The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1911-02-05
.COWART WILL GO
AFTER IMMIGRANTS
Commissioner of immigration
Says He Wants 100000
STATE NEEDS FARMERS
The Appointce OF Governor O'Neal Has
Clearly Defined Ideas as to the
Work Expected of the I'M
migration Bureau

Lee Cowart, who was recently appoint
ed immigration commissioner for Ala
bama by Governor oNeal, was In Bir-
mingham yesterday for the purpose of
getting in touch with the industries and
people who are interested in the work
he is now to assume. He said yester-
day in discussing his new work that it
was his ambition to secure 100000 agrl-
cuturists for Alabama during his term
of office and that broad dragnet would
be spread In all congested agricultural
regions looking to the inducement of i'm
migrants to come into this state
He said. that In his opinion the work
assigned to him by the states chief ex-
ecutive was among the most important
to this state, and that it was his pur-
pose and intention to give Alabama his
best thought and work during his term
of office.
IT have very clearly defined ideas as to
the work of the immigration bureau
said Commissioner Cowart yesterday. at
intend to gather data relative to the
untitled lands of this state. 1 wish a
map in my office clearly pointing out
the lands that are for sale, and with
this information can do better work
believe Alabama at this time presents
more attraction to immigrants that any
other state in America. I intend to
insert advertisements in all American
farm and agricultural journals, which
reach densely populated countries. In ad-
dltion to this, I want to get in touch with
German, italian and Swedish immigrants
on their native heaths. BY doing this /
can get into Alabama a fine class of farm
people. When it is remembered how i'm
portant is the production here of our own
commodities, which do away with impor-
tations at high prices, the seriousness of
this work can be understood.
THE railroads of this state are very
fair about this work l hope to have a
conference with all the railroad commits
sioners very soon and act In a spirit of
cooperation with them. However, my
department will be thoroughly independ-
ent of any special section or interest. It
is our intention to bring to Alabama peo-
the possibilities of this state along natural
lines.
In a great many states of this country
there are densely populated sections where
the farmers are just waiting for the mes
sage that Alabama can send. They pay
high for lands now and till them for
small gains. Alabama can give them
cheaper lands and the reward will be far
more than they get for their labors else
where. 's4.r rt
THE position Of immigration commits
sioner is far from being a sinecure, and
this intend to prove. I have a few
ideas, along general lines, about some
amendments to the present laws which
will provide a fund for this work with
additional help. I hope to offer these TO
the lawmakers when the revenue bill is
taken up so that Alabama will be pro-
gressive along THIS line"
In addition to making an effort to get
farmers into this state 1t is the intention
of Commissioner sCowart to act in con-
junction with the industries of Alabama
and assist them in solving some of the
labor problems which have caused I'M
usual anxiety In the past few years. An
effort will be made to interest others
besides farmers In Alabama and provide
the local plants with abundant help.
At the present time the great corpora
lions of the Birmingham district are
forced to expend big sums every year
to secure labor in this district with which
to carry on their plans of Improvement.
The commissioner Of immigration con-
templates aiding the corporations and 1t
is to be expected that the cooperation
of the state and corporations will result
in effectually remedying the shortage
of labor which periodically exists.
Mr.. Cowart will remain In the city I'M
til Tuesday, when he will return to Mont
gomery.