The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-02-08
FIVE HUNDRED CLUB
 STARTS IN EARNEST
Prominent Citizens Discuss Im-
 portance of Work.
MEANS MUCH TO CITY
VIII Bring Good Returns-All Re- Iieve It Will Bring Many
 Small Industrios.

1ne campaign TOT tiie 0VV cluD cdpltdi stock is. moving in earnest just now. Committees are putting it up to the citi- zens of Greater Birmingham so convinc- ingly that they cannot refuse.
 Right here 1t will be interesting to note the opinions of four different promi- nent citizens, who look upon the promo ton of the club from as many view points.
 w. P. G. Harding, president of the First National bank: 'The small manufactur- ing plant has harder work getting a start than any other undertaking. It is not a good bank proposition to loan concern which hasn't made any showing as to earning capacity, for banks must make their loans against assets.
 This club will tender It's loans on real estate securities, at one-third value, with terms of from one to three years, com pared to the banks 20 days.
 Tt gives just the sort of help the small manufacturer needs, and generally speak ing, 1t is safe proposition. Even if the factory does not succeed, the loan is such small part of the value of the property, the club can get the money out by organ izing another company.
 '-The expenses of maintaining the com- pany would be nominal. The officers and civic pride, while the attorneys fees and cost of looking up the titles would be borne by the borrower.
 'In my opinion the stock would pay at least or 5 per cent on the investment, and should prove attractive even to those who do not take interest on the other benefits"
 said: There is no reason why Birming- ham should not become the most at- tractive locating point for new industries in the South Men in every business should take kindly to a move that means diversified industries, which is undoubt- edly the one greatest need of our grow ing city. ~
 Like the Associated Charities, this will become a clearing house for de- serving propositions. No longer will the member of the .5o0' club have to listen to the plea of the stock solicitor for some small plant, but can refer him immediately to the club, where l. will be investigated thoroughly and the proper action taken.
 "On the other hand, the saving to the promoter, in worry, trouble and embarrassment, will bring numbers of investors who would otherwise seek some other city. The money subscribed can be turned over and over, and ae 1t is returned with interest. may be reinvested until the organization be- comes one of the strongest in the city I am heartily in accord with 1t and hope we may get so much to report Friday night that it will call for q charter immediately"
 Said Colman Blach: We merchants have been talking about the need f,r skilled workmen and right here is our chance to get them. We know that Birmingham's dependency upon iron and steel for prosperity is like build ing in the sands. We must have these skilled workmen in diversified plants and then, when panics come, our dis trict will not suffer as 1t has in the past.
 This proposition sh ould appeal os. pecially to the supply man, for there Is no bigger spender, or more valuable customer than the skilled workman Let us finish this thing up quickly. and get down to business"
 Said H. J. Porter, the clothier: "l am indeed deeply interested in this great project. The '5O' club is the advanced modern method of building a city. There Is no reason on earth why Birmingham should not have as many industries as Chattanooga and yet thI4 city is the distributing point Tor many Chattanooga products.
 We have the central location, the material, and the money. Let the out side world once find out that Birming ham is ready to help the baby in. dustry and we will find plenty of safe investments for the stock subscribea to this club.
 Under the provisions of the sub. scription the money will only be loaned on the best security with every avail. able recourse reserved and I see ns reason why good return on the money might not result"