The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-10-15
Graft, 0vertOn, Johnston, Bur- nett and Babb Were Few
 of Morning Speakers
YOAKUM AND FINLEY BOTH
 SEND LETTERS OF REGRET
Welcoming Addresses Are Made by Representatives of Civic and Com merciaI Bodies - Underwood
 Makes Interesting Talk.

bama the Alabama Good Roads asso- citation was called to order yesterday morning at 1030 o'clock. The auol- torium was packed and the delegations included some of the most prominent citizens and strongest forces In the state.
 The morning session was given up to welcome addresses, talk by Presieonl John Craft, an address by state oeha- tor John ". Overton, the leader or the campaign for the indorsement or the amendment. and stirring appeals by both Senator J. F. Johnston and Con gressman Burnett
 Seated on the platform were Senator J. H. Bankhead, Congressman o. w. Underwood, Senator J. E. Johnston, John W. O'Neill, Congressman Burnett, pr. J. K. Dedman, President John Craft
 o'Neil First Speaker.
 The convention was called to order by John W. o'Neill. chairman of the joint committee of arrangements, who said:
 "Delegates to Alabama Good Roads Conventlon-The awakening to the inn
  fined not alone to the south, but to the entire country, and we are sure to see remarkable progress in building good roads, l desire to impress upon this representative body the eXtraordlnary value of good roads in the rural sec tions and 1 ardently urge the farmers to keep in mind this great good roads movement All dirt roads are feeders of the main highways and are essential to the farmer and to the trade centers and should be made good roads. hope the Jefferson county Board of Revenue in short time will give the people an opportunity to vote on a million dollar bond issue for the purpose of con structing good roads and with this fund and the additional revenue from road and bridge tax. this county within five years will have one thousand miles of standardized good roads.
 "As chairman of the joint committee of commercial bodies on good roads, greet you.
 "At o'clock this afternoon We have arranged to take all the delegates over Jefferson county roads in automobiles
 ..We want you to feel at home in our city.
 Make the Chamber of Commerce your headquarters.
 "The success of this meeting is large 1v due to the untiring efforts of your nresident. John Craft, and your secre- tary, J. A. Rountree. l desire to con- gratulate them"
 Mayor O'Brien Introduced.
 MT. O'Nein then introduced Mayor Frank P. OBrien, who welcomed the convention as one of the greatest ever held in the city.
 Captain O'Brien said: Birmingham feels highly honored in receiving such a convention of intelligent citizens. hope that it will result in much gooG as know it will"
 He told of his recent investigation of road and street construction in the north having made a careful study. While he was impressed with the ad- vance in New Jersey and Massachusetts he found them in the dark when it came to deciding upon the best meth od, and had been told that furnace slag is the best base.
 Tn concluding he extended a hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens of Birmingham and hoped them a profita- ble stay.
 President J D. Collins for the Board of Trade expressed his desire that the meet ing would be profitable.
 .As president of the Birmingham Board of Trade I take pleasure in extending cordial welcome
 Tt is fitting that this greeting should come from the organization which put in motion the movement which resulted in this convention.
 'The business men which the Birnng- ham Board of Trade represents are deep ly interested in good, better and more roads as a promotive of trade develop ,nent and trade relations. The business Interests commend your good work and -.sain welcome you to our city,
 J.. B. Babb made an especially telling T address for the Chamber of Commerce. He extended the hospitality of the cham Der from the seventh floor to the base . ment.
 John L. Parker, on behalf of the Bus iness Mems League, declared that if the merchants and farmers combine they can accomplish anything. We welcome you here and hope you most pleasant stay" Dr. J. E. Dedman, president of the Bir- mingham Motor club, added his word 70 the welcome, told of the success of the pathfinders trip in arousng interest among the farmers. He defended the au tomobile as great influence for good ~oads and assured the dereoatas that A. o automobile club would always be willing to do everything in it's power.
 Craft Is Enthusiastic.
 MT. ONeill then turned the meeting over to President John Craft, who made an enthusiastic talk. He said
 MT. Mayor, and gentlemen of your various commercial land industrial or ganizations of this great and enterprise ing city-the wonder of tho great state of Alabama-the Magic Birmingham
 "As the Alabama Good Roads associa. ton appreciates your cordial welcome to hold its meeting in your city, your hos- pitality is as warm as she hot blasts that flow from your great iron and steel fur naces, and tre evidence of your ever-in- creasing prosperity.
 '"The Alabama Good Roads association