Birmingham state herald., 1897-04-29
On Topics Of Timely If1- terest-Hand Book
 Of Alabama.
Establishment of a Bu- reau of Ilf1nigra-
 ton Favored.

Huntsville, April 28--(Special.)-Th Alabama Commercial and Industrial as socation met in annual session in this city today The association was called to order by the president at 10 o'clock in the parlor of the Huntsville hotel
 The following delegates were enrolled: M w. Camper, w. M. Bunting, J. T. Ashcroft, T. M. Rodgers, Florence; T. Hensley Grubbs and R. P. Baker De- catur; L. L. Gilbert, Montgomery;
 DELEGATES PRESENT.
 Birmingham-W. B. Leedy. w. J. Boles, B. Steiner, J. D. Kirkpatrick, J. A. Rountree, N. L. Miller pr. J. w. Bar4 clay. V. Lee Cowart, N. W. Trimble.
 New Decatur-C. J. Hildreth, H. B. Scott, J. D. PenneZ.
 Tuscaloosa-A M. McGehee.
 Selma-H. l.. Mckee and H. V. Weeden.
 Shefield-Wilson R. Brown.
 Huntsville-R. E. Pettus, J. R. Boyd, w. S. Wells, w. R. Rison, W. I. We'll man, T. w. Pratt M K. White, c. P. Lane, R. E. Sprof z ms. O. Goldsmith.
 R. E. Pettus, president of the Hunts vile chamber of commerce, delivered an eloquent address welcoming the asSocia- tion to the pride city of the mountains, paying high tribute to the business in terest of the entire state and compliment ing the Association for the valuable ser vices it has rendered industries, en- couraging immigration and the invest ment of capital to develop our varied re- sources. The speech was we'll received by the association and highly compi- msnted.
 President Mckee responded to the ad- dress of welcome in fitting words and returning many thanks to the citizens of Huntsville on behalf of the association for the courtesiss extended, concluding with his annual address as follows: ss
 PRESIDENT M KEE'S ADDRESS. President H. L. Mckee delivered his annual address, which was well received and excellently delivered. He said;
 Gentlemen of the Conventional extend to you a cordial greeting upon this occa- sion of your fourth annual gathering. Whatever may have been the idea in the mind Of those who planned this work, it seems now to be one of purpose to use this great body of busy, brainy men to build up the material interests of Ala bama.
 If it yet lacks in cohesiveness the com- ing together of men of varied interests may produce this, and give permanency to its organization. If organic power is not yet fully established, then it may be the supreme idea now to accomplish this end.
 If inertia has possessed any part of the business community, with whom we need to have an alliance, then may we not apply some dynamic fierce to upset such condition, and bring all parts into har- mony with the movement. All things come to him who watts and works, is a saying not more trite than true possibly, but with many the first statement of waiting comprises their stock in trade, and the proposition fails.
 Many assert that we are on the thres- hold of great events, if so shall we en- ter in or leave it for our more ambi- tious neighbor to occupy? Great mutual advantages are of no value without great natural effort. Does it lie within the perview of this association to stin- ulate such efforts?
 have no new measures to propose for I am sure that if we can accomplish what is already mapped out, revolution in commerce and industry will be wit messed, greatly to the advantage of the state
 This programme submitted to you, of fered for your approval in the absence of a committee upon this matter, covers much of what is already under consid- eretion, and if carried out will give us at we can we'll accomplish at this tg.
 invoke your earnest thought to the c.restions of the hour, and am ready to ~'n you in the work of getting out of
 T condition, the greatest good to the -.- ;s which we hold to be the best home for all. who are seeking one.
 This beautiful city, and fertile valley is an object lesson, as 1t sits nestled on this mountain side, or stretches its lengthl along tfie Tennessee's winding course. < Its steady progress and increasing in dustries, all show what even individual effort, well directed can do. Could we but multiply this by the number of towns in the state. that have a thousand peo- pie, what might not a score of years show to us. and the world.
 At the conclusion of the presidents speech the constitutional committee re- ported as follows: REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL CON-
 MENTION COMMITTEE.
 Hon H. l.. Mckee, chairman commit tee, read the following report. which was unanimously adopted: