The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-04
..G. p. CRONK TALKS
 OF BIRMINGHAM
Grand Exalted Ruler of eIks
 Pleased With His Visit
SPEAKS OF SoUIH'S LODGES
Thinks Ensley Has a Great Future. Above All, Impressed With Hospl- tallty-Makes Call on Capt.
 Frank p. o'Rrlen.

George P. cronk of Omaha, Neb, grand exalted ruler of the Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks, left last night for Louisville. after being in Birmingham for two days. From Louisville he will go to Richmond, Va, and from there to Bedford to inspect the new national home of the Elks. After looking at the home he will go to New York to at- tend an important meeting of the home committee.
 Mir. Cronk was accorded reception Monday night by the Elks of Birmlng ham. While here he was driven over the city and shown considerable attention. He likes Birmingham and last night spoke in glowing terms of the city and its fu- ture prospects.
 While here MT. Cronk was quartered at the Hiilman hotel. Several large boquets of flowers were sent to him yesterday.
 "The prosperity of Birmingham" said MT. Cronk yesterday. lis so manifest that it doesn't strike me as at all necessary
  1T went to Ensley this afternoon and 1t was a revelation to me to see the ini- mense plant there. It isn't hard for one to understand that the city has great future.
 'fThe residence part of Birmingham Is beautiful and we'll kept, and this fact together with the more pretentious homes' ..-a,.o. 1. --.ao4 t,,.n-aaston unon a visitor.
 Above all I am impressed with the warm hearted hospitality shown on every hand and I deeply regret that my stay Is so short. I feel as if I would like to stay a week anyway.
 Very Large City.
 With the natural resources at hand, and the push and energy observed in every direction, I do not see what can prevent Birmingham becoming a very large city.
 'TAunderstand that the combined popu- latiom of Birmingham and the nelghbor- ing towns is about 1so,o oO0 and 1t seems to me that Birmingham ought to maintain such population herself within the next few years.
 "This much Is certain, if nwas loolSitg for location Birmingham would receive my prompt consideration.
 There Is one thing that surprises me, too, and that is the magnificent Hotel Hillman. It is a much better hotel than is found In many cities three times the population of Birmingham.
 T want to express my thanks to the press of Birmingham for the kindly man l ner in which 1t has referred to me since have been here"
 MT. Cronk has the interest of the Elks closely at heart and made this reference to the lodges in the south:
 "rhe southern lodges. without excep- tion, that have visited and heard from, are composed of the very best element of society. Professional and business men have been attracted and are taking a deep and lively interest in the southern lodges, and the result Is that nearly ev- cry southern lodge is equipped with splendid and convenient quarters
 Elks' Quarters.
 '"rhe Birmingham lodge has as well an equipped home as I have ever seen. I highly appreciated the reception tendered me last night, end shall carry away witlI me the most pleasant memories of this visit"
 While in the city Mir. Cronk, in com rany with Mayor Diennen, called on Capt. Frank P. O'Brier at hls home on the South Highlands. They remained for half an hour.
 MT. Crcnk dined with Mayor Drenren at the Hilman hotel last night Mayor Drennen is a member of the National F. P. o. p. home committee or which the grand exalted ruler Is also member.