Year: 1860

Mr.. PREsIDENT-G GENTLEMEN OF THE PREss i.


There are vacant seats in this Conven-
tlon-thronged through this halls with
those who are in the vigor and bloom of
llte-cheered as we are with the presence
of numerous and intelligent audience
places that will be filled no more by those
who once occupied them Warm and sim
cere would be the welcome we would give
the absent ones, could they again appear
in our midst, join in our deliberations min
gle their voices with ours, and make com
plete the festivities of an occasion that bat
for the recollection of their departure,
might be without an expression of regret
or shade of sorrow. With as much inter
est as we have felt, would they behold the
magnificent and varied scenery that spreads
out around US on every side, and with us
go back in imagination to the time when,
IN 1913, this spot, then, as now, robed in
its gorgeous summer dress of foliage and
flowers, broke on the vision of those self
sacrificing missionary explorers-the gentle
and fearless Marquette, the faithful and
Jealous Joliet-as they pursued their per-
llous and romantic voyage of discovery to
the Mississippi, or recall to mind the valor
and endurance of the heroic but unfortu-
nate La Sale, who constructed the first
vessel that ever unfurled sails and naviga-
ted, from one end to the other, the vast
range of lakes and rivers that reach out in
one liquid chain half way across our con-
t1nent-now expanding into sea-like dimen-
slons, now contracting into narrow chan
nels, now plunging down cataracts of un-
equal grandeur, now dotted with isles Of
verdant loveliness-and whose rude boat
was the first of European architecture that
plowed the waters, rode the waves, and cast
anchor in yonder bay on the restless sur
face of which now floats the fleets and COM
smerce of many powerful and populous
states. Marvellous and ceaseless have
been the changes of two hundred years
many and mighty the revolutions in human
affairs, both in the Old World and New
Standing amidst the feeble and wasting
remnants of the native tribes that but re-
Gently held undisputed possession of this
SPLENDID territory-the lingering vestiges
of a race whose destiny can now be fore
told-viewing the decaying memorials
around which cling the fading traditions of
centuries-the monuments of civilization
and enterprise we see everywhere about US
the Temple, the Press, the School House,
the Steam Engine, the Railroad, the Tele-
graph-are the works of this generation,
and there may be those here who have wit.
messed all from the beginning, who here
saE the first house built and received the
last lightning sent despatch, but who yet
are hardly beyond the period of middle
age.


One year since, you turned from the en-
joyment of the hospitalities extended to
you by the unlimited iberality of the citi-
zens of Milwaukee-the fair and flourish
ing metropolis of our richly endowed COM
monwealth-to pay heartfelt and we'll
merited tribute of respect to the worth
and services of popular and experienced
journalist, who early distinguished himself
among the Pioneer Editors of Wisconsin.
One of the foremost to suggest the organ
ization Of this association, attending ali its
meetings, he was also the first to leave it.
without warning or adieu. Few, indeed,
could know John A. Brown as he was
blameless as a child, true as steel-and
not be his friend, An ADLER pen than
mine will do full justice to the character of
Marcus A. Mallo, of the Columbus Journal
probably the youngest member of our
profession when he died. No sooner had
he entered upon the duties of laborious
position. than he was called away, his plans
purposes all unfinished. An opening bud,
but no ripened fruit, is his emblem.


There is another name, not to be found
in our records. which may