The Columbus dispatch. (Columbus, Miss.) 19??-1922, 1921-05-08
VOICE OF THE
PEOPLE
Fighting For Columbus.
Mr.. v. Birney lines, Editor,
The Columbus Dispatch.

We genuinely regret that your COM
mittee was unable to attend the con-
4 vention of the Mississippi Valley As
, ISOLATION which has just adjourned
after a three days session in this
| city. Had you been able to attend
these sessions we are certain that you
, wound have been convinced of the inn
/ portance of being affiliated with this
Organization and would readily real
ize the wonderful amount of good that
might be gained for Columbus (;
the upper Tombigbee River by en-
gaging their interests and influences
in matters affecting that territory
The Mississippi Valley Association
has come to be recognized aSthe most
potential factor in the development
of the inland waterways of this coun-
try, its membership representing
twenty seven states with a representa-
tion in Congress of three hundred
members and the Senate fifty four
members. 1t is to be pointed out that
when you enlist the influence Of this
organization, you have the entire ter
ritory of the Mississippi Valley be-
hind you, and once this organization
has committed itself to support any
particular project you may rest as
sured that some good results will be
accomplished. This is not a myth but
is an actual fact, proven by past
performances and accomplishments.
We also desire to call your atten-
tion to the fact that the officiary of
the Mississippi Valley Association is
composed of some of the biggest bust
ness men in the country and men most
powerful in National legislative act
ivities. The officers and directors are
selected with utmost care in order
that the high standard which present
ly exists may ever obtain. We are
sending you herein, press reports
covering certain phases of the conven-
ton and giving the personnel of the
officers and directors in order that
you may have an intimate knowledge
of the men who, without remunera-
ton or selfish interests, and with
great personal sacrifice, are under
taking the operation, of this associa-
ltion. ff 4aa
1t is safe to say that there is no
more important organization in ex-
istence today and none Of like char
acter with a more sincere purpose to
further the Interests of the territory
it represents, without favoritism to
any particular section.
Having given you a brief synopsis
of the Mississippi Valley Association,
we will now endeaYor to inform you
regarding the convention proceedings,
Through the fact that one of your
correspondents, although having liv-
ed away from Columbus for several
years, still retains his legal citizen
ship at that place, we were able tc
have Columbus represented on the
floor of the Convention, by subscrib-
ing to a membership and registering
as delegate.
After having accomplished this, we
became in touch with the
various committees which have
charge of the different branches of
the organization, and upon finding
that we had established Columbus on
a sound basis in the Association, we
then proceeded, after having con- {
suited you, to endeavor to effect the
and election of Mr..
Thos. J. Locke as a director of the (
Valley Association. 1t is
Of considerable qualification to us
that we are able to report that this
was accomplished and that Mr. Locke
Is now director of this organiza-
ton.
We want to emphasize upon you,
he citizens of Columbus, and especial
Y upon the director, the peculiarly !
strong position you now occupy with ;
reference to seeking the influence of
he Mississippi Valley Association.
You cannot anticipate any results
rom your present position exceTi, :
hat you take keen interest in the
Welfare of the organization and bring
,efore them constantly such things .
is you may desire the Association to
.ssist you in handling. The indivi- .
Iual membership fee is small, the y
anne being $1,000 per annum, and !
-ou should endeavot to build up a q
arge and influential membership in u
our section, to prove to the associa- =
ion that you have no lack of interest p
n their work.
Your correspondents introduced and !
ndeavored to have adopted a resolu- T.
ion pertaining to the improvement =
( the Tombigbee River CA copy Of =
rhich is attached) but this resolution 2
-as lost in the committee room for