The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-04-15
JAMES ]. SMITH HAS RESIGNED PLACE ON |RM|NGHAM LEDGER
We'll Known Publisher Will Take Rest Before An nOuncing Plans for
 Future

| odiiicst J. oHlllll, pTtSlQell anu puDllSnGT of the Birmingham Ledger, and for 20 years connected with that newspaper in an executive capacity, yesterday an- nouncel his resignation, which became l effective last night.
 | MT. Smith said that his immediate plans | con template a period of rest, but his | plans fPr the future were not announced. lie retAins an interest in the Ledger and | is still member of the board of di- rectors
 This well known southern newspaper man developed the Ledger from very modest newspaper to it's present propor- tions. He began his newspaper career as an offife boy on the Birmingham Chron- icle in 1884, and served that newspaper as reporter and circulation manager until lSS9. Going with the Birmingham News ne became business manager and went 10 the Ledger as president and publisher IF ls9SI MT. Smith received his educa- uon m the Birmingham public schools and at Georgetown university. He was born al Camden, Wilcox county.
 MIR. SMITHS STATEMENT In announcing his retirement from the Ledger Mr. Smith issued the following statement.
 ''In leaving the Ledger today, after more than 20 years connection. I feel rather strangely There comes in a sense, la relief from the responsibility and hard work which are a part of the dlrecti9n of a newspaper. At the same time there is a tugging at the heart str1ngs' in separating myself from all the associations which have made life so busy and worth while during the past 20 years.
 Tt has fallen to my lot to make many friends in every walk of life Some of these are very close. I shall always fee! a cordial and sincere regard for all of them but, in the nature of things. will not come into as intimate contact with some of them as during former years. It is this feeling which is upper most in my mind and heart as I sever my connection with the Ledger
 There are other friends with whom l have not come into close personal con tact, sPme I do not even know person. ally, but their friendship is none the less real ard appreciated. Evidences of this friendship have been many and genuine and att times under circumstances most trying.
 T take comfort in the thought that I have stood for those things which I be- lieved flor the best interests of the people or Birmingham and of the state, many times at great personal sacrifice I do rot regret the sacrifices which I found it necessary to make to live up to my ideals and convictions Indeed. am more proud of these than of any measure of material success which might have come to me. for we cannot truly know ourselves until We have been tested
 T have been associated with band of loyal and trusted co-workers. to part from whom will be very painful. Their friendship and cooperation have sus- tained me in many trying times and I wish to make acknowledgment of their loyalty, friendship and quiet support and to wish for them all the success and prosperity they so richly deserve.
 "The Ledger has had many ups and downs, as do all newspapers, and has had strong friends who have gone the limit in pa cking it. with money as well as with words. To these men, my friends, I wish to make acknowledgement of my deep obligation.
 SUCCESS FOR SUCCESSORS
 For the majority owners of the Ledger. who are my friends, I wish every meas ure of success. which I am sure, they will richly deserve and earn.
 "To all tte subscribers and friends of the Ledger who have supported it so Loyalty, I wish to make acknowledgment ef my heartiest thanks and to express my wish thet they will continue to give their support to the Ledger in order that the Ledger may continue to be a power for good in the community.
 ''To George M. Cruikshank, who re- gently retired as editor of the Ledger, after serving as such for 20 years, must be given much of the credit for the building of the Ledger. His great in- fiuence in Alabama Journalism was most referred to by the Alabama press att the time of his retirement
 "The successors of MT. Cruikshank and myself in the management and control have been identified with the Ledger for years and have impressed their char acter and influence upon the community arc have given to the Ledger strength, power and standing. which will grow and develop with opportunity and the growth of the city and state.
 JAMES J. SMITH"