Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-12
Albert Potts, D: F. BiIlingsley, J. G. Shea, W.

follows: j. A. Bloffer, New Orleans; John
| Mccain. Denver, Col; ID. V. burlington and
Thos. Moulding, Chicago: Hector MacLean,
| Nova Scotia; {. p Merwin, Berlin. Conn. Frank
and 1. l. Stiles. New Haven, Conn; Capt s. 7.
Crafts. North Haven. Conn; w. A. Endaly and
b. W. Blair, CINCINNATI Mr.. Edmonds, Mem
phis, Tenn.
THE SESSION COMMENCES.
The exchange bailling, where the sessions
of the association will be held. was, of course,
visited by a number Of delegates MS soon as
| they reached the city. The exhibits of brick.
models of machinery, kilns, &c, was, ofcourse,
| interesting andilstructive.
| At 1880 the association was called to order
and the president. J. Q. Adams, delivered the
1 annual address
| THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS.
| Mr.. Adams said: Gentlemen of the National
Association-The National Association of Brick
Manufacturers conyenes for the sixth time in
annual convention. The attendance and inter-
! est shown IN the opening session bespeak for the
\ association a season of much interest and ex-
/ tended usefulness to its members.
In looking at the past or considering the
/ future work of the National Association GER
/ tainly member would intimate that the ben
eft accruing from the inquiry discussion and
work of these interesting sessions was of no
interest to him or of small value to the chosen
business Of his life.
In the past questions involving the expan-
n4N4ls = wv III anu prosperity oil In
dustry whose extent is only bounded by
our countrys limits, and whose Importance en-
titles 1t to place among the important in
dustrIes of the country. the manufacture of
brick and clay products. in the employment of
hundreds OF thousands of mea and investment
Oh millions of money, and the general use of
brick, covering every portion of our common
country. certainly place il in the very front
OF the important business interests of the land
=, The social commingling anu general work of
these conventions by a comparison of ideas
interchange OF expressions and the general
diffusion of information On the matters per-
tanning to and affecting business. we
enabled, in the treatment and management of
our affairs, to correct mistakes and steer clear
OF errors, for, gentlemen, show me a brick
manufacturer among the membership of this
association or in this broad land who
never fell In error, made q mistake, or
met with even partial failure in the methods and
management OF his business, and will deco
rate that gentleman with the emblem Of the
highest order known among us-"The maker
OF perfect brick'-a condition which none
have ever attained, however, high mark to
strive for. yet should never cease in
our efforts to reach it. FOR IN fact the
most important object in view and the
intelligent purpose of this association, which
should always be kept prominently IN the fore
ground In the work and discussion of these
conventions. should be toward enabling us to
make better brick. BY so doing we better
dS udllulbClurtTs. alll
confer larger benefits on our patrons.
THE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.
resume of the business for the past year
would, necessarily. be a voluminous paper and
a tresrass On your time and patience Suffice
for to say that in some portions of our
country the volume Of business has been
large and prices satisfactory, while in
other sections the demand for brick has been
phenomenally large. yet prices ruled low. The
cause cannot be attributed 20 dull times or
commercial depression, for it is apparent to all
that the year is91 has been among the most
prosperous known to this generation.
Why Is 1t that prices have reached such n
low mark and brick are being sold on closer
margin and at smaller profit than ever before?
namely, over production and close competition,
coupled in some localities with
disposition on the part of manu-
facturers to see how the cost
price brick can be placed on the market. This
association cannot address itself to subject
of greater interest to its members and of more
vital Importance to the great industry it repre-
sents than 10 ascertain the cause and endeavor
TO apply a remedy to that continued tendency
toward low and ruinous prices.
A PERMANENT ISsrIrtTIoN.
We are fully justified in expressing the we'll
grounded belief that the national association,
in Its six years of existence, has become n per-
manent institution and its future is fully as
sured. provided its members are not actuated by
narrow aims or selfish policy. Permit me to
press the hopethatin all matters pertaining tothe
interests, welfare and success OF the national
association and its members, whether strictly
manufacturers of brick or the inventors and
makers of the devices and useful machinery
upon which so many of us depend for the sue
cessful operation OF our business. We shall &C.
cupy a broad, liberal and comprehensive
policy.
The social phase and friendly greetings of
these gatherings certainly justify the pleasure
we anticipate in meeting old friends and
forming new acquaintance. Manufacturers,
who scarcely know those engaged in their
line outside Of their own cities. now have
individual friendship in many sections of our
country, and wherever they may go no
longer total strangers. And while these pleas
urable conditions surround US. pardon me If /
remark you that serious and weighty matters
claim your attention and demand thought
full consideration. questions involving the
growth. expansion and advancement of the
business, to which we have yielded the best
efforts of our lives, and which, though of an
cient origin Is yet in Its early stage Of advance
ment.
BRICK FOR STREET PAVING.
Since the first convention held in Cincin-
natl an addition to the brick interest has
forced itself upon us and assumed definite
line and formidable proportions. l refer
TO the manufacture of brick for street paw
ing. IL has come to stay. and the de-
mand is simply enormous, and of phenomenal
growth the consideration of which certainly
commcnds itself to your best thoughts and de-
hberate judgment.
In this age of marked improvement RI pidiy
changing conditions with the continual demand
CT the consumer for better article, there
Is 10 halfway station good enough
stopping place for the manufacturer of brick.
II we would keep abreast with the
times and in line with our markets for gen.
eral improvement In methods and products
We must be painstaking, watchful, willing to
learn and fully alive to the persistent calls
made upon US in our respective localities.
Certainly gentlemen, this association is the
trestle board that presents the outlines and
formu.ates the plans upon which to build for
certain bettetment and assured success.
In closing these remarks permit me to ex-
tend to the National Association my hearty
thanks for the distinguished honor conferred
upon me in selecting me to serve president.
Aad desire 10 convey to each individual
member the largest measure of thanks for
their iorbearance ard the uniform courtesy
and kindly feelings they have manifested to-
ward him who has SO feebly tried to serve
/ them in the year just closing.
| Upon the conclusion OF the address the re-
| ports of officers made, the election and in
/ stsllatiou Of officers The program for the re-
mainder OF the session was as follows: Essay,
! ''Brick and Tile Burning" II. VI. Greer, Tux
pam, Mex. "A Years Lessons" general dis
! cussion led by Anthony Ittner. 81. Louis, Mo-
Al the close of each address or essay the sub
1 =. 1 L.