The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-06-21
THE OPENING SESSION.
Address of President and Report of
 Secretary.


 Owing to the fact that a number of delegates were to arrive on latemorn- ing trains the Association did not meet until 12 o'clock. At this hour about forty delegates were present. and the body was opened with an eloquent and earnest prayer by Rev. Neal l.. Ander- son. pastor of the Central Presbyterian Church. He referred to the material resources of Alabama, and thanked the Almighty for the numerous blessings which are enjoyed by the people of the State.
 The President. MT. F. c. Shepard, then spoke of the common feeling of interest of all the people of the State in Montgomery, the Capital City, and said that it was fitting that the Mayor of the city should express the senti- ment of the people at the presence in the city of so many distinguished business men. He concluded by intro- ducing Hon. E. B. Joseph, Mayor of Montgomery.
 Address by the Mayor.
 Mfr. Joseph said that Montgomery was not in the habit of electing men to the head of its affairs because of their ability as extemporaneous speakers. He said he had prepared his remarks which with the consent of the Association he would read. He then read from manu- script the following remarks:
 Mir. President and Gentlemen of the
 Commercial and Industrial Associa-
 ton of Alabama:
 As the official representative of the people of Montgomery, I take great pleasure in extending to you as a body and individually. most hearty well come to our city.
 We are especially glad to have with us the representatives of the Commer- cial and Industrial interests of the State. upon which are based all that makes a community great and Its peo- pie prosperous and happy.
 Our people have learned to recog- nize the importance of organization and cooperation in the accomplish ment of great results. -..'
 The work accomplished by the Com mercial and Industrial Association of Montgomery for the betterment of the city and the good of its people is a monument more lasting than could be built of bronze or marble.
 Our people are not unmindful of the lact that Montgomery is the capital bf a great State-great in its history, great in its resources-greater still in he character of its people. 1mbued with this spirit, they have endeavored b make their city worthy of the proud kitle which it bears. How we'll they have lived up to the responsibility they must leave to the judgment of their keIlow citizens of the State.
 I deem it. however, not inapproprt- mte, nor immodest, to say that from inc time of the redemption of the State from negro rule, Montgomery has kept step to the music of progress and prosperity.
 It was the first city in the world tc operate its street car system by cleo krlc power, the first in the State tc build a complete sanitary sewerage system, the first to establish mod ern slaughter house system and pro- viding for the actual inspection by ex- perts of meats, milk and other perish able food products. for the protection of the life and health of it's people. II has built and equipped nine public school buildings and offers ample fa- cilities for the free education of It's 5 800 school population. It owns and operates a water works system which sxtinguishes it's fires and sprinkles Its streets with as pure water as can be found in the world, furnished to its citizens at 25 per cent less than a pri- vate corporation was willing to con- tract for with a perpetual franchise. aAd which today can be sold for enough