The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-02-14
Hundreds of Delegates and Hundreds of Visitors From
 All Parts of America
 Are Here
SEVERAL SPEECHES AT
 THE OPENING SESSION
Industrial Exhibit Shows All Accesso ries to the Paint Trade-Women Visitors Enjoy a Carriage
 Drive Over City.

What promises to be one of the most notable gatherings in the history of Bir- mingham began it's initial session yester- day morning at 10 o'clock, when Will liam Spencer, president of the local or ganization called to order the twenty second annual convention of the Inter- national Association of Master House Painters and Decorators in the armory in the city hall.
 The convention will continue today, to- morrow and Friday adjournlng Friday night
 When MT. Spencer's gavel rapped for order the scene presented was picturesque and animating. Fully 800 delegates, many of whom were accompanied by their wives and daughters, faced the pres dents stand. The convention hall was tastefully decorated with bunting and vari-colored streamers. The platform was covered with plants and flowers. while suspended from streamers of red white and blue directly over the dais was a. large American flag, sUrmounted by Canadian emblem. On the right of the platform was a large American flag and on the left the standard of Great Brit ain.
 After short address by MT. Spencer. came the invocation by the Rev. James o. Spencer
 Lt.-Gov. Cunningham.
 Following the prayer Lieutenant Cover nor Russell M. Cunningham welcomed the visitors in the name of the state of Ala bama During the course of his remarks he said:
 "You are following a high and noble calling. The office of the decorator is to beautify and uplft; the eye that be- holds a we'll decorated building Is not pleased from the standpoint of grandeur but from the standpoint of beauty. The nearer you initiate nature, the higher degree of your skill and the loftier your artistic conception. Art is far ahead of science, because you can draw so largely from the boundless realm of the imagina ton. It is yours to improve on nature. Today in every home, the skill of the decorator is brought into play. The art of the decorator may not be neces- sary, but in this day of high civilizations beauty is always In demand, hence you have an important mission. l take great pleasure in welcoming you to the great state of Alabama. We have great state. We are first in the union in the produc- ton of the five great essential products, cotton, oil iron, lumber and cereals. We have the finest of fruits-cherries: cherries on the trees and cherries on the lips of our fair women. We are a part of the great universe and, we know our conduct must be in harmony with the policies and destinies of our great union. We are earnestly striving to do our full duty. On behalf of the governor, I, the next in line for that office, bid you well come to the great state of Alabama"
 The remarks of the lieutenant governor were warmly applauded.
 Mayor Ward.
 The next speaker was Mayor George F. Ward Prior to his address the Mayor paid compliments to Lieutenant Governor Cunningham and pledged the votes of the delegates to the 'governor-to-be'
 Mayor Ward said
 ''The city of Birmingham is proud of the privilege of entertaining this great body of business men.
 "Of all the great conventions that have met here, l know of no body of men which exercise a more direct and elevat- ing influence on both individual and na- tional life than this
 Probably you understand and realize the connection yourself. but doubtless few of the hundreds of thousands of men and women who trade with you from day to day realize that it is you, by your taste and work who are raising and elevating the environment of millions of people from the crude and uncouth to the artis- tic-and, gentlemen 1t is environment which guides the character and destiny of every people,
 'I will not undertake on this occasion to dwell on the charms and advantages of this city as patriotic Mayors are wont to do on such occasions, but simply ask that you see for yourselves, knowing that such observation will prove more inl- pressive than any description of mine
 Tn doing this 1t may be interesting to remember that probably 80 per cent of all this development has taken place during the last twenty years, and probably 50 per cent of it all in the last ten years therefore some allowances must be made
 IT rough edges and the newness incident i, 'apd growth.
 "While you have in the past doubtless met in cities of greater population. and though in future you may gather together in towns louder and with more equipment for formal entertaining, yet there will never be time when you will meet with more whole-souled, spontaneous and generous welcome than you find in the city of Birmingham today
 "The entire town is proud of the little band of business men who went forth and brought you to us We are proud to know that you had confidence enough in this city to come. And we are proud of the fact that you will go away feeling better for the trip and knowing you have been in the hands of your friends.
 Before concluding, I wish to say, geE- tlemen, that there never yet has been a convention to meet here without having it's members become enthusiastic over our prospects, and just as certain as I am speaking to you today, some per cent of this delegation will come back and cast their lots in this great community.
 "No other city in the United States presents such evidence of healthful growth or strong. sturdy development in all channels that unite in making great metropolis.
 .'The man who pins his destiny to this city attaches himself to one whose pro- sress is assured beyond checking; in whose prosperity every man of energy determination and honesty can share; q city where high principle has not yet s.oo,, fo,pd incomDati tihle with the grea l.