The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-03

hiost VVV DdhquSlSiS' d ielitsnlHB pndSe of the occasion being the presence of a great many ladies from Birmingham as well as from all sections of the north, east and west.
 The Notable Features.
 In an evening plentiful in happy after dinner speeches, the distinct features were the addresses made by Acting Governor Cunningham and by the Rev. pr. J. W. Stagg, the pastor of the First Presby- terian church of Birmingham. The re. marks of M. E. Gregory of Corning. N T., on "Our South; of John Milton Blair, the newly elected president of the asso~ citation; of w. P. G. Harding on "Banks ingp, of D. E. Reagan of Terre Haute Ind, on ''The Tenderfoot." and of Rufus N. Rhodes on "rhe Silent Member" (he ladies), awakened keen and sustained n- terest.
 John w. Sbley of Birmingham, the treasurer of the association, acted as iOoalhiuStti. At HIS IlBii Sdl 1ONtIHOT Cunningham Mrs. Rufus N. Rhodes, W. P G. Harding, president of the First Ma tional bank MT. Rhodes and Dr.. and Mrs. Stagg At the toastmaster's left were Miss Wallace, the efficient and ex- ceedingly gracious assistant secretary of the association; T. A. Randall the see- retary; Mrs. Randall and MT. and Mrs John Milton Blai-.
 Introducing Governor Cunningham.
 In introducing Governor Cunningham, MT. sibley referred to the fact that Alabama's chief magistrate was a physi- clan and that in administering the state government the Governors prescriptions had been written with ! skill and in- telligenee that vouchsaced health and strength for the people of the common wealth.
 Governor Cunningham was greeted with rapturous applause when he rose to speak and his address was frequently interrupt ed with manifestations of hearty ap- proval
 "I am sure" aid the Governor, that this audience and this greeting would be an inspiration to any man. This splendid body of brave men and beautiful women should certainly inspire anyone to have something worthy to say, and to say 1t worthly, in behalf of the state of Alabama.
 Alabama a Great State.
 q am here, however, to deliver a brief address Alabama is a great state If we should enumerate it's resources we should name everything in the whole catalogue of minerals. of flora, of fauna, of industries and of commerce, Alabama's 8 history-the part it has taken in peace and in war-has been characterized by patriot ism and courage and patience. and it's collective virtues are truly ennohlng Taken in connection the wealth Of it's resources and the character of It's peo- pie promise for the state destiny that Is not to be excelled by that of any other state in the union."
 The Govern )r. continuing, said that two things are requisite to make a state great natural resources and virtuous popula- tion. So far as resources are concerned. Alabama had taken and would continue to take a high rank He pointed out the contribution made by this state to the worlds supply of cotton, grain, coal, iron and steel, saying that it was doing it's share in clothing, feeding, warming, housing and transporting the people of the earth
 Some Comparisons.
 The Governor made comparison be- tween the cultivated land and the amount contributed by it's products to the defray N ing of the states expenses, pointing out that with only two-flfths of its land under cultivation, Alabama agriculture con- tributed 45 per cent. of the state revenue, whereas the prairie states of the west contributed only 16 per cent, and llli- nois only 13 per cent. These figures should, he said, encourage nome seekers to come to Alabama.
 The state had he said, been the victim of circumstances. The large negro popula- tion here weighed upon the wings of the