West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1914-10-15
WAS A SUCCESS
First Regular Meeting o. the West
Virginia Society Recently Orosniz-
cd In Washington Wss o Brilliant
Affalr-Msny Prominent People
Present

Washington, Oct. l0.-A very large
gathering OF the West vireinians, sojourn-
ing in this city, met in the first regular
session Of the recently organized society,
and welcomed each other in bond Of
frsternal fellowship-society, with pride
overlooking for the state Of their nativity
or adoption, as the case existed.
ID. w. Gall Of Philippi, the president,
presided and took up the regular order
of business which is provided for in the
constitution and laws OF the society.
There were over fifty new members re-
ceived and the outlook il for still many
more as the West Virginians in the city
get in touch with the situation. and now
that the ladies have been admitted as
members. the officers feel confident of the
aid needed TO reach all West virginians
in the city and Others as they come in.
The society is nonpolitical and non
sectarian society Of West virginians,
banded together for mutual association
and TO promote state pride and inspire
patriotism.
Hon. w. g. Brown, congressman from
the Second district, was the first speaker
introduced and gave his audience a
comprehensive view Of the development
in the state, by reciting the difficulties
that were overcome by his grandfather
and grandmother, who came into the
mountains OF the state, when they had
to carry their belongings on pack horses,
but now where wealth and beauty abound,
Mr.. Brown gave glowing description OF
the abundant apple crop of this year and
incidently gave assurance that Preston
county would have its usual fine buck
wheat crop and that cakes would be
plentiful. He added very much to the
passing OF the evening and gave words oil
encouragement TO the society.
Governor Atkinson, the next speaker,
struck more on the amusing vein oil
thought and kept the audience laughing
about the imaginary things that have
taken place, but when it came to describ-
ing the hidden wealth OF the state, he
grew eloquent and said West Virginia
could produce enough coal "to warm the
dominion of Plato forever" enough gas,
ito supply congress for 1000 years" and
enough oil ito lubricate the jaws oil
politicians and after-dinner speakers in
definitely"
Senator Chiffon, who was introduced
by the president as another West Vir.
ginian who had lived in two states and
had not moved out Of the county In which
he was born, gave the society basket Of
information about the means he was
using to secure for the state an accumulat.
ed surplus out of the former territory oil
the mother state, Virginia, from which
new schoolhouses can be erected; new
churches built; good roads constructed
and If by chance it should be decided
that there was such a thing as the Vir.
Rinia debt or that West Virginia owed
Virginia any thing, this recovery which
he hopes to get for the state will pay
that and then give TO the state means to
make Improvements outlined.
The senator was very pleasing in his
address and the vote was unanimous for
him to visit each meeting and it is said
some OF the ladies voted twice.
Last. but not least, Hon. Howard
Sutherland was introduced, who came
near being missed as the president had
been so much engaged with the duties OF
his office that he had failed to see the
distinguished congressman come in, and
arose and commenced to make excuses
for his nonarival, when he discovered
that excuses were not in order, but the
congressman himself was in order and
his presence and speech added cheer and
encouragement to all those present. Mr.
Sutherland is West Virginian by adop.
ton, but the state should be proud o.
adding such wide-awake, progressive
citizens to her population, and no doubt
is, by his selection as congressman al
large. He said he was proud OF the state
of his adoption and that he expected To
make his home in the state and have his
body lad TO moulder Its mother dust In
the sacred soil OF West Virginia.
There were many words OF encourage
ment given to the officers and the outlook
tor the next meeting isvery bright, which
will be held on Friday night after the
first Monday in November, which is
Friday night, November 18th, and with
these two unlucky numbers forming a
lucky one, the occasion is destined to be
one of unprecedented success, to which
all West Virginians are urgently request
ed 10 be present.
An interesting program will be arrang-
ed and other congressman will give as
sistance TO the occasion.