Birmingham state herald., 1895-10-27
INDUSTRIAL HIN IS,


 The locating and sustaining of indus trial enterprises in Birmingham is the one subject above all others, from ma terial point of view, that should enlist the best thoughts and most active ener- gies of every citizen of the city at this time.
 In this matter is involved the progress and prosperity of Birmingham, and this necessarily carries with it in a greater or less degree the progress and prosper ity of all who reside within it's limits.
 If Birmingham has any future beyond its present circumscribed and limited boundaries, that future lies in the se- curing of more manufacturing plants. and of a greater diversity of character than what now exists here. To obtain these it would prove the very best in yestment that could be made for prop erty owners to set aside one-fourth, or even one-half, of their holdings here for manufacturing purposes.
 Further than this, it would pay every business and professional man in the city to donate for the next twelve months a liberal portion of their income for the same purpose. It would hardly fail to return in increased business more than a hundred fold.
 f AtM H'@tt't t
 It does not matter so much what the industry may be, provided it be selected with ordinary business judgment. The raw material for iron, steel wood and textile industries are here on at least an equal footing with any other city, and with respect to some of these superior advantages are possessed over all others in the world. Other factors that enter into successful manufacturing can be had for the effort to obtain them,
 The stagnation and distress that at- tended the depression in our one staple ipdustry-pig iron-two years ago should teach US never to permit its recurrence, This can be done only through multiplied and diverse industries. It Is in the very nature of things that such a depression will again sooner or later occur, so that now is the time to guard against such an untoward event.
 Human nature is prone to inactivity under prospering conditions, but these conditions cannot become permanent nor any material advance be made until Bir- mingham realizes that her sole depend- ence is on increased industrial lines.
 
 There is need for every public spirited citizen and the united press of the city to dwell on this truth until wider and stronger sentiment exists In favor of se- curing industries for Birmingham as the sine qua non of her future prosperity.
 Ten years ago Birmingham had the at- tention of the entire world, and her out look for future greatness surpassed that of any other city in the south. Prophesles were freely made by men of the keenest foresight that Birmingham in the next decade of years will have over 100000 population, and the valley in which it is situated would be a hive of teeming in dustry." Why has this prophecy not been fulfilled?
 Ten years ago leading citizens of At lanta stated that Birmingham would outstrip their city in industrial growth, but Atlanta concentrated her energies on loca ting industries there, while Bir- mingham was specula ting in corner lots and letting industries go elsewhere. The result Is that Atlanta has twenty indus tries to our one, and population of 115,- 900 people. -<e
 Here is a "tale of two cities" that Bir- mingham should study with profit Bir- mingham has all she had in natural ad- vantageS ten years ago. She has more than this; the claims of ten years ago are now accomplished facts for Birmingham has proven her ability to make iron cheaper than anywhere in the known world, and all other advantages are sub servient to this one.
 Industries are now knocking at our doors for admission that may go else where for want of ability to meet their wishes reasonable as they appear to be. The benefits of the exposition are ma |. terializing in increased inquiries for man. ufacturing sites, and a much larger de- mand for information about Birming- ham.
 
 There is a strange apathy here as to these opportunities and possibly the press of the city is at fault for permit ting such state of affairs to exist. It has long been the claim that the press Of Atlanta has more than all other agen- eies combined contributed to the wonder ful success of that city They have al- ways stimulated faith and pride in At lanta They have given freely of their space to set forth the claims of possible investors and industries. so that in re- turn they could absolutely command the people of Atlanta when they wanted them for any industrial purpose.
 Cities, like individuals, are strongest when they have faith and confidence in themselves. Birmingham needs confi- dence in her own abilities and advantages