The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-01-20
Obseryamce I'm Honor
 Of Robert F. Lee

0 of the birth of Robert E. Lee and was observed with fitting eulogies in many cities of the south. The 18th of January is legal holiday in eight of the eleven states that constituted the Confederacy-Virginia. North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas The three other states Tennessee, Louisiana and Texas should come into line and make Lees anniversary an all-south day.
 Of the splendid galaxy of Confed- crate warriors Lee was the one com mander who was idolized by all alike. Many there were who won fame on the field of war for their genius and intrepidity. Their memories will be cherished as long as patriotism and valor are reckoned as virtues of civil ization. But Lees poise and his forti- tude after his defeat, combined with his lofty and superbly rounded char acter, raised him to the rank of the l immortals. The world will never cease to revere the name of Robert E. Lee. Logical Location
 For ArEm0g Plant
 IH HE location of the armor plate J plant which the government is to build at cost of $11 100000 has been narrowed practically to a choice between Pittsburg and Birmingham, with the advantages strongly in favor of this district Pittsburg's chief claim is it's isolation from wartime point of view. But this is more apparent than real. Pittsburg would have to draw it's iron ore from Lake Superior and in the event of hostilities with Great Britain the lake supply would be cut off immediately.
 The New York American, whose publisher has substantial interests in Georgia, comes out in broadside editorial this week in favor of Rome, one of the most progressive towns in the Cracker state. Of course, the argument in behalf of Rome is that lit is the Illogical location" That's what every contestant claims for this or that particular site. But why did the American stop short of Atlanta ? There is no raw material in sight of the Georgia metropolis, it is true, but that would make no difference, from the Atlanta point of view. The gen. eral advantages of that wide-awake business center are always in evil dence to offset any industrial disad- vantage which might be suggested. ] As for Rome, it is only little more than 100 miles from Birmingham almost near enough to be considered in the Birmingham district-but the government should select location where ore, coal and limestone are in economic juxtaposition. And Jeffer- son county or the immediate Birming- ham district presents these compelling conditions.
 The Manufacturers Record of Balti- more has done great public service in stressing the metallurgical side of the armor plate proposition. The Ala bama ores meet all the requirements Basic metal made here is superior te the product made by the Bessemel process. In order to prove that tc the satisfaction of members of the navy board, who will pass upon the question of locating the plant, metal. llurgical experts will be employed tc make ao thorough study of the facts As the editor of the Manufacturers Record says, such experts should gc before the board and discuss the rela tive merits of Bessemer and basi, steel before the naval officials leave
 Washington for a site-searching tour
 Unless this is done there would b, danger of prejudging for lack of ac
 curate knowledge. Not day should
 be lost in bringing the necessary in
 formation to the attention of tn,
 board.
 If Alabama has fair treatment tn,
 governments armor plate industr, will be built hereabouts. Beyond tn, shadow of doubt the Birmingham district will prove to be the idea place.
 I It's possible to live on 25 cents a day