The age-herald., 1898-07-31
LOCATING SMALL
 INDUSTRIES Commercial Club Bending Its Best Efforts in This 2.
 Direction.

D. B. Grace, acting secretary of the Com- mercial Club, in discussing its work yester- day. said:
 "The Commercial Club is bending it's ef- forts toward locating small industries in Birmingham. The prosperity of a city depends upon the variety and multiplicity of it's industries. A small industry has a much better chance of success in Birming- ham than in northern manufacturing cen ters, where capital is concentrated and large industries are the rule. In this dis trict the aggregated capital is invested in the production of raw material. Hence a small industry is not brought into sharp competition with aggregated capital. More letters of inquiry are received from the west than from the east. This indicates that we must look to the west for immigrants. The tide of emigration has heretofore travelled from east to west along parallel lines; now it is turning southward. The emigrants who went to the west are finding that the west has serious draw backs. The tide of emigra tion in the old world is also turning to Africa, Australia, South America, and to other southern coun- tries.
 "The club bends it's energies toward in ducing producers to move into the district An industry sells its products at distance and brings money into the community. The more industries the better. One does not conflict with the other. The more iron industries there are here, the more of an iron center this becomes, and it receives more attention and gets more orders.
 "One of the important functions of the club is the publication of industrial news in the press and in pamphlets When these industrial items are published in bulk and years time is covered it is at once seen what progress the district is making. By the compilation and concentration of such items a favorable impression is created. It is the effect of firing solid shot as com pared to scattering shot.
 ''The club has a committee on legisla- ton, which procured the enactment of law exempting cotton manufactures from taxation for a period of ten years. This was a good piece of work, and had great influence in locating the big cotton mill at Avondale.
 ''The club has entertained several par ties of prominent men who have visited the city, and its rooms are always open to strangers. At recent meeting, conven- ton committee was appointed, which will endeayor to induce conventions, political, religious, and industrial to meet in Bir- mingham. The Auditorium, recently built the many railroads, the numerous hotels, and the citys central location, are all in- ducements to conventions to meet here.
 "The most enterpris.ng and public spirited citizens of Birmingham and vicinity com pose the membership of the Commercial Club, and they are on the constant lookout for measures to advance the city and coun ty All who o-take active interest in the work of the club, and see its inside work ings, are it's firm supporters and most zeal ous advocates.
 Among the recent movements inaugur- ated by the club Is the boulevard on Red mountain and the display of products at the Omaha exposition. The club has also sent out commercial agent.
 .'The acting secretary has frequent calls for information and literature from citi- zens who have received letters of inquiry from their friends at distance. The club keeps on hand supply of literature con- corning this district and is always glad to respond to such calls
 "The legislative committee of the club favors a state depository in Birmingha ham,