The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-05-24


 ed together to work for the industrial amount of good, if the members all work and talk to the same end "Of course. it takes some time and interest in the work, for good citizen- ship demands self-sacrifice. time and attention. Emerson has truly said Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" and that Is just what we need in the Commercial and Industrial Association.
 Public Spirit and Enthusiasm.
 You occasionally hear some pessi- mistic member say. that the Commer- cial and Industrial Association does not amount to anything. I would say to that that member, that @ an expression of that kind of talk that promotes its growth, The work of the Commercial and In- dustrial Association is growing more important every year, and the oppor- tunities are increasing, whereby every member of the Commercial and In- dustriaI Association, by his loyalty to and ardent support of the organization. can help promote the interests of the gives the Association additional power and influence, encourages cooperation and mutual help; energizes efforts made for the city's upbuilding and advance efous rooms for the entertainment of strangers and business conventions and gives more effect to efforts for the location of industries and people in our midst.
 ''This Association owes, whatever success it has attained, to the public spirited citizens, whose contributions have made its work possible While this is true, 1t is also fact. that some who are direct beneficiaries of its work contribute nothing to it's sup port. Fortunately, this number is not large. but 1t is hoped. will constantly grow less, until every, business and his support to the work.
 Tt is we'll to remember that the As- sociation is not working for the inter- est of any one man, or set of men; it has no axe to grind, but is constantly welfare of tn ecity, and with this single object in view, 1t solicits the co-opera- tion and support of all our citizens in its work.
 "Its aim and object is to make Mont gomery great and to this end its ef- forts are ever directed, and certainly there is no good citizen who will fail to sympathize with this object.
 N0n-PartisiOn Organization.
 Tt is political; it boosts no man for office and supports no candidates for office, but always keeps a watchful eye on the local authorities. and stands ever ready to aid them in their efforts toward good local government. It Is equally non-sectional It knows no West End. no South Side, no Clover dale, no Vesuvius, but always looks upon Montgomery as whole, feeling that whatever particularly benefits one section must, of necessity, benefit the whole.
 "The amount of labor and self-sacri flee entailed upon the Directors of the Association. should be appreciated by all its members.
 During the past year. a great many meetings were held by the Directors. and at each of these, one or more sub- jects, deemed of vital interest to Mont gomery, received careful consideration. Much time has been taken up by va rious enterprises, undertaken by the Association, and just here it Is not amiss to say that the solicitation of funds, at best, is not a pleasant task. and this fact seems to be duly appre- ciated by most of our citizens. But unfortunately, there are some in our midst, who do not receive soliciting It should be borne in mind. that funds are never asked for by this Associa- tion. until the matter in hand has been carefully considered, and it has been determined that 1t is a good thing for the city; the committees ask for money. not for themselves, but for the good of our city. and to benefit those from whom the money is solicited. They. are themselves. busy men. and when out on the streets, are neglecting their own affairs, working for the city's good, and should meet with a cordial reception from all who want to help Greater Montgomery.
 Now, fin surrendering again into your hands the office which you gave me- I beg to thank you once more for the honor conferred upon me; I want to thank our worthy Secretary, Mir L. L. Gilbert, who has shown at all times by his thorough and efficient work. that he is the right man in the right place.
 q assure our Board of Directors. and committeeman of my appreciation of their assistance and courtesy to me while in office, and to express my re- gret, that it has not been in my pow CT to serve more effectually the Asso- citation in its work on behalf of our beloved Montgomery.
 My term in the office of President during the past four years, will ever remain a pleasant memory; and let me bespeak, (before vacating the chair). for my successor the same considera- tion and encouragement which you have so generously given me.
 Very respectfully,
 Alex Rice"