The Montgomery advertiser., 1905-10-12
HTFQRNIA FIG SYRUP Q
TALKS OF IMMIGRATION
ROSS C. SMITH IN
 MONTGOMERY.
He Discusses Important Work Being Accomplished by Railroad Com-
 panies in Bringing Good
 Citizens to Alabama.

Hon. Ross c. Smith of. Birmingham. Commissioner of the immigration and Industrial Association of Alabama. was in Montgomery yesterday. He visited Governor Jelks and held conference with him on the subject of his work.
 Asked by The Advertiser concerning the general outlook and progress of the Association. Commissioner Smith said:
 The work of originating vigorous campaign for immigration and indus trial development by the railroads en- tering this State. Is purely business proposition. The arrangements of these properties have long suffered un- der the hindering effects of sparse pop ulation, scarcity of labor and absence of that general development for which the natural resources of Alabama pre- sents such an inviting hand.
 You must remember that increased population means increased tonnage and increased passenger traffic. It also means reduced taxation upon the present burden-bearers. The argu- ment for immigration to Alabama is so strong that cannot see how any reasoner can fail to observe 1t. In this State we have less than thirty-six people to the square mile. In Ohio there are over one hundred, and in Massachusetts 899. Even in the little State of South Carolina there are forty five. Thus you see we are negiectinE our own opportunities.
 Alabama, as you know, is State richer in soil, climate and productions than either of the ones named above. could illustrate conditions in many moro States, but point for comparison to one in the East. one in the West and one in the South.
 'wiIl the agricultural sections of Alabama be benefited by the efforts of our Association? Undoubtedly so. If as, Is charged, the mineral district of the State has robbed the farmers of their negro labor by the higher wages paid by the so-called public works then the introduction of sturdy white labor in the mineral district and in all public works will have the effect of driving the negro back to the corn and cotton fields, where he naturally belongs.
 Again. 1t Is the purpose of our As sociation to pay attention to the colo s,Eation of whites from the West and from foreign countries in the farm lands that now lie idle for want of labor, and to introduce in different sec tions punches of farm laborefs with the object of seeing them become owners of lands and of homes in a few years.
 From close Inquiry and personal observation at Ellis Island, and among the immigration agencies of the East quite recently my Judgment is that not more than 16 per cent. of the immi- grants arriving in this country are available for the South. or say 150, 900. I mean worthy immigrants, men and women who are able to work and who will work and produce If given an op- portunity.
 ITO find evidence of the beneficial effect of the introduction of foreigners to our State you need only turn your eyes to those who have already been located by the immigration departments of the railroads. Look at Cullman. Thorsby and half dozen other settle ments. Then ask the employers who have been and are now giving emplov- ment to men of the several nation alities. and they will tell you of their hard working proclivities. I am told they are energetic. persistent and faith full laborers. and there is a constanr call for more like them
 With the cooperation of the com mercial bodies of Alabama. of the press and of the men who today recognize and appreciate conditions as they exist and those who can be made to see tho splendid opportunity which is now pre scented. l have no doubt of the suc- cess of the work which I have under taken for the railroads in the up- building of Alabama. Indeed there Is a broad and bounteous invitation pre- scented within the limits of Alabama
 and am glad to say that public sentt- ment is now rapidly crystalizing in tb, line of encouraging worthy immigrants and our state is entering upon a new era.
 MT. Smith left last night for BirmipR. ham. It will be of interest to tho9- sands of Alabamians to know that his health which was much impaired in the
 summer has improved greatly. Mr. smith was accompanied to Mont. gomery by Frank V. Evans. field agent ofj the association. who remains in Montgomery for a few days
 SEE TIT DOG EATERS EAT DOG ! |. Hnnlnrha nA alnnA.a.. nn..-a.