The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-07-04
Chas. W. Thatcher Is Working for Boulevard from De-
 troit to New Orleans
WOULD MEAN MILLIONS
 SPENT BY THE TOURISTS
Says France Is Taking $200, 0,00O, ,00o Yearly From American Tourists as Result of Her Mag
 nificent Roads.

A genuine, dyed-in-the-wool good-roads crank is about to swoop down on Bir- mingham. Charles W. Thatcher, the road apostle who is travelling through the south behind two little burros in the in- terest of good roads. and is creating such interest in the cause which he represents is on the way to Birmingham from Hunts vile. He writes to Secretary Babb of the Commercial club:
 My Dear MT Babb: I am interesting boards of trade and commercial clubs in boulevard from Detroit, by the way of Louisville, Jacksons Hermitage and Bir- mingham, to New Orleans, to be con- structed by the government.
 Clubs have been organized all along the line to push this boulevard to successful reality among United States senators and congressman. A half million or more people are at present backing the move- ment, and this number is rapidly grow ing. Only last night we had a rousing rally at Gurley. Mrs. Virginia Clopton, that famous woman of the south, intro- duced me in the college building to an enthusiastic audience, in a most eloquent and graceful manner. Many great, loud cheers went up for better roads.
 A movement has been started in Madi- son county which will result in much good for the people and state. And so it has been everywhere I have opened campaign for good roads and the boule- yard. Cities and towns are giving the movement 0 great reception everywhere go. Public sentiment Is rapidly growing and being crystallized in favor of this rorth and south boulevard. It will mean for Birmingham an income through the tour ist traffic of over $3,00O,00O year, and as a factor which will increase the wealth of the state many more millions, and that which will benefit the state will add to the commercial and industrial wealth of Birmingham.
 Last year American tourists spent in Europe, because of It's beautiful high ways, three-quarters of million dollars. The Napoleon boulevard, constructed 1000 miles into the interior provinces, brought into France last year more than $2O0, COG, ,OOO in tourist traffic. With this boulevard a reality, Birmingham would require 10 large hotels. Your city would become night stand for winter and summer tour- ists.
 l ask no money for my services; in fact I positively refuse 1t. All I ask of any city is my entertainment while ill their midst. You can arrange for any number of speeches you deem wise The eyes of the south are upon Birmingham. ' progressive bodies in your city to give this mighty progressive movement the reception it deserves upon my arrival in your city. It means more for the city and state than any public utility enter prise since the birth of our nation, and the free advertisement you will receive in all tho large cities of the south and yard will repay you for all effort thousand fold.
 Indianapolis, Louisville and Huntsville have all rendered the boulevard rousing receptions upon my arrival. In Huntsville was met outside the city by the mayor and prominent citizens with a band, au- tomobiles and carriages.
 Pardon me, sr-not me- but the glori- ous cause I representa- am sure when so much is at stake your great city will do Itself proud Your influence over the state is far-reaching, and am confident you will be fully awake to your weighty responsibilities.
 Yours for victory,
 CHARLES W. THATCHER.
 F. S.-Kindly interest the automobile club and the newspapers. I will start Monday to make a survey from Hunts vile to Birmingham.