The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1912-01-17
M'KEESPORT IS
Fl YEARS old
Tube City Celebrates With EIab-
crate Freedom Party"
PROMINENT MEN SPEAKERS
Great Regret for Unfortunate Illness
of Mayor Arthur-Weather and
Age Prevents Congressman
Cannon's Presence

McKeesport, Pa.-This city known
throughout the commercial world as
the Tube CITY," is now a man, Mon
day being the twenty-first anniversa-
ry of the incorporation of the old
borough OF McKeesport into city Of
the third class. In commemoration
of the event, an elaborate banquet
was held under the auspices of the
McKeesport Chamber of Commerce,
in the Elks' temple. Men of nation
al reputation and men prominent in
the government of the city were
among the speakers. A touch of
brilIiancy was added to the banquet
by the presence of many of McKees
ports well-known women, who occu-
pied seats in the gallery, surrounding
the banquet chamber,
An unfortunate occurrence that
called forth the sympathy of the en-
tire population of the city was the
serious illness of the chef executive
Mayor H. S. Arthur who is suffering
from a severe attack of pneumonia.
Mayor Arthur was to have delivered
an address on the growth of the city
since its incorporation. His illness
caused a change in the program.
Formed Mayor William H. Coleman,
clerk of the county courts, delivering
the address for Mayor Arthur.
Another disappointment was re
ceived by the committee when word
was received from Congressman 10
seph G. Cannon, former speaker OF
the House, to the effect that he was
unable to attend, owing to the incle
ment weather and that his heath
would not permit the journey. Ex-
Mayor George w. Guthrie of Pitts
burgh spoke in his stead.
Joining in the celebration with the
Chamber OF Commerce were the
members of the McKeesport Mer-
chants association and the McKees-
port council. Covers were laid for
275. The figure "2I' was promi
nent among the decorations in the
hall, which were elaborate, Flags,
bunting and cut flowers were the
chef decorations.
D.. T. l.. White, one Ethe Oldest
residents of Il! !tcity, who has been
identified witlFthe majority of the
civic improvements, was toastmasteT
Following were the speakers ana
their subjects. William H. Coleman,
History of McKeesport; Congress
man John Dalzell, American Mer-
chant Marines;" Attorney Lee S.
Smith, Civic Bodies" Commissioner
of States Highways E. NJ Bigelow,
Good Roads," j. ]. Bedel, president
of council, municipal Affairs" E. p.
Douglas, representing the Chamber
of Commerce, and Ex-Mayor George
G. Guthrie of Pittsburgh.
Merchants decorated their build
ings, and in the schools the history
of the city was related. Aside from
the decorations OF the buildings, no
other sign of the celebration was seen
during the day. There was no street
demonstration and business was car
ried on as usual.
Since the incorporation OF the |
city many changes have taken place
in the city. New and large build
ings have been erected and mills ana |
factories have been enlarged to such |
an extent that one visiting the city |
today would not recognize any of the
downtown portion as that of the ola
borough.
Now that McKeesport has become
of age, it was predicted that several |
of the surroundings boroughs ant
townships will ask to be annexed |
Taken as a whole the celebration was
one that will be long remembered AM
the beginning of a new era of inn
proyement in the city.