The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1921-10-23
CARD FROM CHAIRMAN JOHNSTON

To The Public
Nov that our great Centennial and Coming cele-
braon has passed into history deem it but proper in laying
down the duties of Chairman of the Executive Committee
that should issue this final statement To the public who
have patiently borne with during the past six months
1t will be recalled that the first suggestion of Cen
ennal celebration was made year ago by the splendid
citizen, Mr. Sam B. Johnston At that time the Chamber of
Commerce being reorganzed and Mr. Johnston, who
then Florida advised that in his opinion of the
first plans of the organization should be proper cee
braon of the hundredh anniversary Of the city of Col
umbus Acting upon that timely suggestion the Chamber
of Commerce called meeting Of the public at the City Hall
the first week in April when steps were taken which resulted
in the formation of the Centennial and Homecoming EN
ecutive Committee.
From that day until the present the Chamber of
has been the power behind the throne and
be tuhuy said that had it not been for this fine oganiza
tion of ve wires would have been impossible for to
put over the big birthday party at which all the South
stands amazed.
Realizing responsibility to the organization which
sponsored the movement Executive Committee has from
time to time made regular reports OF our progress at the
meetings of the directors Chamber of Commerce
of the clerical work has been done in their office 1t
may be Of interest to know that than four thousand
letters have been sent out from this office I the Centennial
In recalling those who have assisted in bringing success
to our undertaking IN order that proper
may be made, face situation less embarrassing
for the that the list contains large number OF public
spirited citizens all of whom responded to call made
upon them, and to publish their it would re-
qure space than the newspapers could give We
shall try to solve this problem by thanking them in
1t is hoped however that may be acquitted of any
desire to discriminate II particular mention is made OF the
valuable services performed by the following:
for the liberal of their columns the hearty cooperation
of the officers members of the faculty and students of the
Mississippi State College for Women the Columbus Shrners
for procuring at their expense the Meridian Shrine
Patrol and their band which added greatly the
ainment of the occasion; all of the chamen of the
committees and their co-workers all societies. clubs
and other organizations whose loyal participation assured
the of the festivities from the very beginning the
teachers and pupils of the city schools both white and coll
ored and that fine organization Of the men of tomorrow
the Boy Scouts
There many others who could be mentioned, but time
and space forbid We only ask that everyone who
ributed to will understand that their services
are deeply appreciated.
We trust may be pardoned before closing, for
ferrng by to two outstanding figures who beyond all
doubt have been responsible for the glorious accomplishment
of plans. We fair-mnded person will be-
grudge the tribute which is due Mr. j. r. Manser Secretary
of the Chamber of Commerce and Mr. h. l.. Kuykendal,
Chairman of the Entertainment Committee No two
served community faithfully unsefshy
than these and have hesitancy in saying that without
them the Executive Chairman would have been seriously
handicapped
If undertakings have proven successful the citizens
of Columbus have themselves thank The knowledge that
the people with has been greatest inspiration
They big order. and with their devoted loyalty
supporting believe be said the order has
filed
"AIay they all live long and prosper"
Most sincerely
r. T. JOHNSTON
Chairman Executive Committee.