The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1916-08-25

reached a new high record-70, 000,-
900 bushels. That was 100000
bushels more than was produced in
1914, and 100000 bushels more than
in 1918, which had the highest record
previous to 1915.
Alabama has increased it's corn
acreage this year and an 80,000,000-
bushel crop was a reasonable expecta-
ton. Despite the inundated fields, the
crop will be large, but much below
100000 bushels.
The better farming campaign en-
thusiasm must not be allowed to wane.
If it continues as it should, Alabama's
corn production in 1917 will be near
the 100000, 000-bushel mark. The
minor crops will be increased and hogs
and cattle should make new high rec
ords.
THE Vitagraph Company of Amer
l. lea is reported to have brought
suit against Henry Ford, the eminent
pacifist and automobile manufacturer,
for $1,000,000 damages, alleging that
in full-page advertisements, which ap-
peared in all the leading newspapers
of America,
1t May Be Merely Mr.. F or d
A Press Agents Yarn stated that
the Vitagraph
photoplay, "The Battle Cry of Peace"
was the inspiration of munitions
makers who had given it their finan-
cial backing.
The fact that long typewriter
statement, signed by the vice presi-
dent of the picture company, and an
inouncing that summons had been
served on Mr.. Ford, was brought to
New York newspaper offices by the
concerns official press agent, is sig
nificant.
If the picture people are really in
earnest about seeking damages, there
will be some lively times in court and
some highly diverting scenes, partic-
ularly if the pacifists rally around Mr..
Ford.
The motion picture company would
not get anything like $1,000,000 out
of the manufacturer, and might even
lose its suit, but it would get almost
81 100000 worth of free advertise
ment. Mr.. Ford does not need any
more advertising.
CECRETARY* OF THE NAVY
- DANIELS announces September
10 as the date when cities offering
sites for the 81, 100000 armor plate
plant would be heard. Birmingham
should lose no time in preparing its
brief, setting forth this districts adj
vantages for the projected industry.
While verbal
Date of Armor Plant discussions be-
Hearings Announced fore the Sec
rotary and the
general board will be invited it is
the written brief, if it be expressed
convincingly, that will be determin-
ing in the governments award.
The site selected will be the one
recommended by the naval board,
made up of technically trained Of
ficers, and as they are outside the
range of political influences, the de-
cision will be on the merits of the
case alone.
Morris w. Bush, president of the
Chamber of Commerce, has been as
sembling data ever since the bill pro-
viding for a government armor plant
became law. Being an engineer OF
large experience and an authority on
the districts mineral resources and
the industrial situation in general, it
goes without saying that Birming-
hams claims will be clearly and forci-
bly, presented.
An inland location immune from an
enemy's attack, and yet with sites
practically on navigable river, taken
in connection with inexhaustible sup
plies of raw material, should make
Birmingham the ideal place. A SILL
100000 plant is certainly worth
striving for, and every interest here
should be ready to lend a helping
hand in securing it.
Other industrial districts may have
claims that will be seriously consid-
cred by the naval board, but local
engineers who are conversant with all
steel making sections and the ray ma
terial situation will have reason to
feel disappointed if the Birmingham
district does not win in this most i'm
portant contest.