Birmingham state herald., 1896-03-01
ALABAMA.

has shown such remarkable develop ment and growth as the state of Ala bama since the close of the civil war. Standing between the gulf and the Ten nessee river, it connects the waters of the Mississippi valley with the waters of the great Mexican gulf, which is becom- ing of such vast importance to the com merce of the world. A net work of rail- roads has been thrown across her in every direction to unite the great mar kets of the east and west with New Or leans and the Mississippi empire. These roads have passed along the Ap- alachian ranges of mountains and hills, which are rich in mineral ores, and have offered cheap and expeditions transporta- tion for our mines and furnaces. The growth of this extensive mineral region has been one of the marvels of the age. It is here that iron is capable of the cheap est production anywhere in the world and iron is the base of all manufacturing industries. Convenient to the iron ore are vast beds of coal, easily mined, and so situated as to be transported with the great test economy either by railroads or by the wonderful system of rivers, which flow from the mineral regions to the gulf.
 Since 1870 the state of Alabama has gained in population more than 500,O00 souls. This new population. in addition to natural increase, represents, for the most part, the active, intelligent and en- terprising men of our southern sister states. There has been quite an influx from the east and west and small inn migration from abroad, but the vast body of this new population is of south ern birth and sympathy. They form, with the older population, a homogeneous community, and are of the highest and purest type of that Anglo-Saxon people who carved from the forest this mighty republic.
 The wealth of Alabama, as shown by the assessments, has grown from $130, ,000,- 900 to not less than $275, 100000 in the past twenty years. In the past ten years over $100. .000 900 have been added to our assessments It is well understood that assessments for taxes represent less than one half of the actual value of property, and that large amounts escape assess ments. The true values would more nearly approach $200, 900 900 twenty yeass ago, $350, ,000 000 ten years ago, and $500,- 900 900 today. This rate of progression is unparalleled, except in newly settled states. While in many of the older states there is a decrease in population and assessments, it is significant that the abundant resources and the mild eli mate of Alabama have invited and se- cured such wonderful results.
 We have vast forests of pine coVer- ing the lower countless a wide belt of the richest prairie land, adapted to cotton the center, Of the state; mountains of coal and iron and other minerals of inestimable value; riv- CTS which connect the mountains with the gulf; railroads traversing the farm ing and mineral lands in every direction We offer the best field for manufactures of every description, for products of iron, of cotton and of wood. We have inex- haustibe fisheries and oyster beds in our bays and along the gulf We grow ev- erything needed for the use of man and beast, cotton, wool, wheat, corn, segeta- bles and fruits in profusion. Our valleys an1, hills offer the best grazing for sheep and cattle. Our educational laws are well advanced and our public schools we'll sustained and conducted. Our sanitary and medical laws are up to the highest requirements of the age. Our coast is protected from the inroads of epidemic, and a well disciplined medical force stands guard over the health of the peo- pie wherever danger appears.
 The moral and religious character of our people are of the highest order They regard the obligation of contracts; they respect and observe-~the Sunday laws with itieiiry; they have abolished the use of intoxicating liquors in three fourths of the counties of the state, and public opinion no longer countenances or condones intoxication or the wearing of arms. The law visits prompt and se- we're punishment upon both offenses.
 The people of Alabama, in consequence of the contraction of credit, have worked out of debt and are today freer from pecunlary obligations than at any time in her history With this condition of affairs and a return of prosperity after the depression of the past three years, We have before us most gratifying pros- pect. Already the value of this state is being recognized by the energetic men of the west especially. Large numbers of western people are coming to her. They come singly and in colonies and are building homes all over the state. We welcome these people. They are Ameri- cans, with all the pride, the associations and energy of sons of this great republic.
 In the center of this beautiful state stands the city of Birmingham, the Magic City that has grown like young giant. It stands at the cross roads and Is in touch with all the great railroads that traverse the south. On one hand, at its door are numerous hills of iron and seams of coal, capable of supplying all the world with the cheapest iron and all the shipping of the Gulf of Mexico with the cheapest coal. On the other hand, she is In touch with the vast fields which yield to Alabama more than 100000 bales of cotton In the valleys around her are the most productive farm lands and on the hills are forests of various woods of unexcelled excellence.
 This glorious state of Alabama and this growing city of Birmingham, whose resources we have endeavored to describe today, invite the world to come and see us. We are sure that the visitor will say.