The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-02-28
Chamber Commerce Holds First Monthly Meeting Under President
 CrOwder
 HOSPITAL MAY BE
 PLACED H E R E.
Talk by Worker in War Camp Recreation Work Shows Activity of Government in Suppress
 ing Vice Near Camps

At the first monthly meeting of the Chamber of Commerce since the new president, Arthur c. Crowder, assumed office, held last night at the Chamber of Commerce auditorium, the keynote was, Work together" in Birmingham.
 It was emphasized by E. w. Barrett, chairman of the special Warrior river committee, in his report on the re- suits of the committees trip to Wash ington and it was reiterated by l.. Fiz- itz in a short talk made at the invi- tation of President Crowder. City At torney M M Ullman struck the same note in speaking in behalf of the spe- cial local school tax.
 Mr. Barrett, after reading his formal report, in which he stated the results of the committees work, which included the recent visit of the government ex- perts to the district to investigate the Warrior, and confidence in the favora ble outcome of this visit and recited the remarkably cordial reception given the Birmingham men by every department they visited in Washington, said:
 FLOOD OF TELEGRAMS
 we heard but one criticism of Bir- ningham while in Washington. It was made by a very prominent man who loves this city. He said: When you people in Birmingham want anything why don't you get together and ask for it's Decide what you want and then take it up with us: stop the flood of telegrams which pours in on US whenever Birmingham is concerned: these represent so many different views and interests that we don't know what Birming gham wants
 "It is time for us to get together in presenting our causes to the out side world. We may have our differ ences among ourselves, but we must thresh them out and present united front when we are away from home Let's resolve here tonight to do this; to agree among ourselves on what we want and then all work for the same thing in a cohesive and disciplined way. With united front Birmingham can accomplish anything its people set out to do."
 Among the other business before the body was the settlement of matter in regard to foreign trade policy to be adopted, especially with Germany, if she should exist after the end of the war. The matter was referred to the National Chamber of Commerce by the Boston chamber. and from that body to all affil- lated bodies for popular vote as to the course to be followed.
 WILL NOT HAMPER U. S.
 A motion was made by Nat L. Miller to the effect that the Birmingham Cham Der of Commerce go on record as not taking a stand on either side of the question as this was an inopportune time for such discussion. After much dis cussion, which was participated in by several prominent men in commercial and industrial circles, the motion was carried almost unanimously. A motion was made by J. D. Rosenberger to have the organization use it's influence on Director General of Railroads McAdoo to have the railroad offices and general works here left unchanged, was voted down on the grounds that it. would prob ably interfere with the arrangements already made.
 A short talk was made by A. c. Crow der, in which he outlined the efforts made by the Warrior river committee to have the government reconstruction hospital located in this city. He enumer- ated the many advantages that would result to the city and the state by this action on the part of the government and stated that in view of the facts he had learned while in Washington, the Howard college proposition was the best that Birmingham could offer. In con cluding his talk, MT. Crowder again inn pressed it upon his audience that the only way to accomplish the big things was by united effort
 WAR CAMP RECREATION Quite an interesting talk was made by George Beldame, of the war camp rec reation workers, who spoke of the work of rebuilding cities which had been undertaken by the government to provide the right environment for the boys en- camped. He laid particular stress upon having the proper forms of amusement and entertainment convenient so that the boys would not have to seek the less respectable resorts for diversion. The change of the American people in theil regard for the soldier and its resultant influence upon him was also cited by the speaker.
 Several short talks were made by mem | pY-