“‘We must also see that our connecting lines of railways receive proper treatment from us. Be sure that we cannot well serve the public unless we treat our allied lines fairly, justly, and properly; be sure of this. Be sure that we are not all for ourselves. We are public servants, and we must serve all well, and always recognize the rights of our patrons. We must never take a customer’s money without giving him his money’s worth. All this is very easy to say, but it is very difficult for human nature to carry it out, and we must, therefore, school ourselves in the effort to learn how best to serve our patrons, and at the same time be just to ourselves.
“‘How are the railroads built? Where does the money come from that constructs and maintains them? It is through the union of men, and the combination of means and labor. This is how it is accomplished. [Applause.] There can be but little success in any effort to accomplish good, in this age, without union. This Exposition could not have been created and carried on, could not have presented the grandeur it does now, except through the combination of capital and the energy of men of enterprise. Look at the States that are represented here. We see not only many of the States of the United States, but also many foreign States as well. I find the Central American Republics are represented here; those unions that are dependent upon the voice of the people for their government are here. They are getting in line with us. They are here to co-operate with us of the South in this great work. Even our United States Government has made a large appropriation, and has sent down many of its people and many of its products to illustrate itself and its people. It is through union that success is attained. Look over this city to-day, I suppose it is so every day, we see floating from the house-tops, from the towers, and from the flagstaves, that emblem of Union, the Star Spangled Banner! [Great applause.] Long may it wave over us [applause], and we be fit and proper citizens to represent it in this “Land of the free and the home of the brave!”’ [Long continued applause.]
“‘We are going to have some resolutions read,’ said Mr. Hemphill, ‘and, Mr. President, I wish you would commission me a brakeman in order that I may vote with the boys.’
“‘I do,’ said Mr. Plant.
“In presenting the resolutions passed by the Commercial and Industrial Association of Montgomery, Alabama, Mr. W. C. Bibb, Jr., chairman of the committee appointed to convey them to Mr. Plant, said:
“‘Mr. Chairman, Ladies, and Gentlemen: Among the ancient Greeks and Romans the laurel was the symbol of triumph; the laurel wreath was second only to a kingly crown. Shafts of stone and marble and statues of bronze commemorated the deeds of demigods, kings, and conquering heroes. History teems with names and deeds of men who carved out a niche in the Temple of Fame with a bloody sword. To raze a fair city, invade, overwhelm, and destroy a smiling land, hew down and slaughter its inhabitants, or drag them in chains to slavery, were the only deeds by which Fame might be won.
“‘In this fair land and enlightened age, he who makes two blades of grass to grow where was one before; who links new cities with the old by shining bands of steel; who masters the sea and brings the forces of nature subservient to the will, the comfort, and the uses of his fellow-man; who builds up, develops, and makes the land to abound in plenty, while thousands of happy men and women rise up and call him blessed—he it is for whom the laurel blooms, he it is who has builded for himself a monument more enduring than brass and more lasting than marble. We are gathered here to celebrate the natal day of such a man.
“‘Sir, it is the pleasure of this committee, in behalf of the Commercial and Industrial Association, of the people of Montgomery, and of Alabama, to read in the presence of this audience and to present to you the resolutions I have in my hands, and to wish for you many happy returns of your birthday.
“‘Whereas, The 28th day of October, 1895, has been set apart by the Cotton States and International Exposition Company, of Atlanta, Georgia, to do honor to H. B. Plant, the genius and controlling spirit of the two great Southern enterprises—the Southern Express Company and the Plant Investment Company; and
“‘Whereas, We deem the time and occasion fit and opportune to unite with other Southerners in paying homage to one so richly endowed with merit and worth, yet so unpretentious; so eminently successful, yet unassuming; who has, by his latest achievement on land and sea, given to the three States of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida a system of railroads, steamships, and palatial hotels in the interest of commerce, travel, and internal development unsurpassed in the civilized world. Therefore, be it