The age-herald., 1901-05-06
MOBILE NOW HAS
 THE OIL FEVER Companies Being Formed to
 Begin Prospecting BIG CAPITALIST IS THERE Captain Rose Makes a Visit to choc- Jaw County Via the TombIgbee
 River, Where it Is Said
 OH Deposits Exist.
BIG CAPITALIST IS THERE

Mobile May 5.-(Special.) )-The oil fever For a month or more after the first boom of oil matters at Beaumont, Texas, there was little interest taken here. Then 1t be- carne known that several Moblians owned land in the oil district This started the local craze, which was later greatly increased when the local paper began carrying advertisements of whole or half page offering oil stock in various companies. Several of the companies ap- stock here.
 A week ago somebody began to talk about the signs of oil in the territory ad- jacent to Mobile. Other people then re- called that fifteen or twenty years ago oil had been found in this county and also in Washington and Choctaw counties, lo- cated just next to Mobile County. It was stated that oil had been found but not in paying quantities. and therefore the work had been abandoned in those days. The enthusiasts now say that the work of getting the oil in the old times was not prosecuted as 1t should have been. and they affirm their belief that if the tests and prospecting were properly car ried out, there would be found oil in abundance. While these statements gen. orally produce smile of incredulity, yet here to take an active part in the organi- xation of an oil and development com pany. The work of organizing the com pany Is said to be going on. and while no authority can be had for the statement, yet none of the men said to be inter ested will deny that such is the case The company, when organization Is completed. will prospect in this county, several miles north of the city. It is said the out out that section and that all the signs are to be had that oil is there.
 Great interest.
 The last day or two, however has seen much more of general interest and ex- citement of the local "oil fields" Several days ago there arrived here the steam yacht Crescent. having on board her own CT, Captain Joseph Rose, President of the Royal Baking Powder Company, and small party of ladies and gentlemen. Captain Rose, on his arrival, stated his intention of going up the Tombigbee riv- er about 100 miles to Jackson, on a short pleasure trip. The Crescent went up the Tombigbee river the following morning and has not yet returned.
 The arrival of the Crescent and her trip up the Tombigbee river created only passing comment. Today. however. it was learned that the party had gone to Cullom Springs in Choctaw county, and that the probable purpose of the trip was for Captain Rose to inspect some oil lands on which he has secured, or is about to secure, an option. It was also learned today that about a week ago a represent ative of Captain Rose arrived in Mobile by rail and went up to Cullom Springs. Here he is said to have secured options on various properties and to have ar- ranged for the reception of his principal.
 Cullom Springs is a well known resort, the water having much sulphur. The land thereabouts is known to contain oil. and was worked for oil on a small scale some years ago. most recently in the eighties. The evidences of oil and the general conditions of that section are said to be exactly as they are in Beaumont