The age-herald., 1901-01-17
THE MERCHANTS
 AND THEIR GUESTS Annual Smoker" of the Board
 of Trade. TIMELY TOPICS DISCUSSED Short Talks in Which the Interests of the Business Men Were Touched Upon-DeIightful Reresh-
 ments Served.
TIMELY TOPICS DISCUSSED

The annual "smoker'' of the Board of Trade which took place at Elks hall last night proved one of the most enjoyable gatherings of business men in the history of the city, and from the tenor of the re- marks indulged in by the members and their invited guests, marked the beginning of new era in the usefulness of the @or- ganization.
 Previous to the set programme, Miss Ashby, of England, who is promoting a movement in the interest of the children of the State, addressed the gathering and ex- plained the purpose of two bills, to be pre- sented to the Legislature for passage, one for compulsory education and the other to regulate the employment of children in industrial pursuits. Her remarks held the close attention of her hearers and that she enlisted their sympathy, was best evidenced by the applause that greeted her when she had finished
 President O'Neill thanked Miss Ashby and stated that he would bring the matter up before the board at the next meeting
 The smoker was then called to order after cigars had been passed around. Pres ident O'Neill stated that the Board of Trade had been organized to promote so- cial we'll as business intercourse be- tween the merchants of the city, and that such gatherings were always beneficial.
 He then called upon Capt. J. M. Falkner of Montgomery, distrct attorney for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad who responded most happily, urging friendli- ness between the railroads and the mer- chants as the best way in which to settle and adjust differences. He took occasion to condemn the Cullom bill now pending in the United States Senate, stating that it was a measure inimicable to the interests of interior towns, which he stated had been made possible as commercial scenters by the railroads.
 George M. Cruikshank was next called upon, and spoke upon the relation of the business man and the press, showing that their interests were mutual. He referred to the pleasant relations between the two interests in Birmingham and predicted that it would always continue.
 MT. Cruikshank was followed by H. H. Sinnige, one of the most active members of the board, who had been assigned to talk on freight rates. MT. Sinigee stated that the limited time would not permit him to go into the subject, and with the permis- sion of the chair he devoted his time to a few remarks on the cooperation that should exist among the merchants and business men of the city.
 Short talks were made by Simon Klotz M. V. Joseph, Richard F. Johnston, Emi Lesser, D. w. Barrett, J. B. Gibson, J. 1T Leath, G. Rotholz, John w. Tomlinson an6 T. l.. McGowan, after which the members and their friends adjourned to the dining room, where sandwiches and liquid refresh ments were served under the direction ol Paul Gilardoni
 During the informal feast timely talks were made by G. B. McVay. J. H. F. Mos. ley, J. J. Smith, w. H. Stanley Captain Gilardom and others, after which the smoker came to a close.
 Among those present were:ss John w. O'Neiu, John G. Housman, J. B. Gibson, E. Lesser. August Hirsch, H. H. Sinnigee, J. M. Falkner, J. H. Leath, E. J. Me- Crossin, J. H. F. Mosley, John w. Tomlin- son, L. N. Archer, J. J. Smith, T. L. Me- Gowan, G. Rotholz George M. Cruik- shank, w. H. Stanley, s. Klotz. J. H. Roll, M " Josephs, Otto Marx, Sol Caheen, Paul Gilardoni, Ross c. Smith, E. w Barrett, George B. McVay and others.