The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1913-05-07


son, OF the Commercial. association, Col.
Ridgway Roy Megargel, president of
the Deep Water Route, Hon. w. A.
BIount, Speaker Ion L. Farris, Col.
Frank L Mayes, Commander Palmer,
aide TO the secretary, and F. NJ. Jack
son, representing the Birmingham
Chamber Of Commerce, entered the
room.
The party occupied the center table.
which was profusely decorated with
MOWERS. While the luncheon was be-
ing served, the orchestra rendered
several inspiring selections, at the con-
clusion of which, Mr.. Dobson, acting
In the capacity Of toast-master in a
felicitious introduction introduced the
frst speaker. the Hon. W. A. Blount.
1t is doubtful if Mr.. Blount ever
made more forcible address than
on this occasion. He referred feelingly
and eloquently to Pensacola, as he
had known it in the days of yore. He
said that he could recall the time
when catamounts ran rampant where
on stood the magnificent building in
which he was speaking.
Mr.. Blount paid a glowing tribute
to Pensacola, saying that her natural
facilities were not excelled by any
port city in the South. He made an
eloquent appeal to the guest Of the
occasion to consider well the topo-
graphy and the advantages which this
city he'd out as a strategic naval
station. Mr.. Blount was roundly ap-
plauded when he concluded his speech.
Hon. I. 1. Farris Speaks.
Mr.. Dobson then introduced Hon.
Ion L. Farris, speaker of the Florida
house Of representatives. Mr.. Farris
addressed his remarks to Secretary
Daniels, and assured him in a con-
vincing and forcible manner that he
expressed the sentiments of the lower
house when he stated that the navy
yards should be re-opened. The speaker
made an eloquent plea in behalf of
Pensacola. He said in part:
Mr. President, Mr.. Secretary, Ladies
and Gentlemen:
Notwithstanding the eloquent ad-
dress by the gentleman who has just
preceded me (Mr. Blount) and those
that will follow, desire to remind you
that I am the only Speaker who will
address you on this occasion.
To our distinguished guest I desire
to say that the same tidal wave of
progressive democracy that swept
Woodrow Wilson into the White
House and the democratic party into
power carried with it a progressive
legislative assembly in Florida. and
since the converting of the legislature
We have been busy in an honest en-
deavor to work out the problems that
SO vitality concern the welfare and
happiness of our people. There is no
question of more importance or inter
est to the people of Florida than the
re- establishment of the Pensacola
navy yard, and we have therefore,
for a day in order to join
I, -, - I, a~Js rF
West Florida in extending to you A
cordial welcome to our state.
There are shades and differences of
opinion in Florida on most public
questions, but, sir, our people are
united on this one question from one
end of our state to the other. not only
because of it's advantage to Pensacola,
but for the benefit that will accrue to
state and nation.
We rejoice that you have seen fit to
make personal investigation and ex-
animation of this property, because in
no other way could the value and i'm
portance of the navy yard at this
port be impressed upon you SO strong
~. TO see is to be convinced, and now
that you have seen, we are sure you
are convinced.
The house of representatives of
Florida has done me the honor to |
choose me as its spokesman on this !
occasion, and in behalf of this body |
and the people of our great state, 1
extend to you a cordial and hearty |
greeting and welcome.
This is my first visit to Pensacola !
and I am charmed beyond expression
at its beauty, it's many splendid ad
vantages, and the hospitality of it's
people. I am constrained to say that
Il the people of Jacksonville could
come in a body and see your beauti-
'ul city and meet its big-hearted hos
oitable people, we would all realize
that Jacksonville is not the only place
n Florida, and for my part I make
his acknowledgment to you here and
low.
Jacksonville reaches her arms aero IS
he broad domain of Florida and joins
With Pensacola and every other sec
ion of our state in an effort to bring
tbout the establishment of the
Pensacola navy yard.
We ask you, Mr.. Secretary, to grant
his appeal for the benefit from
'tragetical naval standpoint, that will
lccrue to the harbor. to Pensacola and
o the people of Florida.
I am grateful for the privilege and
lonor of addressing this great gath
nen of our nation. I think the people
n the presence of one of the great
nen of our nation. / thank the people
f Pensacola again and again for the
ourtesies shown and the honor done
ne. God bless and long live the peo-
lie of Pensacola. I thank you.
At the conclusion of his speech Mr..
'arris was roundly applauded. He is
ways eloquent and his interest in
he reopening of the navy yards was
n inspiration to him, in which he is
s much concerned as if it related
o Jacksonville, his home city.
ENATOR WATSON OF GADSDEN.
President Dobson then introduced
senator VI. Watson, of Gadsden
ounty. The senator said that he
anne to Pensacola as a representative .
{ the president of the senate, Mr.. .