The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-10-24
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 With one of the largest military par ades ever seen in Birmingham, with speeches by several prominent men in- cluding the governor and with an after noon full of special features, the Ala bama state fair for the seventh time threw open it's gates to the public yes- terday afternoon. Several thousand peo- pie passed through the gates during the afternoon and night and the indications are bright for today.
 The parade which was under the man. agement of Capt. Walter Gardner. quar- termaster of the Third Alabama regi- ment national guard, was one of the most imposing ever seen in the city or in Alabama. There were over TOO men in line, representing all arms of the serv- ice, two cannons, band of Ponco h. dians and a troope of cowboys, all acting as the escort to Governor JeIks and his staff. Seldom in the past have there been as many officers, both line and staff, in the city at one time.
 The column was late in moving, it hav- ing been held back by Captain Gardner  into line, but when it did start it sur- prised the people with its numbers and the smoothness with which the entire affair was arranged. It was lead by Chief Austin with a platoon of mounted police, followed by Memon band the Howard and Owenton cadets, the com panies of the Alabama National guard. Governor Jelks and staff the fair man. agement and the Indians and cowboys. headed by the Ponco Indian boys.
 Reaching Fair Grounds.
 When the parade reached the fair grounds it marched around the race track to the grand stand, the Brandon light artillery deploying to the right and unlinhei. 2 in the center of the parade grounds. As Governor Jelks, accompanied by about twenty staff offer Congress- man Underwood and the fair manage ment, alighted from his carriage the first gun of the salute was fired, followed regularly by 16 others.
 This was the first time the battery had ever fired the guns, and they were un- certain how well they would succeed, but every doubt of their ability passed when the first gun was fired. The battery and Capt Ed Smith were congratulated on the manner in which they gave the sa- lute.
 Speaking for Mayor Drennen, who was sick Ed Smith, city attorney, welcomed Governor Jelks to Birmingham in behalf of the city. He also stated that the city was glad to welcome the Indians. the cowboys and all other visitors.
 In behalf of the fair association, Presi- dent A. l.. Krebs welcomed the governor to the fair grounds, and stated that tne gates were opened yesterday morning without cent of debt He also thanked the governor for his aid in securing an appropriation, and asked that he do like wise next year, only raise the appropria- ton.
 Governor Jelks followed with a short speech. in which he thanked the city, the fair management and the people for the cordial welcome which they had given him. He also said he hoped that there would be a state fair in Birmingham every year. and that it would grow in size as the years pass by Congressman Un- derwood was the next speaker and he fI turn said that he thought the fair should be held yearly, and that it was the best way to show the resources of the state. Manager MacKnight sprung something of sensation when he suggested that Birmingham should have an exposition, and not confine herself to state fairs. He said the only way to advertise Alabama and her wonderful resources was to give an exposition which would eclipse any thing ever seen in the south He urged