The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-16
ENCOURAGING REPORT
 OF PRESIDENT RICE.


 President Rice read the following re- port of his work for the year 1900-01: To the Members of the Commercial and
 Industrial Association:
 Gentlemen-In rounding up the first decade of our corporate existence, it affords me great pleasure to submit the tenth annual Presidents report for your consideration. Progress and inn provement in every department of your association and throughout our entire city have been the watchwords of the past administration, and whilst the work has frequently met with obsta- cles and difficulties. still with an ever present hopefulness and determination your Executive Board has surmounted them and materially assisted in the es- tablishment of new industries and new enterprises, all tending to upbuild and improve your city.
 Since our last annual meeting, there have been erected, or are now in the course of erection, many new edifices and houses of worship. particularly the new First National Bank, the Farley building. the Jewish Temple, the pro- iected new Baptist Church, and the Carnegie Library. all of which will add considerably to the beauty of the city. Many private residences have been erected, particularly in the close su- burbs, and the city is growing in all directions. There is no idle labor and plenty of work for laborers and me- chanics.
 The converging railroad lines have added branches that have extended Montgomerys trade into sections hith- erto reached by team and at infrequent intervals. The most direct and promi- nent extension has been the road from Andalusia to Geneva, and the excursion of the Association through the cour- tesy of the l.. and N. officials. was one of the delightful incidents of the early spring.
 Street Fair Endorsed.
 The second Street Fair held last year in October, added to the lustre and glory of your city and citizens, and was even more successful than the first one, resulting in more trade and profit to our business community. The question of a third entertainment for the com ing Fall now rests with you and our citizens and if the proper support is promised. your Street Fair Association stands ready to carry out the wishes of the community. Unquestionably, we need a stimulus to our trade, and instead of once a year, we should have some fetes at least twice a year. The last Street Fair brought within our gates two noted Alabamians, General Joseph Wheeler and Captain R. P. Hob son, both dear to our hearts. We came very near capturing President McKin- lev and had he been able to accept our invitation, We should have had not only him and a large concourse of people, but also second race conference, which was so successful last year. It is regretted that the association for the study of race problems were unable to have their second meeting during this month. Let us hope that they will not fail to have large meeting next year.
 Undoubtedly the erection of a new hrst-class hotel will be effected during the next twelve months, and also let us hope that the old hotels will be re- modelled and so improved as to add to the reputation of our city and bring in our midst during the winter season a class of pleasure seeking and money spending population.
 Notable events of passing occurrences were the visits of the Rivers and liar bors Committee, the Illinois Lumber men and grand and successful recep- tion and literary feast to the White Squadron
 It is gratifying to note that our mem- bership has increased sixty four, Nav ing begun the year with 311 and end ing with 375. Our roll includes fifteen non- resident members, an increase of four since last report. This increase was due to the exertions of our Mem bership Committee, to whom many thanks are due.