The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-13
Disbursements.

Total .........................,.. .So,f4o.f9 Many gatherings were held in Birming- ham during the past year. The immigra- ton conference was well attended by rep resentative citizens, from all sections of the state and attracted great deal of at tention outside of Alabama. The pressing need for immigration was emphasized at this convention and directly and indirectly much good has resulted. The club should not permit this subject to rest until a bu- reau of immigration, supported by the state has been established. The farms, the factories the furnaces and the mines are hampered and hindered in production by want of labor. The fear expressed by some that an effort to secure the labor necessary to permit the proper develop ment of Alabama resources will result in lowering our standard of citizenship and confront us with dangerous civil problems Is founded more on immagination than reason. The history of the United States, industrial, political and martial, would be robbed of some of its brightest ornaments were we to subtract the contributions of the foreign born. The great northwest, in spite of disadvantages of climate, has been won from a wilderness and trans formed into an oppulent empire largely by labor of those hardy, progressive and un- tiring toilers who came from beyond the seas. Alabama will be dead to its own in- terest if it does not stretch out eager hands in invitation to the immigrant, as- suring him a square deal In every phase of life.
 Conventions Secured.
 Tn addition to the immigration confer ence the following conventions were held in Birmingham during the past year: The National House Painters and Decorators, general conference of the Methodist Eps- copal church. south Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows, Rebeccas of the state. Alabama
  tinn, Alabama Educational association, Alabama Medical society. executive com mittee of the Alabama Press association, and the state association of the Under writers.
 Conventions which have been secured for Birmingham through the loyalty of local delegates to the respective associa- tions to meet in the near future are the American Association of Municipal Sci ence, the A. T. O.. Fraternity, State T. P As Southern Section of the Woodrf1en of the World. general assembly of the South ern Presbyterian church and the Sanger fest.
 1t is expected that the Confederate re- union will be held in Birmingham in 190s- the fight made at the last reunion paving the way for this consummation. The viz orous fight for conventions should be maintained even where the efforts are suc- cessful they are fruitful in calling atten- ton to Blrm1ngnam prORreSslVeneSS ana in affording an opportunity to distribute Birmingham literature
 Delegates were appointed during the year to attend the opening of the Loch celebration at Tuscaloosa, the reciprocity convention at Chicago. the meeting of the Civic Federation in New York, and the state convention of the Alabama Commer- cial and Industrial association at Decatur At all of these meetings Birmingham was well represented.
 During the year addresses were made before the club on trade questions by A. R. Smith of Cleveland. w. R. Lambuth of Nashville. Dr. Young J. Allen of Chicago Dr. Wainwright of Japan, and R. A. Mitchell of Alabama City. Also the Rev J. R. McMullen of Gadsden. on the Ala bama Trade School for White Boys.
 Entertainment of Visitors.
 unique distinction fell to the lot of the club in that 1t had sthe honor to enter tain within a few months both the presi- dent and vice-president of the United States. The club likewise, entertained delegation from the Chicago Commercial association. Also a party of visitors from New York and New Jersey and the Ita- Han ambassador
 During the year satisfactory arrange ments were completed by which wealth. CT observatory will be erected in Birming-