The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-10-30
AS TO PROSPERITY
 ALL MERCHANTS AND
 BUSINESS MEN AGREE
CrOaker Not in Evidence and Promise of Greater Things Within 30 or 60 Days Held
 Forth-Prosperity Here,
 Is Belief

Men representing practically every line of business in Birmingham yesterday spoke enthusiastically of the statement of Judge Ebert H. Gary of the United States Steel corporation, which was print ed in yesterdays Age-Herald
 Everywhere the statement was accept ed indicative of better times for Bir- mingham larger pay rolls for Birming ham; a larger volume of business for Birmingham. and that every wheel in this district would be turning within very short time. No one doubted the words of Judge Gary. His habit of refraining from expressing himself for the public is so we'll known here, that when a state ment is made by him. it is accepted by business men as true barometer of con ditions.
 The croaker was not in evidence yes terday when The Age Herald reporters called for interviews from practically every prominent business man in town.
 A few of the statements follow:
 Want Results
 Sol Caheen: What we want to see in Birmingham is the results of these Gary statements. If there is so much prosper ity in the steel industry we want Judge Gary to build an armor plate and cotton ties mill in this district. There should also be a mill for structural steel. We have all the natural resources here, so why not have the mills? Now if Judge Gary isn't giving us all little hot air, let him come across with something TOT Birmingham. If he is simply talking for fla why that is different I want to see re- suits of this impetus In the steel indus try before l speak on what it will do for Birmingham. I want to see Judge Gary do something for Birmingham be- fore I give my opinion on the matter"
 Need Cooler Weather
 w T. Cox. of the Cox Shoe company: Naturally the statement of Judge Gary is bound to reflect better conditions for Birmingham and the local district. As to present conditions, of course, the weather is so mild that the retail trade is very sluggish, but this will all be charged if cool spell comes along. Judge C;ary's statement brings high hopes to all of us of sustained prosperity
 Very Optimistic
 F. w. Bromberg. the ieweler: We are not in position as yet to notice the direct results of all this activity in the steel and iron industry. as the people of this district through months of in- activity are not yet out of debt. How ever, in a few months the increasec pay rolls are bound to create a surplus fund l'of loose money that will naturally be thrown on the local retail marts thereby bringing greater stability to business in Birmingham. Judge Gary's statement is naturally very optimistic yet there is in i- much to base high hopes on." Statement Is Bully" T. R. Weaver. of the Guarantee Shoe company: q think Judge Gary's state ment is bully and business conditions locally are showing daily improvement However, I do not care to be quoted Amplifies Information Robert H. Baugh, president Birmingham Arms company: For some little time it has been well known that conditions in the district were showing vast improve nent and Judge Gary's statement as quoted in the Associated Press merely amplifies what we already know. As to what all this hustle in the steel trade ] means to Birmingham that is difficult to answer. but in my opinion it will bring other industries in this district and a greater Birmingham will arise from this prosperity. The immediate results, how ever, of this industrial activity will not be noticed locally for at least two months | more"
 1 Brings Hope"
 l George H. Blinn. of the Excelsior laun- dry: Prosperity in the steel and iron industry is the life of Birmingham. It is what we depend on for our bread and butter and Judge Garys statement brings hope What hurts at the present time is that the government keeps heckling at the United States Steel corporation which prevents the enlarging of the local plants. Local conditions are bound to show vast 1 improvement within the next 30 days
 Best News in Age-Herald 1 l.. Block, of the rarisian: Tt is the best news that I've read in The Age-Her- aid in sometime and Judge Garys state ment as quoted in the Associated Press ] (Continued on Paee TweIve)