The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-08-31
ETOWAH C|T|ESARE
 ALL F[OUR|SH|NG Industrial Activity in and
 Around Attalla FURNACE TO RESUME Eagle Iron Company Will Put Char- coal Stack Into Blast for Three Years Run on
 Contract
FURNACE TO RESUME
nv c.E. STEWART


 Attalla, August 30.-(Special) )-Despite the fact that two of their largest in- dustries are in the hands of receivers, the trio of cities located on the fertile banks of the Coosa river and Big Wills creek-Gadsden, Alabama City and Att talla, are enjoying the general business prosperity that the whole country seems to have taken on with a total and un- precedented disregard for the national election, and the ancient and historic rule of it's always being an off year for business.
 The two industries mentioned are, as we stated, in financial difficulties, but through no fault of the local plants; on the contrary the local plants have pros- pered to an unusual degree and have in every way confirmed the wisdom of the enterprlsing pioneers who founded them fin this district. They were simply un- able to carry the burden from outside sources
 Although in the hands of a receiver the big steel mill at Alabama City of the Southern Iron and Steel company is run ming in most of it's departments and will have it's open hearth furnaces in full blast at an early date.
 Orders for steel billets, wire and nails and field> fence are pouring in form every quarter, and 1t Is said the re- ceivers contemplate doing everything possible to meet the constantly increas- ing demand and 1t is needless to state that they would not entertain such plans unless there was a substantial profit in the operation of the plants.
 T. EoIt
 Other industries are following, in fact this district apparently Is taking on new industrial life At Attalla F. l.. Matthews of Laurel, Miss, the own CT and operator of three big cotton congresses throughout the south, and whose far seeing ability in judging good location for such an enterprise Is well known, Is building s30,000 cotton compress right across the tracks from the Central station.
 The citizens of the city donated liber- ally toward this enterprise and it prom ises much toward building up a great cotton market here. Already the city is assured of cotton buyers representing ss many big cotton firms who will give all their time to the local market.
 The compress will have daily capac- ity of 1500 bales. The present season Attalla bought 5000 bales of wagon cot ton, but within radius of 90 miles there are 10000 bales produced annually, and the three cities propose to become active bidders for this cotton and the great volume of business which will nat urally accrue from it's purchase in these markets.
 It is said that the farmer will be able to realize s1 per bale more for his cotton marketed here for through points by reason of having it com pressed and 1t will also give him splendid market for his seed
 Cotton seed oil mills. fertilizer plants and improved cotton gins natur- ally follow the building of cotton compress, as an instant demand is made for such enterprises growing out of strong cotton market.
 Eagle Iron Company
 The Eagle Iron company, which owns charcoal furnace here. Is preparing to put their plant Into blast for d three years run under contract.
 The general demand for iron is assigned as their reason for going into blast, and also the further fact that it has recent ly been demonstrated that the nigh phos- phorus charcoal iron can be successfully used in the manufacture of tin. J. II. Walker an experienced charcoal iron furnaceman is in active charge. holding the office of vice president and general manager.
 The Peacock Iron works. which for 3D years or more have conducted a large foundry business at Selma, probably the best advertised firm in the southern states as we'll as in South and Central America. has about consummated arrangements to locate here. w. F. Stowers has donated 20 acres of land to this enterprise and other citizens have subscribed for s20.0O0 In stock.
 They will manufacture cars and car wheels, in which line they are celebrated. This firm made cannon for the Confed- ercy.
 There is general feeling of confidence in the future for business in this district, and everyone confidently expects that the problems confronting the Alabama Con solidated Coal and Iron company and the Southern Iron and Steel company will be worked out satisfactory in the end, and with this confidence and the further con- fidence in the resources of the district they are proceeding to go right ahead with the programme for bigger business.
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