The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-08-09
WITH THE
 HISTORY SYNOPSIS

Among the many prominent southern educators showing interest in the His tory of Coal and Iron in Alabama" by Miss Ethel Armes, are Dr. William B. Hall, acting vice chancellor of the Uni- versity of the South, and the Rev. A. H. Noll, ILL. D., registrar of the Univer- sity of the South.
 Letters received from them recently are as follows:
 August 8, 1909. Miss Ethel M. Armes, Birmingham, Ala. My Dear Miss Armes--I have exam- ined the prospectus of your book short ly to be produeed-'"The Story of Coal and Iron in Alabama"-appearing In The Age Herald of Sunday, July 25, 1909, and giv- ing a synopsis of the ground to be cov- cred In each chapter. This synopsis is evidence of your indefatigable zeal in delving into hitherto unwritten fields of Alabama history.
 The history of the development of any industry cannot but be source of pleas ure, not only to those closely connected with the development, but to the intel ligence of the commonwealth. If the body of the text Is presented In the pleasing style which may be expected from the method pursued in the synopsis of chapters this work will necessarily be most entertaining, as we'll as most valuable in the historical development of Alabama, and also of great economic value as showing how coal and Iron have progressed. Apart from It's interest and value in an historic and economic way the book will appeal to many on account of the personal presentation of the prominent names associated from earliest times to the present day with the development of this industry.
 Wishing you continued success in this undertaking, am. very faithfully yours,
 WILLIAM B. HALL. Acting Vice Chancellor, the University of the South.
 August 3, 1909. Miss Ethel Armes, Birmingham. Ala. Dear Miss Armes:--I have recently been accorded the privilege of examining the synopsis of your forthcoming book, 'The Story of Coal and Iron in Alabama. and await with deep interest the pub lication of a book which will be such a valuable contribution to the economic history of the south. Tn this peculiar field 1t will be almost a pioneer, and hope that your work will lead to the preparation of similar histories of other industries which are the wealth of our southern country. The synopsis of the chapters of your book exhibit the width and thoroughness of your research; the logical arrangement of your materials; and the presentation Of the results In a form that is sure to command the in- terest and retain the attention of read CTS. If the Alabamians do not at once appreciate the value of this contribution to the history of their state they will in the near future appreciate 1t and find in 1t a story of which they have every reason to be proud. I can readily see how valuable your book will be to pulp lie libraries, and more particularly to college and school libraries. not only to Alabama, but throughout the United States.
 My own personal interest in the forth coming volume is enhanced by your ref erences therein to men of whose lives I have made some study; and to locali- ties more or less familiar to me.
 Hoping that your publication will meet with the success 1t deserves, I am, very sincerely yours,
 ARTHUR HOWARD NOLLs