The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-06-10
T. P. A. Men Mix Merry
With Serious at Open
ing Session.
BIGGEST MEETING
IN CITY'S HISTORY
Delegates Applaud Addresses by
Reed, Ainslie and Richardson,
and Discuss Selection of Next
Convention City-Caro-
lima Man May Be
President.

With that carefree good fellowship
which marks them everywhere, the
travelling statesmen of the United states
took possession OF Richmond yester-
day. The statement is literally true,
for forty-two States were represent
ed in the big parade, by men who are
the leaders in their calling from
Louisiana to Pittsburgh. and it was
evident from the start that they had
captured the sympathies of the peo-
pie. Crowds lined the streets along
she entire route of the procession, ana
applause and laughter greeted the pic
turesque. larking delegates, who stood
not upon dignity, but infused q large
quantity OF fun into their big demon
stration, which was. at the same time,
an impressive and significant event.
For their convention. the largest
commercial gathering ever held in the
city, and probably one Of the largest
In the country, shows the travelling
statesmen as an organized and power
ful body OF men, who realize their re-
sponsibilities as the makers and mes
sengers Of commerce.
Big Army stands High.
The serious note of the convention
was struck later in the morning. when
the auditorium of the jefferson Hotel
to the doors. and listened to words.ot
welcome from local officers and TO
the able address of their own prcsi-
dent. The purpcse and nature OF the
organization was probably best en-
pressed by w. L. Reed. vice president
OF the Chamber of Commerce. who is
himself veteran travelling man. and
has been a member Of the association
for twenty years. He declared that
the profession OF the travelling sales
man has been raised in twenty-five
years from a position OF disrepute to
one OF the highest eminence in the
commercial world The day OF trick
cry and doubtful methods In trade he
asserted, has passed forever. and a
large share of the credit for this trans
formation is due to the Travellers
Protective Association of America.
which has formulated the standards
OF the profession. brought cooperation
into It, and made 1t safe.
The delegates also loudly applauded
Congressman Montague, who greeted
them as "the messengers and prophets
OF commerce. and declared that the
commercial unity OF the country,
which they represent, is the thing that
has made and kept intact the union
of the States
Judge David c. Richardson then pre-
sented President d. w. Michaux, of san
Antonio. Texas. with a gavel. which
he asserted was made from the wood
OF the old Capitol building and the
steel of the battleship Merrimac. Mayor
George -Airslie and others also well
coined the delegates to Richmond.
estate of Miscelinneous.-
The irrepressible facetious note was
renewed when a delegate from Georgia
arose. and pointing impressively to
banner labeled miscellaneous" among
the standards OF the States. and mark
ing the section where the women
guests were seated, moved that the
State OF Miscellaneous" be immediate-
ly considered for membership I'm the
association. as the most promising of
all. The motion was passed with a
roar OF ayes"
In the afternoon the convention
gathered in the auditorium for the me-
mortal service. which is long-es1ab-
lished feature of the annual gather
ing. Colonel John S. Harwood. who was
to have delivered the customary address.
was unable to be present. but the ad-
dress which he had prepared was read
by Rev. j. T. Gravatt. d. D.. the chaps
lain OF Post A. Rev. Homer T, Wilson.
national chaplain for the association
presided over the services, and an ap-
propriate musical program was rem
dered
The evening was devoted TO an in
formal reception in the auditorium.
which was brilliantly decorated for
the occasion. The many women guests
OF the convention were present. and
there was music and refreshments.
There was much discussion at the re-
caption OF two of .he most important
issues before the conventIon--namely. Z
tho choice OF the next place OF meet
ing and the election OF the national
president.
Place aud President.
san Antonio. Texas. and ST. Louis.
are the two strongest bidders for tho
honor OF entertaining the convention
next year, and with an eye for the
Spectacular. .he Texans seem to he lead
inE in the advertising. They have post
ed In the lobby two big signs stat
ing that "siN flags have 1oated over
Texas; NEE. in San Antonio next year.,
The logic is not obvious. but the ban
ner. decorated with all the colors that
Texas has ever worn. Is very striking.
George IT. Armstrong, of Philadei-
ph!a. Is the only announced candidate
for president OF the association: hut
friends are pressing C. r, Tomlfnson
OF High Point y. c.. chairman OF ;heiS
national committee on membership. to-
accept the nomination. II is promised i
that II he Will consent to run, the race
NIL oil