The age-herald., 1899-07-23

Fort Payne, Ala, July 22.-tSpecial corre- spondence )-In this, the now most favored state of the south, whose magnificent na- tural resources and unexcelled industrial and commercial advantages are command ing the attention of the entire world. Fort Payne stands second to no place, and with the far-seeing business men who have ta- ken occasion to investigate the situation here recently, the opinion obtains that at no very distant day this town will rank among the most important in the country There are many reasons upon which to base such belief. Like Birmingham and numerous smaller places, Fort Payne has passed through a boom season. and has suffered the consequences; she has felt the effects of the interruptions professional boomer, who ran her property values up to abnormal figures, who caused the injudi- cious investment of money in new enter prises for which the time was not oppor- tune, but, as with the Magic City, the dawn of brighter day for Fort Payne can be seen in the distance. And to none is its approach more visible than those sturdy and substantial citizens who have wealth. cred the storm of reaction which followed
 
 business sagacity told them that here was the foundation for a city, and around here was a country, when developed, would be one of the grandest on the earth. Now that these same citizens whose unshaken faith in the future of Fort Payne steered the ship through the breakers of depres- sion Incident to the financial panic of 8, and the results of the boomers transac- tions are bestrring themselves to their in- terests, it requires no prophet to foreten what may be expected. These are showing their faith by their works, and are manifesting their confidence by investing their money in new enterprises. Indeed, the people of Fort Payne would not ask a foreigner to place an investment they them selves would not put money in. AS evil dence of that fact, the flour mill recently not in operation was built with home capi- tai entirely, and offers of local subscrip- tions to the new cotton mill which it is proposed to take the place of the hardware factory, and which will occupy the latter's building, are made, besides to various other proposed industries
 SITUATION OF FORT PAYNE.
 Fort Payne is beautifully situated 91 miles north of Dirmineham and 52 miles ,eve d 1}aso It is 1Q25 feet above Lookout mountain, which rises about 800 feet above the valley. This mountain range is a continuation of that historic .Look- out" upon whose front one of the memora- ble battles of the late war was fought.
 Fort Payne has a population of about 1890, many of whom are from the north. It contains many beautiful residences and substantial brick blocks. which on account of their modern construction remind one of a northern city. It has four churches one public and one private school, an opera house, bank and beautiful stone depot. It also has a large number of stores, shops, ato 1rifh of ba ta1c in the south. It has a complete system of sewerage and waterworks, which add to the health and comfort of Its people. The water is obtained from two very large springs near the center of the town, which for abundance and purity it would be diff