The age-herald., 1899-08-18
EVERY REASON FOR
 CONGRATULATION Substantial Encouragement Shown the
 State Fair Managers. BEGAN SHAKING OFF GROUND Engineer Accompanied by Members Of
 Select Committee.
MANY LETTERS OF ENDORSEMENT
Col A. K. Mcclure, of the Philadelphia Times, Will be Present-Flattering Communication from M. V.
 Richards of Southern

The substantial encouragement which has been given the state fair movement war rants the officers of the association in be- lieving that their most sanguine hopes for the success of this years exhibition will be more than realized
 Enthusiastic letters of endorsement con- ttnue to pour in to Secretary Rountree from all sections of the state, as well as from outside sources.
 The work of stalking off the grounds at Smiths park was begun yesterday under the direction of Engineer Shoel, who was accompanied by P. c. Bowman, T. O. Hew- lett and J. B. Morson of the special com mittee on site.
 The location of the several buildings were decided upon and also the track and sta- bes, which will be adequate and complete in every detail.
 As soon as the survey is complete a Typographical map of the grounds will be made and the contract for the construction Of the track Will be let at once A promI- nent architect is now engaged on the plans for the main building, machinery hall, grand stand and other buildings, and as soon as completed bids will be asked for and the contracts let.
 Headquarters Open Today
 Headquarters will be opened this mprn- ing at Olh Nineteenth street, where an elegant room has been secured. which is handsomely fitted up with every convent ence for the officers and the public.
 Prof. J. M. Dewberry. president of the al cepted the superintendency of educational department and will at once communicate with the teachers of the state in regard to school exhibitions.
 Prof. J. J. Colmant who was selected as superintendent of the horticultural depart ment is enthusiastic over the fair and will do everything possible to make his depart- ment success
 No less enthusiastic is Superintendent H. J. McCafferty of the poultry depart ment. MT McCafferty is president of the Alabama Poultry and Pet Stock associa- tion and believes that fully 800 fine chick ems will be on exhibition.
 Mrs. Solon Jacobs has accepted the su- perintendency of the art department and will begin at once the work of organizing her department
 Firms Want Space
 Secretary Rountree is in receipt of a number of applications for space from diff ferent firms who are desirous of exhibiting their wares as well as exhibitors of poultry and live stock
 The following strong letter from M. V. Richards land and industrial agent of the Southern Railway company endorsing the movement has been received:
 Washington. August 15. 1899. "Mr. J. A. Rountree, Secretary Alabama State Fair, Birmingham, Ala.
 "Dear Sir: You are to be congra tulated on your success in the organization of the Alabama State Fair association. The holding of the state fair is most laud- able and praiseworthy movement and should receive the enthusiastic support of every citizen of Alabama. It is a step in the right direction, and 1t is to be hoped the fair will be made permanent. A prominently conducted state fair would subserve several important purposes which could not be reached in any other manner. It would give the state wide advertise ment Bringing together the states pro- auctions and resources shows in concrete and tangible form it wealth and would 
 could demonstrate. By bringing together the best people of the state. they form a better acquaintance with each other and return to their respective homes better prepa red to follow their various avOca- tions. The fair will stimulate a healthy and vigorous competition among the vari- ous sections, and all will be benefited and none injured. It will have a tendency to disseminate new and important methods of farming, which could not fail to benefit every land owner and farmer and generally enrich the state.
 "You will remember when first met you we discussed the advantages of such an organization and I am glad to have the opportunity to congratulate you upon the enterprise manifested and the success you have reached. Yours truly.
 "M V. RICHARDS,
 "I4and and Industrial Agent"
 Letter from Col Mcclure
 Secretary Rountree is also in receipt of the following letter from Colonl A. K. Me Clure. the veteran editor of the Philadel- mia Times. in response to letter inviting him to attend the fair
 "Phadelpha, August 1A My Dear Friend-I have your very kind letter of the 12th inviting me on behalf of the Alabama State Fair association 10 visit Birmingham during the progress of your fair from November to 17, and with 1t the added invitation of the mayor ol your city.
 T profoundly appreciate the generously kind expressions which have always come to ms from your city and state. and unless some unexpected obstacle shall be pre- senfed I shall enjoy the pleasure of vist to you some time during the fair Yours truly, A. K. MCLURE."
 Sentiment of tho Farmers
 The following letter from Hon. J. M. Thornton of Talladega was received yester- day and gives renewed couragement to the officers, who feel tht MT. Thornton voices the sentiment of 'the progressive farmers of the state:
 ''Talladega, Ala, August 16. 1899. ''Mr. J. A. Rountree, Secretary Alabama State Fair. Birmingham. Ala
 "De3r Sir: Enclosed you will find a list oe names of progressive farmers. some of whom are breeders of fine stock.