The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-10
Letter to Rotarians

tral committee of the university cam paign.
 Immediately after the adjournment of the campaign committees of the uni- versity movement a short business ses- sion Of the Rotary club will be held to discuss ways and means whereby this club can be of service in this un- dertaking, which is of such vital in- terest to the entire city and state.
 Many Rotarians are actively enlist ed in this campaign and they are counting on the presence at this luncheon of all Rotarians in the city. Let us rally to their support. Rotarily yours. J. E. Shelby, President"
 At the luncheon yesterday Sidney Bowie was asked by Chairman Shook to give his views on the campaign
 The citizens of Birmingham have a great obligation here and great duty to perform" said Mr. Bowie Many of us have an idea that we must have cer- tifcates of stocks and bonds before putting money into any project. This fund for the university is a matter to which we should contribute without question. It means more to Birmingham than any other one thing could, and cer- tihcates of stock should be eliminated from it.
 All Citizens Will Benefit
 "A great university here would be of incalculable value. We won't get any certificates of stock by contributing but every citizen here will benefit Not only will real estate values be enhanced but it will mean the bringing here of desirable people, which will swell the population and bring more money to the city. We should go right out and get this university. and l believe we will.'
 Other speakers at yesterdays lunch were Paul Phillips and F. B. Fowlkes Each told of incidents in the work of getting subscriptions to the university outlining some obstacles that they have met and how they were overcome.
 Dr. John s. Foster, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, when asked yes terday to express his views on the cam paign to secure a million-dollar fund Tor the purpose of aiding in bringing the university to Birmingham, said:
 Tt is great work and I hope the needed money will be secured. I am glad to note that the fund is nearing the $5O0,00O mark and have no doubt but that the Methodist commission will locate the school here, if the fund is escured.
 "A great university, such as I under stand will be erected here, is one of Birmingham's greatest needs. The young men of our city who have not the means to go to far away place to be educated, should have the ad- vantage of an institution of higher edu- cation here at home. There are hun dreds of young men in this city who are ambitious for an education, but who are unable to leave home to attend a university. The bringing of the Metho- dist university here would mean much to them.
 "The business men of the community owe it to themselves to see to it that the youth of the city is given an op- portunity for education. The youth of today is to be the business man of to- morrow and unless the youth of today is educated while yet youth, he will make but a poor business man.
 Aside from the moral benefit to the community the location here of such an institution would mean much in a ma terial way. There would be an attend ance of at least 1000 students a year and the average expenditure of these