Birmingham state herald., 1897-04-03
MEETING COMMERCIAL CLUB Annual Election of Officers on
 Monday, May 2.
STEEL PLANT BUlLOESCENT
Commissioner Ross C. Smith Writes Timely Letter Calling Attention to Arabic
 Land Not in Cultivation.

The board of directors of che Commer- clal club met in the club rooms at S:9o o'clock yesterday. The following di- rectors were present:
 Presidential. V. Joseph.
 Prssidents-Frank Y. Anderson, B. Steiner James A. Roy. George F. Wheelock, W. J. Milner and A. C. Reck- ling
 Directors-Rufus N. Rhodes, J. Morgan Smith, s. E. Thompson, J. A. Tucker, w. B. Leedy, W. N. Malone, W. H. Kettig, J. K. Mcdonald, J. A. Roun;ree, B. F. Rodsn and A. D. Smith.
 It was moved that the secretary give notice of the annual election of officers the second Monday in May The follow ing committee on nominations was ap- pointed: B. Steiner, A. D. Smith, J. K. McDonald, J. Morgan Smi.h and W. H. Kettig.
 The following new members were elect ed: Tom Bain, c. H. Daugherty, T. U. Walter, James Bowron and David Trai- ner
 In the absence of Chairman Jemison, MT. R. N. Rhodes, of the cotton mill committee, was called on. He reported that the cotton mill was assured. and stated the facts heretofore published.
 Maj. w. J. Miner of the rolling mill steel plant committee reported tha; the steel plant was buildescent.
 The club was called to order and the secretary read the following letter from MT Ross c. Smith:
 Birmingham, Ala, March 30 1S97 MT M. V. Joseph, President Commercial
 Club, Birmingham, Ala:
 My Dear Sir:-I had hoped to be here on the Sd prox., in order to attend the regular monthly meeting of the club, but find I will be denied this privilege on account of a pressing engagement.
 Inasmuch as I cannot be present in per son on this occasion, wish 10 submit for the consideration of the club plan, which, If pushed with activity, will, in my judgment prove of benefit to Jeffer- son county, Birmingham, etc. In looking over this county one is impressed With the large area of good, arable land that Is not in active cultivation. These lands are located in different parts of the coun- ty and are rendered within easy access of Birmingham by means of our splendid system of county roads, which cover ITO miles or more, and which touch nearly every portion of the county.
 Now, if the Commercial club can as- sist in the development of these lands it will not only aid most materially in building up our county, and, as a result, Birmingham and other cities .and towns in this county, but it will open up an ad- ditional avenue of usefulness for the club To get this matter in tangible shape, I would suggest that the secre- tary of the club confer wi;h the board of county commissioners, which consists of four members, each member as 1 un derstand, representing a distinct district, and request these commissioners to as> certain what lands can be secured in their respective districts. As this in- forma tion is collected from time to time the secretary could place the same in the hands of those of our real estate agents who make a speciality of disposing of farm lands; also, furnish similar lists to the emigration agents of our different railroads, and to the state commissioner of agriculture. It may not be amiss for me to say in this connection thar I con- ferred with MT George L. Young, one of the county commissioners, in regard to the plan as outlined above, and he as- sures me that he will cooperate with the club in this matter and he is of the opinion that much9can be accomplished.
 I know of several counties in this state which are being settled up with good cit izens that offer nothing like the advan,- ages that this county does, either from a standpoint of good lands or ready and profitable markets for all kinds of prod uctS. The mineral resources of this county are thoroughly known and appre- ciated throughout the United States but it Is well-known fact thait few people realize that large portion of the lands overlying these rich mineral deposits are IeTtlie, ana WnSn cuit1VateQ Will yield most abundantly It is difficult 10 estimate the large amount of money an- nually sent from this district for the purchase of these commodities which could be raised right at our door. Con- Sider the great advantage that it would be to our people if the money thus sent away could be spent with producers liv- ing within our midst, who would bring their products to our different trading csnters and exchange them for such mer- nh = rhx-f Tieed not necessarily depend upon secur- ing citizens from other states, for ven ture to say there are many people in the state of Alabama who would be influenced to move to Jefferson coun-y on account of our superior markets which enables '. one to make a disposition of character of products that can be raised at less haZ- ard than cotton, etc Every one must admit that future development is going to be conducted upon a gradual, conserv- ative and legitimate scale. and in order to enjoy that era of success. which our resources entitle us to, we must develop all interests, manufacturing. mining, mercantile and agriculture, and with this combination fully developed no one can estimate the happy results that await us in the near future.
 It was only few days since that an official of one of the railroads running through Alabama told me that he expected to bring b,000 good citizens to Alabana in the next five years who will engage in agriculture, and locate them on the line of his road. I see no reason why Jef- ferson county should not place herself in a position to make intelligent bids for share of immigration. I submit as a req sonabla proposition that prospectiye results should at leas. justify trial on the part of the club. which orga nization has contributed so much in advancing the interests of this section
 With assurances of regards, I beg to remain yours very truly,
 ROSS c. SMITH
 Maj. Anderson said the letter contained valuable suggestions, and moved that 1t be published.