The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-02-10
SHELBY RECEPTIVE BUT NOT ACTIVE AS
 ID SECRETARYSH|P
Would Accept Civic Cham Der Position If Offered But Will Make No
 Campaign

Stating that he would not accept the po- eition unless the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce unsolicited rendered to him the office of secretary, j.. D. Shelby, well-known business man and civic worker, stated yesterday that the report of his candidacy in yesterday mornings Age-Herald was correct, but was published without the knowledge of { himself or his friends.
 t 'If members of the board of directors feel that I am so fitted for the position that they desire to offer it to me-" said MT. Shelby, T have decided to accept it. ] Tt strikes me that the position of sec- retary of the Chamber of Commerce is of sufficient importance for the board of directors to take some pains and seek the best man for the place, and on that grounds I decline to make a personal campaign.
 T want it thoroughly understood that in my humble opinion no man is fitted to hold such position unless the position seeks him. If it is offered to me I would accept it with the intention of making good and holding the position for years, and under those circumstances I would want perfect assurances to begin with that there w&s more than a bare ma jority of the board of directors who be- lieved in my ability and wanted me to have the job.
 Considers the Proposition
 Therefore, strictly speaking, I am not a candidate, although for more than two weeks I have been considering the propo- sition as it was first put up to me by my friends. At first it seemed impossible. The idea was such a departure from any plans I had in view that I refused to consider it. But after the repeated ap- peals and continued advice from those with whom I have for years been asso- ciated in civic work for the progress and upbuilding of Birmingham, I yielded and agreed to accept the position if in the wisdom of the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce they should con- sider me so fitted and qualified as to offer me the place. That is as far as 1 will go It makes no difference to me, per- sonally, what is done in the case. I have not a word to say against any of the candidates for the position.
 Tn arriving at my decision to accept the position. I should state that I was greatly influenced by the fact that MT. Burton and myself have our business af- fairs here so well and successfully or ganized as to permit me to take up other activities. I would propose to retain my interests in this business, but would re- sign in my official capacity and would attempt to take active part in the firms affairs.
 Has Distinct Views
 "I have very distinct views about the proper conduct of the office of secre- tary of the Chamber of Commerce and am conceited enough to beieev that I have the ability to fill the office as it should be filled. I believe that the posi- ton holds out wonderful opportunities for the right man.
 '.The Chamber of Commerce is an in- stitution of the highest importance. to the development and growth of this city and state. Therefore the duties of its secretary are such as to demand the services of a man who is not only able to attend to the details of the office but who has the capacity to grasp every branch of the work and to dispose of it with efficiency.
 'The secretary of the Chamber of Con- merce should be man thoroughly cap able of relieving the president of a great deal of his work, which has heretofore made it seem necessary for the president to devote so much of his time until it has become almost an imposition on the man who accepts the office of president"