Narrative of the Ninth Annual Meeting of the United States Association of Charcoal Iron Workers. [Volume: 8, Issue: 2, 1888, pp. 68-69]

68

UNITED STATES ASSOCIATION OF

[VOL. 8,

Karrative of the Ninth Annual Meeting of the United
States Association of Charcoal Iron Workers.
With the knowledge that a change in the arrangements for the
annual meetingfrom Anniston, Alabama, to New York city, would
probably diminish the attendance, provision was made for transacting only the regular business of the Association, and no papers were
presented. At the initial session the number present verified the
estimate of the Executive Committee, but on the second day the
attendance was such that a good discussion could have been arranged for in the evening.
Two sessions for transacting business were held; at the first
committees were appointed and at the second their reports were
acted upon; representatives were present from nine States.
The courtesies extended were most enjoyable, and those who
participated will long remember them. Through the generosity
of one of the Association's most ardent supporters, Mr. Joseph D.
Potts, of Philadelphia, a complimentary luncheon on an ocean
steamer was tendered the organization. The original intention
was to give this entertainment on the new vessel, the "City of
New York," but as the date could not be adjusted to suit, the
steamer " Noordland," of the Red Star Line, was substituted.
After an hour devoted to an inspection of the vessel and its appointments, the party sat down to a dinner elegantly prepared and
served, which showed the resources of the steward's department
to advantage. Captain H. E. Nickels, of the "Noordland," and
all its officers were most courteous in exhibiting to the visitors
the various features, of ocean steamship life, and the only regret
expressed was that so few of the members or their ladies were
among those who enjoyed this novel and interesting feature of entertainment. While the "City of New York" is a larger and
newer vessel, all who participated in the dinner (it was more than
a luncheon) voted the "Noordland" a splendid vessel and her
appointments superb.
The evening of the first day was devoted to committee work,
and the forenoon of the second day was taken up by a final business session.
In the afternoon a party of forty-five ladies and gentlemen ac