Birmingham age-herald., 1895-05-06
A GOOD REPORT
Made by the Investigating Committee as to Alabama, Her Soil, the People, Etc.
 To Go Out Again Today.

Much interest was exhibited by the citizens, and especially those who are members of the Grand Army of the Re- public, as to the results of last weeks investigation by the Grand Army of the Republic committee, consisting of Messrs. William Snyder and F. G. Shep- pard of this city and one from Mobile, accompanied by MT. J. F. Slater of Bir- mingham.
 In conversation with a representative of the Age-Herald, 1t was stated that last weeks trip had proven very fa- tiguing by reason of the large mileage made back in the country districts in wagons and Investigating the soil, fruit trees, etc. In Butler county 1t was stated that the soil generally was of excel- lent producing quality if properly ham, died, as was evidenced by the fine farm and buildings of one MT Thygard, who has become rich from cotton, corn and fruit growing. as also many other farmers visited and whose average has not run below 800 pound bale of cot ton per acre for the last ten or twenty years, and who all raise both corn and pork to sell, as well as cotton.
 The committee visited points upon the Mobile and Ohio railroad. in Washing ton county, and investigated the opera tions of many northern settlers, find- ing large maj jority of them very sue cessful and not wanting to return north 
 netted as high as $200 per acre upon eab- bage, berries etc. in a single season, but of course no such average is made. but good, large profits are the rule, and at one point the fifty and odd fam files are balanced by about the same number of native southern families. and everywhere the committee found them agreeing and harmonious.
 In both Butler and Washington coun- ties the committee were most hoSpitably entertained, the people showing them the greatest cordiality and aiding them in their Investigations. so that only facts should be presented in the forthcoming report. It was stated that Mobile seemed lukewarm, or at least the Commercial club and board of trade. Want of inter- est indicated that, but some stated that there was some slight excuse therefor by reason of the failure of the Mobile news papers to publish the request of the Ala barna Commercial association for the ap- pointment of said committee, as also the order appointing it, but the committee state that through the kindness of MT. Henry Fonde and MT. D. E. Posey they will be enabled to give much valuable in- formation.
 MT. Snyder states that the farmers vis- tied seemed inclined to eschew politics, claiming that generally it had been in dulgeQ in too much, and much valuable time had been wasted by farmers on po- liticai mass meetings. It Is stated that the people universally express a desire for good northern farmers to. come and settle amongst them and help bring into cultivation the many thousands of acres of good fertile, but uncultiyated lands, that can be had at very low prices.
 A large number of our citizens called
 A large number of our citizens called at the headquarters, at 1906 Second avenue, of their inquiries and investigation. de- monstrating that the citizens are much interested in the matter of immigration. The committee expect to start again to- day to continue their investigations.
 This committee will report to the Ala bama Commercial association only, the committee having been appointed by their special request and headquarters established at 1906 Second avenue by Col. Manoah Bostick, department commander of the Grand Army of the Republic of Alabama.