BANQUET. 259 
Tue ToAsTMAsTER :—If what we have heard is a fair sample of the speech that General 
Weigel can make when he does not know he is going to be called upon, what would you ex- 
pect from him if he had notice and preparation. 
Now, gentlemen, our last speaker is very dear to everyone in this room, and I presume 
there are few people who do not know him—at least all the people who are connected with 
the Society know him, and all his friends call him “Homer.” Those of you who have not 
the pleasure of knowing him personally know him by reputation. 
He is president of one of our greatest shipbuilding companies; he has been honored by 
very high positions, among them as president of the Chamber of Commerce of the United 
States, and he has been selected for very important public functions. I do not need to tell 
you much more about him, because his record is so well known. He is one of the best 
speakers that we have had the pleasure of hearing at our banquets, at which he has spoken 
at intervals, and I know that you will be entertained. I have great pleasure in introducing 
Mr. Homer L. Ferguson, president of the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock 
Company. ; 
