The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1916-05-09

Fort Lauderdale, May 9.-The
State Convention of the Patriotic Or
der Sons of America was held here
Wednesday and Thursday of last
week.
Delegates from various parts of
Florida began to come in Tuesday
morning. w. H. Beecher, president
of theorder was the first to arrive,
and was followed by others from st.
Augustine. C. P. McQuaide, vice
president of the order, was the sec
ond delegate to arrive. The Key
West contingent arrived Tuesday
morning at $3.50. Delegates from
Plant City, Lakeland, Jacksonville
and other points had all arrived by
$3.50 a. m. Wednesday. Our city had
been beautifully illuminated by red,
white and blue lights, which was
greatly appreciated by the disting-
uished visitors. The convention was
day morning at 800 o'clock. Col.
z. ]. Reed was chairman and pre-
sided with his usual snap and dig
nifty. He said in his preliminary re-
marks that the P. o. S. of A. was one
of the greatest orders in the world,
and that it was doing, and would
continue to do great work for the
kept them waiting but the late hour
of arrival of some of the delegates
made it impossible for them to be on
hand earlier. Miss Kraft was then
introduced and gave delightful
piano solo. She was greatly ap-
plauded and graciously responded to
an encore.
Before presenting DIR. Mason, he
explained that because of the busy
times but few of the local members
of thee rider were present, but that
there would be a good attendance at
night.
The invocation by DR.. Mason was
fervent prayer for patriotic unity,
it was such to please the audience
and reach the throne of God, we feel.
Following Mr.. Mason came a solo by
c. r. Heinonymus. Mr.. Heinony-
mus was at his best and was greatly
appreciated by every one. He was
accompanied by Miss Kraft, who
Joined in the chorus, and they simply
captured the house. Both have
voices that charm.
The address of welcome by Mayo
Reed was appropriate for the occas
ion short and to the point. 1t i'm
pressed all present that we have
mayor of whom we should be proud
Mrs. H. G. Wheeler was one o
the good numbers and sang with he
usual high standard of excellence.
Mr.. A. H. McInnis of Key Yves
was then presented and said:
1.-The eloquent and sincere word
of welcome, that we have heard thi
morning from the mayor of thi
prosperous and growing city, an
from the representatives of our BIZ
loved order, not only repay me fo
the visit and the time but 1t prove
to my mind the value of our organ
cation. When the men of affairs {
a community, those holding the wal
rant of authority, leave their dutie
and several vocations to bid us we
come, there must be something moi
to us than simply body of men.
cans that our principles are we
come, and we, as disciples of thoe
principles are welcome.
Upon receipt of the letter al
nouncing the fact that l had bee
slated to respond to the address I
welcome, l thought that the Stat
President, who l understand was r,
sponsible, should have little mol
consideration and not inflicted tn
punishment on the good people Of F
dauderdale, especially when the
they knew in advance that we wou
be received with open arms al
hearts, and that the good folks
this town were justly entitled
have man of eloquence express o.
appreciation and gratitude, and w
try in my feeble way to tell "
things l feel, but which is hard
put in mere words.
Some of you perhaps have re;
the story of the darkey who left
southern Texas town for the city
New York. Upon his arrival in tn
great city of his dreams, where
expected to make his fortune,
found snow and ice everywhtse, /
ing thinly clad, the poor darkey,
fore he had gone far fell in snC
drife and was frozen stiff. There
policeman found him, he was rush
of to the cemetery for burial. T
doors of the oven were thrown p
and this poor darkey thrust into