The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-12-18
1UNANIMITY OF PURPOSE" Needed forM rMontgornery's
 Advancement. COMMERCIAL CLUB SMOKER Large Number of Representative
 Business Men Present. Matter of Ralsi6s Fund for Credit of Incoming Msnufacteries Re- \. ferred Back to Original
 Committee-secretary
 Dave Introduced.
COMMERCIAL CLUB SMOKER

I Last nights meeting of the Com mercial Club fairly bristled with a spirit of progressiveness and pugnacity in the battle for a Greater Montgom- cry and a Greater Alabama" It rep- resented more pearly than any of the previous recent gatherings the ideas of those who have been staunch to the purposes of the organization. There was closer welding of spirit and unity for Montgomery's advancement, as well as a most cordial reception of the new secretary. G. Grosvenor Dave.
 | During the very short space of time in which the club was in formal sas- sion many matters of great import and interest were brought up: the l needs of the city and State; the re- vivai of the movement for fund of $250. .000 for the credit of incoming man. ufacturing enterprises: the suggestion of a dark horse in the mayoralty race and the inauguration of a spirit of | unity among the influential business men of the city.
 President Forbes presided during the meeting. When he rapped for order there were about 200 representative business men present despite the very inciement weather. For nearly an hour there was a general handsh aking and discussion among those present, and following the speeches sandwiches and coffee were served.
 In calling the meeting to order Pres fdent Forbes stated that the purpose was to introduce the members to Sec- retary Dave after his five Weeks ser- vice, and to give him an opportunity to make Nan expression. He told of how MT: Dave had been selected from among 100 applicants for the position and said that the committee which had this matter in charge now felt per- fectly justified in the selection 1t had made. He then introduced MT. Spawe, who responded in a very happy man. ner. He spoke in part as follows:
 Secretary Dave Speaks.
 T have been just five weeks In this city and each, week, as 1t goes by, finds me more and more convinced that this is exactly the right place to be and the best place to be; not only for me, but for those who are already here and the millions who are yet to come to the State. Tt amused me when I first arrived in this city a few weeks ago to hear that after the decision of the Directors l In my favor there was a considerable amount of criticism expressed through the community and directed against the leaders of this club for having se- ieeted Hortherner and, more than that. an Englishman. for secretary. As soon as T. hoard this know exactly what would happen. have since looked squarely into the eyes oY some of those who criticised the Directors, and the critics have found. to their | surprise, that this stranger was very much like themselves, shared with them their enthusiasms and came among them. believing all things. hop ing all things. and knowing why he believed and hoped. Their prejudice newspaper notices did not make it clear that I have been more than twenty four years in America, nineteen years voter and, wherever Providence has placed me, participant in the affairs of that community. This is the true American spirit, the true English spirit the true racial spirit.
 Speaking quite impersonally, I feel that the Directors were right in choos- ing total stranger, providing he had the other necessary equipments of ex- perience and qualifications. A stranger comes among you knowing absolutely nothing of local cliques. knowing noth- ing Of pettiness that may exist in in- dividuals. and knowing nothing of an- tagonisms and suspicious that may have grown up during the passing years. In other words, the stranger brings no bias with, him, and he im- mediately swings in to his duties ex- pecting response and support where a local worker would know 1t was fooI- ishness for him to look. F.
 Wants to Work.
 Gentlemen, am among you not because l want a position of respect abilit wand comparative ease as sec- retary--for l have never taken ease since a boy of 16, and never expect to, as I am not copstitutionalIy con- structed that way---but am among you. and in Alabama by deliberate choice and determination; for 1t takes no great gift to see years ahead, and know what Is to happen here. In fact. I am so sure of what is to come and Of the contribution which I can make to 1t, in all humility, that when I heard of the vacancy in this club I knew without either pull or influence that should be selected.
 Now. you men of Montgomery. bound together in club that is the sole commercial representative of the city, may have differences of opinion in relation to minor matters, but in relation to the one great important subject. the groYth and development and improvement of Montgomery, you are wonderfully united. Some people n