“‘When that fratricidal struggle was ended and the soldiers who survived it returned to their desolated homes to find poverty and want at every door, Mr. Henry B. Plant, a Union man, who, notwithstanding his loyalty to the North, had been commissioned by President Davis, because of his honesty and integrity, to go at will everywhere throughout Dixie, was also true to the South. He recognized the fact that the war was over. He had confidence in the reserved energy, loyalty, devotion, and patriotism of the men who wore the gray. [Applause and cheers.] “‘He had faith in the magnificent possibilities of this land of golden summers. He knew that we would never again renew hostilities against the Union of our fathers; and he was right. “‘Mr. Plant began anew with us the battles of life. He poured out his wealth like water, to build up and beautify our waste places. He put activity and intelligent direction into the industrial life of the South; and his confidence was not misplaced. He has built grandly and well--wiser, perhaps, than he knew--and has rolled onward the car of progress and prosperity. The whole South has felt the touch of his magical hand, and recognized in him a potential factor in the advancement of commerce and civilization. To-day about fifty thousand people owe food, shelter, and raiment to his bounty and munificence. [Applause and cheers.] “‘He has carried happiness and plenty to many a fireside, and poured the sunshine of peace and gladness into many a weary heart. [Great cheering and applause.] “‘We, his servants and employees, have now assembled here, not only to do him honor on this, his birthday, but we desire to keep his name and memory forever fresh and green in our heart of hearts; and no more fitting method, it seems to me, can be devised, than by setting apart the 27th day of October, in each succeeding year, as a memorial day, to be commemorated by appropriate services and the planting of trees. With this object in view, I offer the following resolutions, and move their unanimous adoption by a rising vote: “‘WHEREAS, It is meet and proper that we, the employees of the Plant System, should in some appropriate manner observe the birthday of Mr. Plant, our worthy and honored President; therefore, be it. “‘_Resolved_, 1. That the 27th of October in each and every year hereafter shall be set apart and observed and duly celebrated in honor of the life and character of Mr. H. B. Plant. “‘_Resolved_, 2. That on said 27th day of October, water-oak trees shall be planted at all station grounds and about all section houses on all the lines of the Plant System, this tree being the favorite of our much-loved chief. “‘_Resolved_, 3. That the general superintendent and the division superintendents are hereby created a permanent board, with the request that Mr. Plant’s birthday be honored as herein set out.’ “These resolutions were adopted unanimously by a rising vote and with great enthusiasm.