The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-29
ANOTHER YEAR OF GREAT PROGRESS IS
 CHRONICLED BY CHAMBER OFCONMERCE

was appointed and now has under consid- eration this important subject
 In view of these things feel that am not unduly optimistic as to our future that my conception of the chamber. ex- pressed at my inauguration, as eompris- ing great business organization still holds good l spoke then of our widen ing field of opportunity and in my ap- pea for greater effort on the part of each individual member I mentioned some of the objects which in time we might hope to accomplish. It is with a rare pleasure that I have watched the attainment of some of these obiects-a greater better, and more efficient organi- zation-a home in keeping with the worth and dignity of our undertaking and of which we may well be proud-the respect of the community and the assurance of its support.
 But we may feel satisfied with our prog ress thus far, only in that degree in which we have courage and ambition to push forward to the attainment of still greater things. Some of our work has not yet been begun: some of the objects of which l spoke year ago still lie before us un- realized All Of these may safely be left to my alert and able successor, who has not only been closely connected with the workings of the chamber for the past year, but for many years It is gratify ing to know that the work has fallen to one who is not only capable. but who will push 1t forward with zeal and en- thusasm.
 It should be remembered that we are not concerned with our material advance , ment alone, but that upon us also rests the duty of making our city attractive in every way, of seeing that she keeps pace with the times, and finds her place among the foremost of the cities which in these days are striving for the uplift of their people as a whole
 With the permission of my successor, I desire to refer to a matter of which l spoke in my inaugural address, which, owing to circumstances and conditions, could not be taken up and worked out during the year, but which I feel is of such importance that I should urge it again upon your attention, in order that it may not be overlooked. That is that the chamber should take up with the proper city and county authorities the matter of seeing that a plan of public inn provement is worked out by the best tal- ent to be had, involving the expenditure of perhaps millions of dollars, and cov- ering in it's execution a period of many years, as is the case with many of the leading cities of the world. By such a measure only may avoid that hap hasard improvement born of whim and caprice, which has proven so costly in many cities, and from the effects of which they would gladly give millions to escape. The highways, tunnels and parks, public playgrounds and organized charities are all very well in themselves, each valuable in it's own way and neces- sary to the welfare of our people, but each failing of it's greatest success if not made part of a carefully marked out and intelligently directed plan; our aim must be to bring all such effort into one chan nel, and to so direct all this energy that none shall be lost, but all be made to stand for something in the final result.
 In striving for the good of our city the spirit of cooperation can be worked out to a higher degree of efficiency within the Chamber of Commece than in any other way, or by any other body; for here every interest meets every other on com- mon ground, and all unite in common cause for the good of the greatest num- , Der. I make the prediction here that if our organization takes the position in the community which it should take nothing affecting adversely the interests of city or county can be foisted upon our clClzens over the protest of the Chamber of Com merce, for 1t stands for all that tends to the upbuilding of city and county, in the truest sense of the word, and further more, It's influence, If wisely directed, should be felt not in the city and county alone, but 1t should become statewide This has already been foreshadowed in the interest manifested by our senators and representatives in Congress in the resolutions adopted by the chamber on several occasions, dealing with questions vitally affecting this section and the state at large.
 For the future I bespeak greater indi- vidual effort on the part of our members, greater interest in the committee work, larger attendance at our meetings. Human nature is much the same the world over, all men depending upon the approval and support of their fellows for incentive to their best efforts. Nothing will so spur your officers on to do their best or pro- duce such efficient work and satisfactory results as large and regular attendance at meetings.
 In closing, I want to express my appre- ciation of the willing and valuable sistance which has been rendered to me during my incumbency by your efficient secretary, MT. J. B. Babb, and by the vice presidents, directors and chairmen of your committees. Without their hearty cooperation we could not have attained the success that we have met with; I feel that in the efforts which have been made and the results which have been accomplished, the spirit of our watchword has found worthy expression I am en- couraged to assert earnestly and with deep conviction that the Chamber of Commerce Is not only the prophet of Bir- mingham's future. but also her pilot.
 Bowron Is Next Speaker.
 James Bowron was the next speaker. "The first thing for the chamber to do is to keep on fighting for Greater Bir- mingham Ensley ought to be taken in. She owes her life to Birmingham be- cause, out of the goodness of the First Ma tional bank, that land was once redeemed from the executors hands,"
 He declared that after careful study he believed that the Birmingham High school is the greatest preparatory school in SOntb lr- mingham should be governed by a com mission, He thought that the city has had many notable hard working officers, but thought the ctys affairs now important enough to require all the time of its of ficers Cut out partisanship," he urged. Republican citizens are just as much in terested in city affairs and just as good men as democrats. Cut out partisanship and in city affairs follow the example of the Chamber of Commerce and get to- gether."
 The speaker then took up the importance of making Birmingham passing point for steel so that the city can get the benefit of her geographical location; and the necessity of making Birmingham a passing point for freight rates.
 '.The time Is coming rapidly when we shall have navigable water to the War ror river,' which he said Is now being opened to point due west.
 He said that the extension of the Bir- mipgham Southern railroad would short ly lplace Birmingham in the position to fight other cities to a standstill.