The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-07-22

owns the Dwight mills, would contribute
as much as any one else would towards
the movement, and that 1t would go as
high as $1,000 If necessary
Several of the specially invited men
present also spoke. J. C. Maben, president
of the Sloss- Sheffield Steel and Iron COM
pany, pointed out that the executive COM
mittee should not be composed of more
than five or six men, which would be the
best size for work. He emphasized the
need of immigration and said that he had
been in conference with the officials of
the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad
company, and that the two companies
were planning to bring 1000 or 5000 immi-
grants to the district, but that the COM
panies would much rather work through
the association along the plans being
adopted.
Frank Nelson, Jr, also endorsed the
movement and said that he hoped the as
ISOLATION would be the means of supplying
the much-needed demand for labor In the
state.
w. l.. Henderson, land and industrial
agent of the Southern, read the follow
Ing suggestions from M. V. Richards,
who Is at the head of that department OF
the Southern railway. The recommended
lions were as follows,
Mr.. Richards Suggestions.
Il. Employ thoroughly competent and
reliable man--one familiar with industrial
conditions in the south, and who has had
experience in handling labor-this man to
spend his time In the north and west
seeking labor.
a. The land and Industrial department
will be glad to cooperate In the follow
ing manner.
THE committee or agent employed to
communicate with W. A. Meyer, agent Of
the land and industrial department. III
Broadway, N. Y, OF M. A. HAYS, agent
land and Industrial department. 225 Dear
born street, Chicago. when labor Is re-
quired by an industry, giving full partic-
ulars as to the work. rates of pay, condi-
tons Of living, etc. and advise our agent
when the committees agent will arrive to
personally look after the matter. Our
agent will then get promptly in touch with
labor agencies In his section so that they
may set about at once to secure the de-
sired labor and be prepared to forward
the men promptly as soon as satisfac-
tory understanding has been reached with
the labor agent and the men 1t Is proposed
to employ.
80 The agent should be well posted re-
garding all conditions effecting labor at
the plant where 1t Is wanted. 1t Is nee
essary. IL such plan Is to be successful
ly worked, that the dealings with the
labor It is proposed to get shall be alb
solutely fair and frank-no misrepresenta-
ton as to rates of pay, conditions Of liv-
ing. hours Of labor commssary arrange
ments. etc.
"a It should be born in mind in solic-
iting foreigners that environment that
will suit one nationality will not satisfy
another; for instance, the italian will live
In somewhat contracted quarters, while
the German requires more room and will
likely expect a garden attached to his
house.
49, 1t is usually necessary for the en-
ployer to advance the laborer his railroad
fare, reimbursing himself by periodical
deductions from wages.
49, Unless the matter Is handled care
fully the purposes of the committee will
be defeated at the outset. If party of
laborers is brought to an industry
through Misrepresentation the chances are
that the greater portion of them will en-
brace the first opportunity to leave. APP
prising ther friends that they have left
behind Of their tratment with the effect
Of making 1t difficult to secure more Ia
Dor, particularly of that nationality from
the district from which they came, for
industries in the Birmingham district
1.-THE foregoing Is intended to refer to
common labor. We think that 1t will be
found that skilled labor can probably best
be obtained by advertising In newspapers,
trade journals, etc. The land and Indus
trial department viii be glad to have it's
agent look after the placing of such
advertisements for the committee and an
swer inquiries resulting therefrom; act
ing as an intermediary between the pros
pective employer and employe. Yours
truly, M. V. RICHARDS,
Land and Industrial Agent Southern
Railway"
The association then passed the follow
ing resolution relative 10 the action OF
the Alabama Press association:
birmingham. Ala, July q. 1908.
whereas, the information has been
conveyed to this committee that resolu-
lions OF endorsement of Its work and CO.
operation therein have beeen passed by
the Alabama Press association which is
In session at Coden, Ala; therefore, be II
Resolved. That recognizing the power
and influence Of the press for the upbuild-
ing Of the moral and material welfare Of
the state. and realizing the efficiency Of
its cooperation for securing for Alabama
a desirable class Of immigrants. this COM
mittee herewith desires to express its in
tense qualification to the Alabama Press
association for its endorsement. and con-
graduates the state of Alabama upon hav-
ing a press that Is so thoroughly patriot
&c and progressive"