The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-11
BUSINESS LEAGUES {. GOOD CHEER SMOKER \ GREAT SUCCESS HeIcembe Elected President of Thriving Organization for
 the Coming Year SPEECHES ALL FULL OF
 THE BIRMIN CHAM SPIRIT Business Men Are Numerous In Prais- Ing the Results Accomplished
 During the Past Year By
 Cooperation.

The Business Mems league last night closed its first years history with a 5ovial clasp of the hand and congratu- lations all round. started the charge on 1910 with the best foot out, and de- cided to increase the trade of Birming- ham a million dollars within the next year.
 Breathing that get-together spirit of good cheer. which has been the watch word of the league in its battle for more trade, sitting in chairs scattered at random, with their heads together, wreathed in smoke. the business men glanced back over year in which dreams had become realities and planned even greater mercantile development for the next 12 months.
 Tho meeting was unusually representa- tive, nearly all of the best business houses being represented by the heads of the firms. All of the speeches were notable for the harmony and unselflsh purpose which first originated the league and has since developed 1t HoIcon,be Elected President. J. H. Holcombe, manager of the Jesse French Piano 6 Organ Co.,. was elected president by a unanimous vote and M. V. Joseph, first vice president The full list of officers is as follows: President--J. H. Holcombe. Vice Presidential. V. Joseph. Second Vice President-George B. Me- Cleery.
 Treasurer-John L. Parker. Board of Directors--C. W. Ufford. Col man BIach, H. q Porter. A H. Ford, V. Hugo Marx, Sol Caheen, A. W. B. Johnson, L. Pizitz. R. D. Burnett, J. D. Collins, w. T. Cox, Herman Saks. Eugene Fies. J. Burger. G. B. Mcvay, John W. o'Neill. George A. Blinn, Abe Kaufman, Robert H. Baugh, Bertram Jacobs.
 President c. W. Ufford called the meet ing to order and in a short talk ex- pressed his appreciation of the honor he had received in serving the first year as president.
 "Success depends entirely upon the CO., operation of the members" he said. "Neither the president nor the secre- tary nor the directors can accomplish anything alone. We have had suc- cessful year, due not only to the sup port of the merchants but to others out side our ranks. The bankers have given us aid financially and good will. The railroads, especially the local agents, have done for us all we coud possibly expect At last there Is a feeling of good will and harmony between the people and the railroads of Alabama. The newspapers have been uniformly helpful
 'I want to make one or two recom- msndations. trust that our organiza- ton VII adhere strictly to the purpose for which 1t was organized-to bring more trade to Birmingham. Let no other policies disrupt, but leave these matters to the Board of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce, where such questions right ly belong.
 T trust also that some way will be found this year to affiliate with the Chamber of Commerce. I don't mean to lose our identity. but to let it be known that we are in cordial cooperation with the chamber, and that we are working along this particular line. Because there is often a question arising in strange minds that there Is lack of harmony, we should be afiiiated. It will harm neither and will be benefit to both.''
 In closing MT. Ufford paid high tribute to Secretary Frank P. Chaffes, "a day in and day out plugger for the welfare of the Business Mems league and the city ,hn hoa hAn svv1- busd with the spirit of Birmingham We are fortunate in having such a man as secretary"
 Chaffee Submits Report.
 MT. Chaffee was then called upon and made . full report of the years work gfven in another column. The report of the nonuina&ing committee was received and adopted unanimously. Mn Holconabe WIS conducted to the chair and was, in- troduced by MT. Ufford. who said: ''It is my pleasure to congratulate you upon your most excellent selection. You have here . man who has lived in the com munity for yeass, is known all over Ala bama and adjoining states. and you will nnd him . faithful conscientious woficsr.''
 Holcombe Accepts Presidency. In accepting the presidency MT. Hol- ccmbe said:
 Gentlemen-I thank you for tho confl- dencs you have shown in me by electing me to the office of president of the Busi- ness Msn's league
 It should be considered an honor to be selected from among . large number of mon, any one of whom would make an exosllsut head of such an organization as this. But 1t depends very largely upon your co-operat1on-your active help as to whsthsf you have tonight conferred upon me an honor or inflicted an onerous bur den.
 No president, nor secretary, nor, might say, . board of directors Cno mat ter how abls or enthusdastic they may bs), entirely makes tho success of . work sudh e we hAwe to do. It depends upon your eappo9e and yeur individual and year win be n Buocessful or moro sue cesuful than h the past The reports you have heard tonight dleay1y show that our investment in this wort has been good ono, that ws have mDeo than value reoetvod for its cost. The retuBnS have como in ways that mean potter railroad schedules. lower passengsr raAos. and, through thAse causes and tho splsndid advertieing campaign Of the 
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