The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-16
SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM AND
 HARMONY IS NOTABLE
Largest Gathering of Merchants Ever Seen In Birmingham Gets Down to Business to Achieve
 Results.


 harmonious jingle that was ever heard around a banquet board in Birmingham when they were entertained last night by the officers and directors of the Busi- ness Mems league. Ten thousand dollars was raised within a twinkle, and tho committee in charge will have fully $S000 or $10,000 more within the week, for the accomplishment of the one object of the league-bringing more trade to Birming- ham.
 Never were so many of the city's mer- chants seen together in one meeting be- fore, and they were all with a single &C., cord seeking to swell the prosperity and business of the city which Richard John ston who has just returned from Denver, said is the greatest in the United States.
 The subscription list was headed by that of the Birmingham Railway Light and Power company for $1200. There were half dozen for $500 and $500, and a dozen or more for s200, and none of the sub- scriptions was less than $25. The full list will not be printed for a few days as so many merchants asked for one days grace so they could figure out just as large an amount as they possibly could give.
 The money will be used for the salary of secretary, putting on fair, and the many other schemes for bringing busi- ness which are being matched and grown There were about 200 merchants and busi- ness men present at the meeting
 These were the hosts of the evening: c. W. Ufford, prsident; M. " Joseph, first vice president; H. J. Porter, second vice president; John l.. Parker, treasurer; Directors A. H. Ford, Hugo Marx, Sol Caheen, L. Pizitz, R. D. Burnett J. D. Collins, W. T. Cox, A. w. B. Johnson, L. Saks, J. Burger, H. A. Drennen, o. Chalifoux, J. w. O'Neill, c. Blach, George B. McCleary, c. H. Nabb, Bert Jacobs, J. H. Holcombe and Dan Hogan.
 President c. w. Ufford introduced A, H. Ford who presided over the meeting and made an excellent toastmaster. MT. Ford paid high tribute to NJ V. Joseph. whom he said conceived the idea of league and had been closely identified with it from its inception He said that the most serious question from the start was whether the business men would CO., operate and after giving the history of the organization he said: The most en- couraging sign of the times is this mani- festation of get together movement right here in this room" He dwelt upon the single purpose of the league and said that any attempt to make it a po- litical machine or to boost anybody's scheme would be entire failure.
 President John L. Kaul of the Com mercial club was the first speaker and he assured the league that if it woul. stick to the text it would certainly sue ceed. He urged them to back up their directors and stop the fault finding. He told them of their part in the Chamber of Commerce and described the work ings of the new body.
 President John L. Parker of the board of education made boosting talk. "Or- ganization and concentration of the en- ergies of business men in Birmingham will develop an absolutely irresistible force which will do anything we under take. We are here as unit, with the same spirit. Every interest is repre- sented, and now if ever we need more trade. That is our salvation"
 Ben M Jacobs told of the part the league is going to have in the opening and the announcement to the world e Birmingham's magnificent Terminal sta- ton on April 6. This organization must make this new depot too small for Bir- mingham."
 H. J. Porter said that the push and go and harmony of the members would guarantee that everything they undertake will be a success.
 R. D. Johnston compared the league to the Boosters club in Denver, "the most progressive city in the United States outside of Birmingham" He put in good word for Greater Birming- ham, saying Just think of putting $25,- 900 cost of an extra session in one side to weigh against the interests of the greatest city in the United States" He urged the members to stand behind their directors; to push, and make Bir- mingham greater city of which the whole country will be proud.
 Jospeh B. Babb made an impressive talk, giving a powerful illustration of the force of cooperation and said that