The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-23
Industrial Report.

Birmingham was moving at such a swift pace up to the time of the finan- oia1 manic last fall, the figures of the industrial developments for the year eH- ceeded those of any other year Ill the history of the district. The advent or the Tinted States Steel corporation With an investment of approximately szo'Wo'- GOO on the heels of the panic gave BIT mingham a unique distinction. NO otner city in America has had such a tribute ,,.id to if new era in our industrial development has begun.
 Birmingham also enjoys the distinction of being the only city in America that has doubled it's population in the past year. For the purpose of this report the territory annexed under the provisions oI 4ha 1xinr hill is considered a part or Birmingham.
 Two railroads, the Illinois Central ana Mobile and Ohio, have entered the ci'y during the past year. No other coiii- ,,,,,nitv in America can rival Birmingham in this particular.
 Birmingham is moving on steaoliy anu irresistibly towards the accomplishing oi the prediction so often made that IL ID to be the metropolis of the south and the worlds greatest industrial city.
 The Commercial club during the past wear has been active and gratifyingly ef- fectiye. More than 200 conventions were held in Birmingham. Eight thousand souvenir pamphlets were issued with views of Birmingham, and statistics Of indus trial development. A number of articles were furnished for magazines and news papers, The club led in the fight of the foreign tax loan bill, unthoughtedly passed by the legislature, and which serl- ously crippled for while our facility for deyelopment The club led, as it had for a number of years, the Greater BirminS- ham fight, and finally secured a bill doubling the population of the city. Under the auspices of the club was inauguarted the nome label' movement which re- suited in the organization of the Manufac- turers association under the wing of the Commercial club. This organization is militant body. Already provision has been made for the issuance of 100000 pam nhlets showing the commodities manufac- tnred in Birmingham. This association will also undertake a boosters trip, for Inc purpose of increasing the trade area or Birmingham. Committee work has been especially active, and much good result has been derived therefrom.
 ,rhe clubs interest In waterways was manifested by sending delegation to the Takes to the Gulf Waterways convention in Memphis. The result being that the Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi Water ways convention was held in this city, and was a success. There is projected ,,ow A conference to be held in New Dr. leans June 26, brought about by sugges- ton of Congressman Underwood to the Commercial club, for the purpose Of in- augurating a movement for the purchase by the government of the Lake Borgne canal
 This would open up large market for Alabama coal. The club has not relin- quished it's determination to secure the subtreasury, which belongs to Birming- ham by every right. It was not oppor- tune, however, to make fight during the past session of Congress. The club took no other steps than to keep it's eyes on the gun, and to invite George B. Cortel- you, secretary of the treasury, to visit Birmingham. The club entertained dur ing the year Vice President Fairbanks.
 (CnNTUNTInn nN DAGH al