Birmingham age-herald., 1895-04-19
TELL THEM WERE COMING, Is AIabama's Message to Atlanta
 This Morning.
THE BOARD IS ORGANIZED
And the Work of Arranging the Exhibit Sys-
 tematically Apportioned'
THE sTATETo HAVE A SUITABLE BUILDING
Secretary Thompson Instructed to Pro- ceed to the Gate City at Once and Arrange for Site-The Board Enter
 tained by Major F. Y. Anderson.

!
 The state board selected at the annual meeting of the Alabama Commercial as- sociation to have charge of the proposed Alabama exhibit organized last night at the residence of Maj. F. Y. Anderson, on Twenty-first street.
 The business of the evening had delightful prelude in the shape of dim ner of ten courses, at which the major gracefully presided, having Capt Joseph F. Johnston as his vis-a-vis. On the hosts right was MT. Erwin Craghead, editor of the Mobile Register; Mr. James B. Cobbs, president of the Berney Ma tional bank; Gen. E. W. Fucker, Mir R. S. Munger, MT. F. P. O'Brien, editor of the Age Herald; MT. N F. Thompson, secretary of the Commercial club, and Hon. Hector D. Lane commissioner of agriculture; and on his left MT. T. w. Pratt of Huntsville, Gen. R. N. Rhodes, editor of the News; Mayor James A. VanHoose, Maj. W. D. Leedy, MT. M. V. Joseph, MT. B. F. Moore, president of the Commercial club, and MT. T. c. DeLeon of Mobile.
 After two hours spent at the table, during which there was actually feast of reason and a flow of soul, Captain Johnston, General Rhodes and MT. De- Leon conSpiring to entertain as we'll as instruct, the members of the board re- tired to the library and organized.
 In general way all who spoke were very warm in their belief that Alabama will have fine representation at At lanta. MT. Pratt spoke of the north Ala bama textile industries and of the fact that Alabama mills are making finer grades now than ever and some are ac- tually selling to New England mills, the latter having their mills idle because they are undersold.
 He said that very valuable exhibit of such products could be made. At present the world does not know what we are doing in the cotton mill business in Alabama. Atlanta is the place to show the world this thing.
 MT. Lane said that he could promise the hearty cooperation of his depart ment, as well as that of the governor e Alabama, who has instructed him to do anything in reason to assist the display. The commissioner explained that under the laws he is allowed to expend certain sums of money in the making of dls- plays of AlabamaS s products and re- sources at fairs and eXpoSitionS, and he proposes to devote to this purpose now such sums as may be found necessary for an exhibit such as his department may be able to make. This exhibit he will make in cooperation with the state exhibit.
 
 bile, which is always solid, has of recent years made remarkable advances in several directions, and being now deep water seaport, and having rapidly growing cotton and timber and mer- chandise export business and fruit inn port trade, she found it necessary to present these facts to the public which will assemble in Atlanta. Therefore Mo- bile can be counted on to do the right thing in aiding the formation of this ex- hibit.
 Major Anderson spoke for Birming- ham and the mineral district. He felt proud of Birmingham, which city has shown already what she can do in build ing up subscription. She will have her fund raised without delay, as great part of it is raised alr ,adv Her display of minerals will be something worthy of the great Magic City.
 Permanent Organization.
 Maj. r. Y. Anderson was elected per manent president of the board, and Mir N. F. Thompson secretary.
 The work of gathering the state ex- hibit was apportioned as follows
 Lumber and timber and special pro- ducts, A. C. Danner, Mobile.
 Agriculture, M. B .Houghton, Mont gomery.
 Coal, iron and stone,F. Y. Anderson, Birmingham.
 State at large, H. D. Lane, Athens.
 The state, it was decided, will have a building, which, after being used in At lanta can be removed to NaShV1lle, Bal timore and the City of Mexico. It will be built of Alabama material through out.
 Secretary Thompson was instructed to proceed at once to Atlanta and secure a proper site for the Alabama building, and to arrange for a reception of the exhibit as soon as sent
 It was decided that President Anderson act as general manager for the time be- ing.
 Governor Oates Letter.
 The following letter from Gov William C. Oates was read:
 State of Alabama, Executive Depart ment, Office of the Governor, Montgom- cry, April 15, 1S95.-Maj F. Y. Anderson, Birmingham, Ala.-My Dear Sir: l re- celved your generous invitation through Mr. Thompson to be present and dine with you on next Thursday-evening I explained to him howsit is that 1 cannot accept the ation-circumstances over which I have no control. I would be glad to be with you and converse with your northern visitors, as well as mem bers of your association. We welcome the immigration of good people from the northern states, as we have abundance. of room for them. They will be received with all the kindness and courtesy of our citizens, and have full protection of the law in the enjoyment of their rights Offer them whatever reasonable induce