“‘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 “‘_Resolved_, That we, the members of the Commercial and Industrial Association of the City of Montgomery, Alabama, by unanimous rising vote, do most heartily congratulate Mr. Plant upon his continued health and prosperity upon this his birthday; that we convey to him by these resolutions tidings that his name and fame are dear to us and to all Alabamians. “‘_Resolved_, That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to Atlanta, Georgia, to be publicly read and presented to Mr. Plant on October 28, 1895.’ [Applause and cheers.] “Colonel Hemphill:--‘I move these resolutions be adopted by a rising vote. All in favor of the resolutions will stand.’ All present responded. “On behalf of the Savannah Board of Trade, Judge Robert Falligant spoke as follows: