The age-herald., 1900-06-08

was 6,416,I41 tons; 1o99, d4o4,i6 tons, d Saln of 1,06S 022 tons
 The production of coke for the year 1898 was 1609 S39 tons; 1899, 1,79S,612 tons, gain of 773 tons
 | Cotton receipts for the season 1S9S99 was 115, ,00O bales 1S99-19O0, which is not yet com plete, will be 15,000 or 20,000 bales less on account of the shortness of the crop. Avondale Mills
 This report would not be complete with out mention of the splendid showing made by the Avondale mills an industry origin ated by the club Having paid-up capital of $375,090 and an indebtedness of 205,G09, this company, during the year 1899, under the able management of MT. B. B. Comer after paying all running expenses and in- terest on it's indebtedness, made a clear profit of F per cent on it's paid-up capital If it can do as well for two more years it's indebtedness be paid in full and there will be no better dividend paying invest ment in the district than the stock of this company.
 The mercantile interests of the district have had their full share in the prosperity of the season. The retail trade through out all lines has increased about 50 per cent and the profits taken have been satisfac- tory. In the wholesale and jobbing trade the volume of business done has increased, in machinery and hardware lines about 50 per cent, and in other lines 5 per cent. The territory in some instances has been extended, and our jobbers have been en- abed to pursue a more aggressive policy, and we can reasonably expect that this department of business will become more important and prosperous with each suc- cesSive season.
 Export Trade
 Our export trade, while confined prin- cipally to manufa cturers, is fast becoming a leading factor in the development of the district. It finds a market abroad for our | r.Y.1, aatG 1a1la wheel in times of depression. It enables our industries to continue in operation, making pay rolls and keeping life in busi- ness of every kind in the district The prod ucts of our furnaces, Boundaries and fac tories have already spread over the en- tire United States and invaded England, Germany, France Italy, Holland, ..Den- mark, Sweden, Norway, Austria, India, China, Japan, Australia, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands. When the Warrior river canal and the Nicaragua canal have been constructed we will claim the world our market
 The past twelve months have been gen erous to the Birmingham district Every line of business has prospered. Every idle plant has been reclaimed, while new en- terprises by the hundreds have entered up- on what promises to be successful careers. Wages have been increased, and hundreds of homes have been built, and made com fortable and happy. Estates that were bur dened with debts now show handsome mar gins, and individuals who were pressed and almost without hope, have passed from un- der the rod and are looking with cheerful faces towards the rising
 Other Blessings
 Along with the furnace, the mill and the factory, churches, school houses and hos pitals have come to elevate, to instruct and to bless. The Mercy Home extends it's sym pathetic hand to those who have gone aStraV The industrial school the orphan wayward and helpless children will soon open its doors to those who have nver had a chance The Hillman hospital is do- ing a noble work, and when its new build ings have been completed its sphere of use fitness will be greatly enlarged. The Sis ters' hospital that magnificent structure which oyerlooks the city from the south has just entered upon its mission of love and mercy. The United Charities and the Free Kindergarten are doing much to allev- fate evil and unfortunate conditions.
 These all and others, are monuments to patience, earnest ChTistian womanhood in its efforts to reclaim and redeem, aided and abeted by a patriotic manhood that lives in touch with God and humanity
 There are no breakers in sight the way seems clear and the future promising. What we with reason hope for and with united purpose work for shall be accomplished
 In Conciusron
 Permit me in conclusion to acknowledge my indebtedness to our president for his uniform courtesy, his wise counsel and progressive leadership in all matters where in we have labored This club and the com munity at large will ever be grateful to him for his efforts in their behalf.
 l desire also to express my gratitude to the board of directors, the ehairmen of the standing committees and to the membey- ship at large for their patient and faithful cooperation in all matters which have con- cerned the public veal. They have an- swered every call Spirit, discretion and good fellowship have characterized their labors. With such men failure is impos- I sible.
 A vote of thanks should be extended to the press of the city for it's faithful CO., l