The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-10-19

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very limited idea of the vast resources
and matches industries OF Birmingham
and this district.
They had bean told that this was little
more than Wilderness In less than an
hour after the special train left the
union station they were convinced to
the contrary.
Surprise and establishment was ex-
pressed by them at every turn. They
asked questions which we're politely an
swered and best of all. the districts ad-
yantages did not have to be told them
or gotten up ON paper for them to read.
It was spread out before them, a piano.
rama OF an uneuqaled wealth OF IRON,
coal and other ores, and they were taken
to view the plants working it up into
all conceivable shapes.
Yet the half has not been told. To-Day
they will be taken over other portions
of tine district. The first days trip was
a success in every particular. The jaunt
over hills to the ore beds and manufac-
tories was tiresome. but the reward of
seeing the greatest mineral region of the
world was sufficient to compensate for
this.
The board Gid not arrive in Birnling-
o.1n 40
due ON the 1920 train from Atlanta,
which was delayed ON account of a
wreck The reception committee headed
by Chairman F. z. Anderson, was at
the depot awaiting them at this hour.
Whan it was found that the train was
late, a tel gram was sent explaining mat
tiers and the committee on reception ID
mot wait
The board came on a special car, and
did not get off until morning when 1t
was met by the comnlittee. The start
from the union station was delayed half
an hour, but promptly at O'Clock the
train was off.
The train, in charge of Conductor
Rutherford consisted of two coaches,
baggage car and two engines so that no
backing would have to be done. On
each side of the train was a long
streanner bearing: "Armor Plate Com
mfttee Special" The baggage car was
decorated with cedars and contained the
refreshments.
The first stop was made at the great
plant of the Birmingham Rolling Mill
company. Both of the steel furnaces
were in operation. and a run was made
in the presence of the party
President Caldwell, and Messrs. Ward
and Dwyer showed the party through.
explaining the making of steel by the
basic process. Commodore Howell and
the other members of the committee ex-
pressed much surprise
"I had been told" said the commodore
chat the iron ore in the district was
not of a good quality for steel MAX
ing"
Mr. Caldwell explained the character
OF the ore and he seemed to be well
pleased with everything.
L
SOUTH" said he Except from such in
formation as 1 could obtain in the north
and I am glad came to see for my
SELF"
The run from the steel mill was quite
a feature and as the molten metal came
pouring out into the huge tank all look
ed ON with amazement.
The pudding department and the roll
ing mills were visited. In the latter
department the steel from the furnaces
ed. Boiler plate ard bar iron were being
turned out rapidly, and the entire works
presented prosperous aspect.
The train then headed for Dolomlte,
ths largest quarries Of the kind in the
world Here the visitors were taken
in charge and shown about by J. w.
Worthington- Some sharp climbing had
to be done here and 1t was strange, some
one remarked, that this older men took
the lead.
The next stop was on the side of Red
mountain at Green Springs, where the
largest display OF surface iron ora in
the world is to be seen. 1t Is estimated
that 100000 tons alone can be gotten on
top of the ground.
The ascent to the mine, proper, is rath-
er steep, but the party climbed the Hill
cheerfully. headed by Commodore How
ell, whose naval training served him in
good turn.