Birmingham state herald., 1897-04-29

calling at ention to the favorab ble condl-
 tons, eJc., existing .n states through
 which they operate a.i1 in this way have
 induced a large influx of good people to
 settle in our midst.
 The newspapers can, if they set about
 it in a real enthusiastic, earnest manner,
 do much towards the moulding of pop
 ular sentiment towards the formation or
 a live wide-awake Crgansation or society
 for the promotion of immigration. It
 remains the duty of every publication in
 the south to enter into this with untiring
 zeal M any of them, however, l find
 will give the matter their undivided at-
 tention for time and then faI back into
 the old unprogCessive rut heretofore oc-
 cupiel. This business requires hardf
 knocks, and keeping everlastngly at if
 brings success.
 The merchant is equally interested, for
 the tide of immigration means to him
 tha sale of agricultural implements,
 household goods, building supplies, gro-
 ceries, dry goods, boots, shoes and a gen.
 eral increase in business. This certainly
 seems to me should be an incentive for
 everyone to promote an organization and
 see to it that each and every locality
 should get their quota of immigration
 One word for the ladies, who can do
 much toward gaining this end, for it is
 they that are instrumental in making our
 homes beautiful and bright. Every flow
 CT they plant only goes so far towards beautifying our homes. They present the object lesson and show to our northern visitor what can be accomplished. They
 rock the cradle of the world and mould
 our young men to life of activity and
 usefulness.
 It is my opinion that the state seeking immigration, should invite within its do- main, good class of immigration, by a well conducted official bureau. Such an
 one, well established, gives to the litera-
 lures published by it for general distri-
 button, a standing and reputation that
 no association, organization or railway
 can give, because it carries wlth it the
 guarantee of the commonwealth, that the information is correct and strictly relia- ble, and not by those who are working for revenue only. I take it, that the railways are not in duty bound in the absence of well directed efforts on the part of state, to promote immigration alone, as though there was vigorous work going on by the state officially. This does not relieve the railways of their duty of cooperation with clubs, asso- citations, etc., in promoting immigration, but only so far as the state government is concerned
 In conclusion. I beg leave to dgress from the subject matter of this paper, to suggest that at the opening of the Cen tennial exposition at Nashville, Tenn, that the state have on hand, an ample supply of literature, explanatory of the various resources of Alabama, and invit- ing the farmer, manufacturer, fruit grower etc., to visit the state and care fully investigate, with a view of be kn-
 ing interested in it's developments. The absence of such matter for weeks after
 the opening of the Atlanta exposition, and the general noticing of the same by visitors who wished to learn concern- ing the states resources, prompts me to make this suggestion, and incidentally have to say, that am personally aware that it's absence was not due to ex-Com- II n oc haf e. ciated the necessity for it's early placing | for distribution. trust the state will do it's part and l not rely on the employees of the railways | to do all the work alone.
 In charge of Immigration, L. and N. R. R., Birmingham, Ala.
 l MINERAL RESOURCES OF ALA BAMA.
 Dr. Eugene A Smith, state geologist, had prepared a very able paper on the mineral resources of Alabama, but was uravoidably detained in Tuscaloosa. In his absence Secretary Boles read his pa Der. pr. Smiths article, while concise, is perhaps the most practical and force i ful presentation of the mineral wealth | of Alabama that has ever been made synopsis of this able paper would be an | injustice to it's talented author so none will be attempted here, but the paper Will be published in full in the State Herald in few days.
 COLONIZATION. Mr. Ed A. Neil, of Selma, contributed paper on the above named subject, which was read by the secretary. He pointed out the prime necessity of peopleing the country and cited the west and northwest as showing the great benefit resulting therefrom. He urged united and persist ent effort in placing the advantages of the state before the people of other sec tions. He spoke of the turn in the tide of immigration which has heretofore flowed westward and predicted that in future the south would secure the great CT share of it. In order to do this how ever, the south must not sleep. She must get in the field and present her claims The railroads, he said, would have to do a good share of the work, but not all of it, the public spirited and progressive citizens must do their share. HANDBOOK OF ALABAMA. J. A. Rountree introduced a resolution indors.ng Commissioner Culver's efforts in proposing a handbook of Alabama, and urgently requested the commercial bodies and the city and county officials of the slate to cooperate with him in giving th: desired data and information in re- gard to their respective section. The resolutF,n was unanimously adopted. ADDRESS ON IMMIGRATION. w. $. Wells, of Huntsville. delivered 8 very able arld practical address on I'm mlgrat1On, ana HOW po oSCuTe H. I1ls remarks were frequently applauded and his speech we'll received.
 On motion of J. D. Fitzpatrick a conn mittee of one from each commercial body was appointed to nominate officers for | the ensuing year and reporL at the next session.
 The convention adjourned until 8 o'c1cck.
 NIGHT SESSION. The association was called to order at o'clock Wilson R. Brown introduced
 a resolution that a committee of five be
 appointed to urge the press of Alabama
 to publish to the world our great advant-
 ages ard to cultivate the idea of the next
 legislature esta blishing a bureau of inn
 migra ton or enfarging the powers of the
 commissioner of agriculture with suffi-
 cient appropriation to thoroughly ad-
 vertise our wonderful resources that this
 committee shall appear before the gen
 enal assembly eff 1898 and 1899 and insist
 upon the legislation above referred to.
 This resolution was adopted.
 Birmingham was una nimously selected
 as the place of holding the next annual
 meeting.
 MT. N. l.. Miller, chairman of the com