The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-11-24

that started the ball of progress and has kept 1t rolling until now there seems nc end to it's possibility of achievement Every ton of coal, iron or steel turned out here is a help to all of Alabama and | to that extent every citizen of the state is vitally interested in your prosperity. Your progress will be no bar to the growth of our strictly agricultural sec l tions, and it is bound to have an im- mensely beneficial influence upon Mobile, which ought to be the place of import and export of all ship and coastwise business of Alabama. Those of us who live in Montgomery and that section of the state feel that our future will be one of con- tinued growth and influence. There is no feeling of jealousy anywhere in Alabama because Birmingham stands so pre-emi- nently at the topin the way of population and wealth. Take an Alabamian any where away from home, and in discus sion of the merits of his state he Is sure to enlarge upon Birmingham and its won derful past, and to be still more wonder full in the future. In view of what has happened in less than one-third of cen tury, imagination in it's widest riotins cannot go beyond what the future may be expected to unfold for this part of Alabama. Some years ago the late Sena- tor Pugh, as able and patriotic man as ever served Alabama, expressed the opin- ion that Seattle bid fair in the course of to 17 1ar iy, ba world With far less of uncertainty 1t can be pre- dicted that at no very distant day here in the mineral belt of Alabama will stand the greatest city in population and wealth south of the. Ohio and east of the Missis sippi rivers-S
 Gen. George F. Harrison
 Gen. George P. Harrison spoke feeling ly of his devotion to the Confederate veterans and the loyalty of their support and interest in the annual reunion. He then expressed his appreciation of Bir- mingham's invitation to hold the reunion here on this occasion when 1t looked as if no invitation was coming from any other city. "I hope to live long enough to see Birmingham the metropolis of
  clared. "I do not believe I will have to live long to see this. With the enter prising citizens you now have and those that are coming there is no telling what you will do. As an Alabamian by adop- tion I am proud of this, the greatest city not only in the state, but in the south.
 Birmingham growth reminds me of the story of the darky who was left by his master to guide the boat on dark night and was shown a star by which to guide the boat After some time the mas ter awoke to find the boat gonig out of it's course. When he asked the darky how he was getting on he replied, Great est best, but Boss, you will have to give me another star, we have done passed the one you showed me- Birmingham has passed its guiding star, if 1t ever had one."
 Senator J. H. Bankhead
 Senator J. H. Bankhead was intro duced by Sterling A. Wood Senator Bankhead said in part: T am proud that I was introduced to this audience and on this occasion by the son of the general whom I followed in the war be- tween the states.
 q am proud of the opportunity to say something in celebration of the mar vicious growth of Birmingham. I can remember well when the marks of the cotton and corn rows could be traced through Capitol park. I can remember when a fodder stalk stood where that shaft now stands to commemorate the Confederate soldiers. I can remember when there was no sign of habitation or industry where Ensley now stands. can remember when a few billy goats could eat all the tin cans thrown from the back doors of Birmingham. I hope to live long enough to see Birmingham with a population of 30o,0Oo and I would not be a very old man at that.
 'Tt is said that all things come to him who waits. But Birmingham goes after what 1t wants and gets 1t. There Is one thing more you want to make this the greatest thing in the world. That Is navigable water to the Gulf of Mexico You will have this as certainly as you have had everything else you have gone after. I will tell you how to get it. Keep Oscar Underwood in Congress and my colleague, Joe Johnston. in the Sen ate.
 Thanks to you people of Alabama I have the longest term yet to serve of any man in the United States Senate and you will always find me fighting for this improvement.
 Birmingham produces more tonnage than the cities of London and Liverpool combined and more than the entire cot ton crop of the south. You must have water transportation and you will get it if you go after it."
 Senator Joseph F. Johnston
 Senator Joseph F. Johnston made a most happy speech, though he was suf fering with cold and a sore throat which hindered his delivery.