The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-02-14
CONVENTION Is ON
HOUSEPAINTERS AND DECORATORS
 MEET IN BIRMINGHAM.
Almost a Thousand Delegates and Vis- itors in AttendaDce--Engineer Powell of the Southern is
 Hadly Intured.

Birmingham. Feb. 13.--(Special )-Al- most a thousand delegates and visitors are in Birmingham on account of the twenty second annual convention Of the International Master House Painters and Decorators Association of the United States and Canada and more than 750 attended the first session of the organization in the city hall this morning and this afternoon. William Spencer, President of the local associ- ation, called the gathering to order. The armory, in which the meeting is being held, was decorated in a splendid manner United States and British flags being shown in profusion on the ros- trum and on the walls back of the rostrum.
 Lieutenant Governor R. M Cunning ham, as a representative of the Gov ernor of the State, was first introduced and he extended a hearty welcome to the convention. He complimented the men of the convention as a body and for their art. He concluded his speech by giving a brief statement of the grandeur of the State, not failing to tell of the beautiful women to be found in Alabama, and extended his best wishes for a successful convention, his welcome coming from "a representa- tive of the Governor and one in line for that position. Mayor George B. Ward was next introduced and he ex- tended the welcome of the city in graceful manner. Capt. Frank P. o'Brien. as a representative of the local association and q former Knight of the Brush" extended the welcome in behalf of the local members
 President R. l.. Peters of Richmond. Va, then, assumed the chair and de- clared recess of a few minutes in or der that the speakers might be met.
 The convention was then formally opened, President Peters submitting his annual report, in which he announced that the organization was in a splendid condition and that the prospects were very bright. He told of the change of place of meeting from New Orleans to Birmingham and expressed pleasure at the cordial greetings offered. Will liam E. Wall, Secretary-Treasurer of the Association, submitted a report in which he gave the financial conditions of the organization. There are local associations in thirty-five States In the United States.
 President Peters appointed commit tees on credentials. resolutions, audit ing and presidents address.
 A resolution was presented protest ing against any "programs' being got ten up with advertisements thereon This was not done in Birmingham but 1t seems that a resolution to the sim iiat CAhSSh W as PICSGhtGu at pTGNlOuS meeting. The election of an organizer also came in for some discussion.
 Reports from standing committees was also in order at the afternoon ses- sion. Trade schools and apprentices were subjects which have been of considerable interest to the master painters for years. The color test is another subject eliciting much atten- ton from the Master House Painters and Decorators
 Papers on the program for the early part of the convention are as follows: The benefit to the customer if the gen eral contractor were eliminated as factor" by W. A. Bogart of Passaic, N. J.; The necessity of protecting our interests against the present method of distributing wall paper sample books" by Charles E. Van Syckle, Newark. N. J.; The injustice done to the Master Painters by the present method of selling painters materials" by Henry D. Moeller, New York city.
 This afternoon the woman's auxiliary Of the local association took the wives and daughters of the convention on ride. through the city in carriages A reception and smoker was given to- night at the convention hall.