The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-11
SEEK BETTER RATE ON BAR AND ROLLED IRON Commercial Club Opposes Re- moyaI of Sheffield Train PRIZES FOR THE FIREMEN James Rowron Speaks on Importance of Proposed Sewer Bond Issue.
 Other Important Matters
 Discussed.
PRIZES FOR THE FIREMEN

weakest point in the armor of Birming- ham and went to work with tool and hammer to mend the breach and make 1t stronger than ever
 Frank Nelson, Jr.. started the move ment when he stated that Birmingham people have to pay 40 cents a hundred more for bar and rolled iron than the same iron costs in Cleveland or Pitts burg
 He declared that Birmingham is the passing point for raw pig iron, but that Pittsburg is the basing point for the higher qualities, and that other cities like Atlanta and Memphis can get the material made in this district as cheap as it is sold in Birmingham.
 MT. Nelson admitted that Birmingham is the pipe center of the south. and at tributed it to the fact that in the pur- chase of pig iron she gets the advantage of her location, but he insisted that if a readjustment of prices could be reached Birmingham would come into her right as the practical center of iron industries. He suggested that committee be ap pointed to see the corporations and at- tempt to secure these reductions.
 Relate Their Experiences.
 The session then resolved itself into an experience meeting. Maj. F. Y. An derson told how when he was president of the club Birmingham lost industry after industry to Memphis and other places because they could get cheaper iron by river rates He did not under stand why Birmingham should have to pay river rates added to the price of iron for material made right in this district.
 Former Secretary Gibson of the club recounted lost opportunity after oppor- tunity of the past and declared that if this obstacle can be removed it will mean ten times more than any other one thing could for Birmingham
 R. N. Rhodes called to mind the days when even pig iron had the freight added, and stated that now is the time to get the corporations to adopt a policy of giving Birmingham the benefit of her location. Let us appoint a committee to see the presidents of the corporations and tell them that they could make no more momentous announcement than that Birmingham, the greatest iron center of the south, shall have the benefit of its location.'
 By unanimous vote committee con sisting of Frank Nelson, R. N. Rhodes, J. J. Smith, James Bowron and John w. O'Neill was appointed by President Wood to see President Topping of the Republic and President G. G. Crawford of tba rannasSaa oorononieS and do olt in their power to have the matter ad- justed.
 Commend Alabama Fortitude.
 Another matter of importance taken up by the Commercial club yesterday after noon was the passage of the following resolution presented by F. Y. Anderson and adopted unanimously:
 Whereas, There is general desire for a resumption of business and industrial activity in all lines throughout the south and it is to the interest of all classes here that nothing should be left undone by anyone which may tend to aid in bringing this about,
 Therefore, be it resolved by the Com mercial club of Birmingham, Ala, That we congratulate the people of the south on having passed through the recent financial crisis with so little serious re- suits, as it is admitted that this section suffered less from the panic than any other portion of the country and is now in a better position financially than for many months previous, and we further congratulate the people of Alabama upon the fact that during the financial depres- sion not single bank in Alabama sus- pended.
 Resolved, That these facts justify renewal of effort and revival of ener- gies in all development work to the cpd that the south may take no backward step in the march of progress No other section offers greater advantages or eqaul inducements for the investment of cap ital, and the profitable employment of labor, and we therefore request all the commercial and business organizations as well as the press to join in a stronger and greater movement to advance the south than has of late been put forth. believing it will prove of inestimable ben eft to our people if this is done"
 Oppose Removal of Train.
 John w. O'Neill announced that com pany proposed to get out 75-page book let of Birmingham without any advertis- ing scheme attached, and its Endorsement was left to the secretary and MT. O'Neill with power to act. AIr. o'Nenl also se- cured the passage of this resolution:
 Whereas. An order has beer issued by the Southern railroad to discontinue train leaving Birming ham at 6;S0 in the morn ing for Sheffield via Parrish and Northern Alabama railroad; be it
 Resolved, by the Commercial club of Birmingham, That the officials of the Southern railway be requested not to dis continue this train, which is of so much value to the business interests of Bir- mingham Be 1t further
 Resolved. That MT. W. w. Finley, president of the Southern railway, be wired the contents of this resolution by the secretary of the Commercial club inn mediately.
 For Firemen's Tournament.
 The chairman of the entertainment coni- mittee, John l.. Parker. was instructed to appoint additional committees to se- cure funds for the prizes of the Volun- teer Firemen's tournament to be held here in May. E. J. Hudnal of Pratt City called attention to the reduction in rail- road rates for five days and the great ad- vantage to Birmingham merchants.
 F. NJ Jackson's s motion, making It tpe sense of the club that the Board Of Ret-