The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-10-31
JOHN |. RAUL
 HAS AN IDEA
Would Bring Automobile Tour
 ists Through Birmingham
ION THEIR WINTER TRIPS
Most of the Principal Cities on the Way Down to
 This City
BY CLYDE W. ENNIS

| That the people of Birmingham and Alabama could by concerted action pull together and make valuable asset oi northern people who make winter tours was the declaration of John L. Raul be- fore leaving last night for New York He is one of the several Birmingham citizens who toured in his automobile through the New England states during the past summer and while making the trip care fully analysed the methods used in those states to please and make glad the thou sands of persons who make the annual pilgrimage.
 He indorsed in terms that could not be mistaken the project to develop the idea of bringing northern people down south In the winter season as southern people go north In the summer. He said it was a matter that should be carefully outlined by the people of this city, begun on a small scale and developed as exigencies demanded until the south received the stream of gold again that was annually given the New Englanders by southern people.
 1 MT. Kaal Talks
 MT. Raul said: 'The south and Bir. mingham particularly, can offer at this time trip for winter autoists that is superior to anything they can offer us We have the natural and artificial beauty I to cause pronounced enamourment with the south and with the proper ef- fects we could shortly secure a perfect  | for the south.
 "The plan to bring wealthy people here should be started on a small but we'll de- | fined plan. The persons up north who ] have money and make their annual trips l to Florida would receive a warm well come at every hamlet in the south. l Tt will require a great deal of work but beginning along about this time when Birmingham Is so prominently be- fore the country Is to my way of think. ing an exceptional time.
 | "The question of roads will naturally intrude itself upon anyone thinking of the plan. While at this time we have not the highways that are travelled in New England, at the same time we are not as bad as many states. For instance Chattanooga and Birmingham are con- nected with pretty good roads. From this city to Nashville there are being made some fine stretches which when completed will compare favorably with any. When Alabama Is left to the south have grand stretches of Tennessee bikes That city and Louisville and Indi. annapolis are closely connected. In addi- ton 1t would require only about 16 hours to get to Cincinnati, and the first lap oi a long automobile journey Is completed From Cincinnati to other large northern cities 1t is only few hours drive. | Means Much to City
 ''If we could secure some definite plan to get people started to Florida in theil cars 1t would mean a great deal for Bir- mingham. In the first place the adver. tisement that would result would be more than worth the cost of getting the plar started. The tourists would naturally spend lot of money here and this would aid a great many and various enterprises T do not believe there Is any patriotic citizen who will gainsay the plan favor able commendation. There is surely nc reason now why Birmingham cannot gel out and hustle for the golden fruits thai are within the grasp of this city. Ws need every bit of advertising and every cent of invested money here that can bt legitmately secured and the visits oi winter tourists through Birmingham or their way to Florida or to stop in this city would. am firmly convinced, aid Birmingham in many ways
 But, as I stated, 1t will require un- selfish and concerted action on the part of Birmingham people to attain an end | which is certainly to be desired.