“On a pretty table in the centre was a huge and gorgeous silver cup--a loving-cup--which was presented to Mr. Plant by Mr. S. G. McLendon, on behalf of the employees of the railway department of his great System. It is a most beautiful and elaborate solid silver cup, and will hold two gallons of champagne. It is, perhaps, the finest and most artistic piece of work ever made by the Gorham Manufacturing Company, of New York. The idea conveyed in the loving-cup is a most beautiful one. The cup has two large handles, and around the festal board is turned from hand to hand, each guest taking a quaff, the cup being held by two persons. The cup never touches the board until it has made the round of the guests. “This cup, presented by the Plant Railway System employees, is handsomely engraved, and bears on one side this inscription: ‘The Railway Employees of the Plant System to H. B. Plant, President.’ On the reverse side is the date, ‘October 27, 1895.’ “In presenting this beautiful token, Mr. S. G. McLendon, attorney for the Plant System at Thomasville, read the following testimonial on behalf of the employees: “‘Mr. Plant:--The employees of the Plant System of Railways extend to you their sincere and heartfelt congratulations upon this, your birthday. “‘As a slight token of their affectionate and loyal regard, they present you this loving-cup, filled with their best wishes for your continued health and strength. It was no idle fancy which prompted the selection of this modest testimonial; its name aptly marks the impulse which prompted the gift, and which it but inadequately measures by its size. “‘The author of a great railway system, such as that which bears your name, must be to all mankind a genuine benefactor; but to you belongs, in truth, an honor and distinction far more precious. “‘To promote the well-being of one fellow-man, to upbuild the material interests of great and growing States, and to see new life, hope, and promise rise up with smiling face and outstretched, laden hands, is indeed enough to fulfill the measure of any ordinary ambition; but when to the gratification which springs from such a consciousness is added the knowledge that those who labored with and under you in these great enterprises, whose part it was to follow and obey, are each and all as loyal and devoted to you personally as you have been, through many years and trials, to the great interests confided to your care, satisfaction must ripen into that contentment which only comes when the “softer green of our better selves” is in the ascendant. “‘It is the earnest prayer of the employees that for many, many years yet to come your life and activity may be spared to the great properties which owe their existence and prosperity to your foresight and sagacity, and as the seasons come and go, they crave for themselves no higher privilege than to refill this cup with renewed affection and esteem. “‘For the employees of the Plant System of Railways.