The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-16
The American Road Congress

The American Road Congress
 Another great organization representing practically the entire country is to hold convention at Atlanta Ga in Noyem- per- This organization is composed of those who are actively occupied in stim- ulating the construction of good roads all over the country. The latest previous meeting of this Congress at Detroit served greatly to stimulate the interest in good roads and construction and it Is expected that the Atlanta convention of this year will still further stimulate personal as well as legislative activities in favor of good roads.
 Then again one of the great American organizations interested in fostering the iron and steel industry of the United States is to have an annual convention at Birmingham in October. From some points of view this is likely to be the most important of these great gatherings which are to be held in the south in October and November of this year. The American Iron and Steel institute is thought to have acted wisely in making selection of Birmingham as the place for its annual meeting for this year. The institute is of worldwide authority. Even in num- bers its membership is not exceeded by that of any other iron or steel organiza- ton In the world. There will gather cer- tainly as many as 1200 and possibly as many as 1500 members of this organiza- tion. The institute represents an indus try which now controls neardly one-half of the worlds iron output. It has devel- oped to high degree many of the best features of modern industry refecting the true principles of business and manufac- turing economy
 This institute was the first organization in the United States to demonstrate that true business economy is secured by the adoption of the principle of cooperation. The institute many times showed what the harmful effects of cut-throat compe- tition are. It has been said of the insti- tute that, as an organization, 1t has done more "a develop broad policy of co-op- eration instead of cut-thr5at competition shan has been accomplished by all other huDiness organizations combined. The institute has shown that cooperation does not involve violation of federal ur state statutes. It does involve the elimination Of riunous competition and the inainten- ance of influences which will serve to steady rrices.
 Birmingham and the great industries which the name identifies will be sure favorably to influence the American Steel and Iron institute. The direct and indi- rect effect of the convention which is to be held at Birmingham will. 1t is believed here, certainly aid in stimulating the re- vival of business prosperity Many think that the first visible demonstration that the revival has begun will be made by the irJn and steel industries Of the United States. It is spoken or here as especially fortunate that at this time when the American people are beginning to realize that if business lethargy is to be shaken off they must themselves stimulate the irduences which are necessary the three great conventions of the year are to be he Id iii the south and 1t time when we shall begin to realize what the effect of our great harvest upon the trsirsss sit- uation Is to be.