The age-herald., 1899-08-19
CAFFEE ACCEPTS
 THE PRESIDENCY
Of State Fair Association and
 is Coming at Once.
CONTRACTS FOR BUILDINGS
Being Advertised For-Begin Grading Track Next Week-Meetings to Get County Exhibits Being Held
 All Over the State

An enthusiastic telegram was received yesterday by Secretary Rountree of the State Fair association from Judge A. E.. Caffee, in Marion, saying that he accepted with pleasure the presidency of the asso- citation, to w.iich office he was elected on Wednesday,. The letter notifying him of his election was sent to Montgomery and then forwarded to Marion, where he an swered it by telegram. His message went on to say that he had written all of the prominent stock journals in the country, telling of the fair, and that he intended doing everything in his power to make the Institution a success. He said he intended leaving for Birmingham at once.
 The following extract, taken from the Montgomery Journal, Is a splendid example of the manner in which Judge Caffee's elec- ton as president is regarded. It is an in- terview with Joel Barnett of Montgomery county, who says:
 No better appointment could have been made in labama. His appoint
 ment will awaken interest and enthusi- asm in the state fair throughout the blsckbet never before manifested, and I predict brilliant success of the fair.
 
 mills and factories, would be a sight worth seeing to her many citizens even without the fair; but with the fair. thousands will be induced to visit that city this fall. I have heard many hun dreds Of people in southern counties be- low Montgomery speak of visiting the fair, the reduced rates on railroads will allow them to go.
 T can say to you that it is going to be the greatest fair ever held in Ala bama."
 Contracts for Buildings
 In another column of this paper is printed an advertisement of the fair asso- citation, asking for bids on the grand stand and exposition hall. Contractors who are not ready to do the work at once, are asked not to bid, and time limit forfeit is required of all bidders. As soon as these contracts are let bids will be asked for on the other buildings, it being the idea to give them to different contractors, so that the work will not be delayed.
 The contract for grading and finishing the race track will be let Monday, very probably.
 The various probate judges all over the state continue to display great amount of interest in the movement. Judge Brown, of Tuscaloosa, says that he has called meet ing of citizens to be held August 22, when the whole matter will be discussed and plans for getting up a fine exhibit from Tuscaloosa will be mapped out.
 Judge Shepherd of Walker writes that he has appointed a strong committee, and that he will do everything he can person. ally to get all of the Walker county in dustrles to send specimens of their out puts and products.
 Mayor J. A. Westand of Fruithurst has written that there will be a mass meeting in his city tonight to form plans for send ing the "best exhibit in the state"
 Many suggestions are being made as to the various attractions that the manage ment will have during the fair One of these is a proposition to offer a handsome purse for the best drilled military com- pany in the state, which, if properly worked up, would be a great attraction. A number of athletes in the city are talking of arranging fall athletic meet to be held on the grounds during the fair If football does not interfere, one of the most interesting field meets ever held in the gulf states can be arranged.