The age-herald., 1900-07-04
GREAT STATE FAIR
 WILL TAKE PLACE If the Grounds Can be Obtained Few Years Longer. A REPRESENTATIVE MEETING Takes Formal Action and the Business Will be Hurried to an Issue
 Labor Unions Were 1+
 Represented
A REPRESENTATIVE MEETING


 at the Commercial Club rooms yesterday afternoon, called to consider the proposition for holding a State Fair in Birmingham the coming autumn.
 The meeting was thoroughly representa- tive in it's character all branches of busi- ness and the labor unions being represented by their leading men, respectively.
 Mayor Drennen stated the object of the meeting, whereupon MT. Cunningham of the Trades Council asked how and by whom was the fair to be held.
 Mayor Drennen answered that the pres ent meeting was called to determine that fact MT. Cunningham said that every member of labor organizations in the dis trict was heartily in favor of holding a State Fair, if such fair was properly held. In the last fair organized labor was ig- nored. That they could not agree to- His committee was instructed that if organized labor was to be thoroughly recognized then the boycott would be lifted and or ganized labor would do what it could for the fairs success.
 Former Mayor David J. Fox said that was all that was asked for. Speaking for the merchants, they were as much op- posed to running counter to organized la Dor as such labor was itself. The mer- chants wished to be on the best possible terms with organized labor.
 John W. O'Neill thought the day very late to begin preparing for a fair to be held this year. It would be better to have at least year in which to make preparations If the fair grounds could be obtained for three or five years arrangements could be perfected for holding good and successful fairs.
 MT. Mosely made a motion, which was adopted, that a committee be appointed to ascertain for how long ana upon what conditions the fair grounds and buildings could be obtained.
 T. S. Pounds asked if labor organizations would be allowed to take stock in the fair.
 Several men declared that not only would that be feasible, but more desirable.
 John w. O'Neill made a motion that it is not feasible to hold a fair unless the grounds can be obtained for two or three years.
 MT. Fox thought it well to consider the terms and conditions of lease. Colonel Faulkner had offered the grounds for one year free of rent or charge, but it did not follow that a lease should be made at the outset.
 Robert Jafnison didn't doubt that a suc- cessful fair could be held; but he believed that arrangements should be made for a longer period than one year. It seemed to him that all that was possible at the mo- ment was to ascertain of Colonel Falkner what arrangements could be mades T. L. McGowan, from the Commercial Club, thought it late to begin to prepare for fair this year. Crops are poor and farmers disheartened; which facts should be considered. He was however, heartily in favor of fair and would do all he could. He, as a merchant, was a friend to labor; and he thought it high time all wranglng of all sorts stop. Let everybody get together and work for the common good. We are all living here to- gether, and let us work together for the prosperity of all.
 MT. Judge, as a representative of work ingmen desired to go on record as favoring having the biggest fair eyer held in the state. We working people are here to work for the good of the community. Our should CTS are broad, and are ready to bear their proportion of the common responsibility Labor was ready to do it's part, and do it gladly
 The carpenters of Birmingham wanted to aid in having a great fair. MT Jemson said he was exceedingly glad to see the Trades Council take the action they had. It was best for all The people of Birmingham were ready to stand be- hind fair and make it a success
 Mayor Drennen referred to the hard work and great success of the Elks' street fair of last spring. They had but six weeks to get ready and none of them had any ex- perience in the matter, yet the Elks' lodge cleared over $i,O0O profit. He felt that a state fair this year could be made suc- cess.
 M. V. Joseph said it was already the sense of the meeting that a fair be held, provided the fair grounds could be secured for two or three years following There need not be any doubt of our ability to get up a successful fair this year. We can have the fair and should have it. We must secure the money for all premiums and prizes in advance. and let exhibitors know we have it. Let us have a great fair. We can have 1t if we will.
 MT. Jemison moved that the chairman be authorized to appoint committee of one from each organization interested to thoroughly consider the matter, and act This was adopted.
 MT. Jemison MT. Fox and Mir Moseley were appointed committee to make need ful inquiries of Colonel Falkner as to the possibility of getting the fair grounds for two more years.
 It was already the sense of the meeting that fair shall be held this year, if the grounds can be procured for two or more years.
 All action necessary to that end will be taken forthwith
 Negro Democrats
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