The Life of Henry Bradley Plant / Founder and President of the Plant System of Railroads and Steamships and Also of the Southern Express Company

by G. Hutchinson Smyth

“The dinner in honor of Mr. Plant was given by the Exposition directors. It was the concluding honor bestowed upon the South’s benefactor in connection with the great Plant System Day at the Exposition. About fifty guests assembled to do honor to the occasion, and among them were some of the best-known and most influential men of the country. The South was represented by distinguished men from many States.

“At the conclusion of the dinner, Captain Howell, who acted as toast-master, arose and proposed a toast to the distinguished guest of honor. At the request, every guest arose and drank to the health of Mr. Plant in silence.

“‘I have been offered many toasts and received some honors,’ said Mr. Plant, in response, ‘but none has ever afforded me more pleasure than this. I feel that I am among friends to-night, and it is useless to assure you that I am deeply appreciative of this honor. I have had something to say to you already to-day, and am almost talked out. There is so much talent and so many men here to-night who can entertain you with a ventilation of the English language, and I am so hoarse that I will yield to them and not detain you. I thank you, Mr. Toast-master, and gentlemen.’

“Captain Howell, in introducing the speakers of the evening, took occasion to say many happy things about Mr. Plant and the guests around the tables. He was in his happiest vein, and with wit, wisdom, and story, he entertained the assemblage. Each effort of the toast-master was received with applause.

“‘We are indebted to the distinguished gentleman we have gathered to-night to honor,’ said Captain Howell, ‘for one of the best exhibits at our great Exposition. His is an exhibit of which we should feel proud; one that reflects credit on his effort and the Exposition. He has shown us loyalty, fidelity, and love for the South by the work he has done for us. We are pleased and honored to have him among us, and to call him one of us. This Southland owes to him much of gratitude. He has benefited every section of the Southeast, and done work which will last as a monument to his fame for years to come.

“‘We regret that our zealous president, Mr. Collier, is unable to be with us this evening to extend to Mr. Plant in person the welcome felt by the Exposition Company, but in that absence we have a man to speak for him who can do so fittingly. We ask Mr. Alexander W. Smith to return to Mr. Plant the thanks of the Exposition Company for the splendid exhibit he has sent us and for the good work he has done, not only in our interest, but for the State and the entire South.’

“Mr. Smith paid a fitting tribute to the worth of Mr. Plant to the State of Georgia, the South, and to the Exposition. He thanked him on behalf of the Exposition Company for the complete and magnificent exhibit sent by Mr. Plant, and warmly congratulated him on his birthday, which gave occasion for such a great day as yesterday had been to the Exposition. Colonel George W. Adair was called upon and he made one of his best speeches. He entertained his hearers with stories and reminiscences of his boyhood and manhood days, referring to the time when he first met Mr. Plant. The speaker had assisted in forming the Southern Express Company, and he proposed to share the honors with Mr. Plant, for the evening at least.

“Among the other speakers were Colonel H. S. Haines, Colonel A. A. Wiley, of Alabama; Speaker Fleming, Major J. W. Thomas, of Nashville; Judge Falligant, of Savannah; Hon. Fleming du Bignon, of Savannah; Dr. Smyth, and several others. All of the speakers paid high tribute to Mr. Plant and his work for the South. He was eulogized in the language of highest praise, and declared to be a man worthy of all honors that could be bestowed upon a citizen.

“Some of the speakers referred to the esteem in which Mr. Plant is held by his twelve thousand employees, and laid stress on that fact as being the best evidence of the noble character of the man, one who treated all men with justice, moderation, and kindness. Mr. Plant was made to feel that the welcome extended him was sincere, and he left the banquet table honored as perhaps no other man will be honored during the Exposition period. To him was shown the appreciation of the Exposition Company of his work, by setting aside a special day in his honor, something that will not be accorded to any other individual.

“The banquet was one of the most elaborate of the season, and reflected credit on the committee in charge and Manager Dodge, of the Aragon, who supervised it in person.”