The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-14
TEACHING SPANISH

Through the activity of Chairman J. H Phillips and the members of the educa- tional committee the Birmingham Cham Der of Commerce has carried on 8 work different to that of any other civic body in the United States. Reference is made to the Spanish class, which drew pupils from all walks of life, including leading business men, and which obtained a total enrolment of 100 persons.
 This report would not be complete with out some reference to the crop campaign. having for it's slogan, Alabama must feed herself This was the largest cam paign of the kind ever conducted, and the enthusiasm shown reached a higher stage than has been observed elsewhere. Some doubt was expressed as to the prac- tical results of the campaign, and it is gratifying to say that they have ex- ceeded the most sanguine expectations of those who were active in the movement.
 Birmingham is intensely interested in the proposed construction and operation of large munitions plant by the United States government. strong committee, of which Morris W. Bush is chairman, has conducted thorough investigation of the advantages of Birmingham and has prepared a report which will be sub- mitted to the board of directors within a few days.
 The annual outing was a popular feat ure of the social side of the chamber dur ing the year. The clubhouse and grounds of the Birmingham Motor and Country club were placed at our disposal and the big event was pulled off in June. Ladies were present and contributed greatly to the pleasure of the day The Festivities were enlivened by band music, barbecue and athletic contests, fol- lowed by dancing in the clubhouse. More frequent occasions of this character are earnestly recommended for this year. as iS tbat ne another oftener in a social way Men work together better when they know each other well.
 During 1915 there has been a marked in crease in the volume of work falling upon the Chamber of Commerce. More things are referred to us correspondence has multiplied. many more call at our offices, more frequent co-operation is re- qu1red. and all of these show that this body is increasingly filling it's place in the community. Though there has been steady growth in the demands upon the general offices for several years no additions have been made to the staff We have operated on an economical basis. and have reduced overhead costs materially during the last year
 YEARS FINANCES
 Though the receipts of the Chamber of Commerce during the greater part of the year continued to reflect the gen. eral business depression, the report of the auditor as of December 3l 1915 which report has just been completed, shows total receipts in the general fund and special fund, of s21, ,4719O Disbursements during the year aggregated s2O22713, leav- ing total balance on hand, December Sl of $1244.U The detailed report of the auditor showing receipts and dis bursements for the year, As on file, as well as the reports of previous adminis-
 Meetings of committees and of the board of directors have been held at ire quent intervals, as matters have arisen which required attention. The response to the call for service is prompt and will ing, and no difficulty is experienced in obtaining quorum. Respectfully sub mitted, WILLIAM c. RATCLIFFE,
 General Secretary.
 Crawford Johnson, the retiring presi dent. spoke briefly of the work which had been done during the past year, and in most complimentary terms introduced his successor, Morris w. Bush. The new head of the chamber was escorted to the platform by R. A. Brown and George A Blinn, and was given prolonged applau,n as he was greeted by his predecessor
 SUPREMELY GREAT
 ''Birmingham should be supremely great That was the slogan of the address of MT. Bush, and that was the policy which has been laid down for the members of the Chamber of Commerce for the coming year. The new president in thoughtful and logical address out lined briefly the plans for the coming year and advanced ideas for the work of the organization. He favored the making of a comparative survey of the conditions surrounding the industrial de. velopment of Birmingham, and a careful study of the conditions existing here in