annua
report showing what had been don
by the committees under him ant
what would probably be done durinl
the coming year.