The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-07-18
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 Last week I got letter from Ro- tarian J. W. Peters of Selma, presi- dent of the Georgia Alabama Retail Monument Dealers association, ask ing me if would deliver an address at it's state meeting in Birmingham at the Tutwiler on the morning of July 15, and also attend the banquet in the evening and talk.
 I wrote him thaeI would do both, as my waking hours were largely the time came and l was down on the programme for an address on Benefits of Trade Association" on the opening of the session. and at night on Memorials" and found it real pleasure to mingle with and talk to such fine bunch of fellows.
 
 l find that I learn a whole lot by attending the various conventions which come to Birmingham, and that is one reason why am such con ventionite." I'll freely admit that the fact that I am given a chance to speak also draws me to many of them. Now, the latter fact has the advantage of making me at. least try to get line on what each one stands for
 It's a day of conventions and trade associations, Every class of business is organized. Conferences are the order of the hour. It has been learned that the best way for any group is to come together for consultation. Competition has not and never will die out, but the wisest men of affairs are fast learning that it pays to cooperate, and that it is foolish to look on business competi- tors as enemies.
 It is a good sign when the retail marble dealers of the sister states are seeking & basis on which they can work together to build up the industry in which they are engaged, and | was glad to meet T. E. Cassidy, secretary organizer of the National Retail Marble Dealers association. and to know that most of the states had been or were being organized and soon would be affiliated with the larger association.
 There were some informing ad- dresses made during the two days session. "Conditions in Marble h. dustry" was illuminatingly discussed by G, NJ. Atherton, treasurer, Geor sia Marble company, Tate, Ga, just as Conditions in Granite Centers" was ably handled by B. H. Hayward, Rich, S, C. How to Create Great CT Demand for Better Memorials proved to be live topic in the hands of the secretary of the association, c. W. Grant of Atlanta.
 E. P. Tripletts of Birmingham made a hit in discussing "Salesmanship," as did W. c. Caldwell on Proper Ac and Bookkeeping. One of the most helpful things on the pro- gramme was the "Relaton of Monu ment Dealers and Cemetery Superin- tendents.p by Walter Puckett presi dent Elmwood Cemetery Corpora ton. "How to Create Efficiency in Your Business" was, of course, the thing all wanted to know, and T. F. Cassidy. an expert from Kenton, O., gave them the answer.
 
 While interested in a general way in the various numbers on the pro gramme, yet I confess the thing l got most out of and will remember long est were the answers given at the banquet by those present in response to the query of the toastmaster J. w. Peters. What Made You Go Into the Marble Business" There was quick firing all down the line as each one gave the testimony. It was a psychological laboratory showing just how and why the American gets ahead in business and in trade.
 
 One man frankly said, q went into if to make money" Another took it up because he had been unsuccessful as merchant on account of bad crops and poor collections. Another drifted into it because it gave him a chance to make a living and see the country. He was an expert workman who had worked at the trade in , states. Another had started out sell ing chromo memorials, but found better chance in placing marble tomb stones think the one l liked best was that of man who said, Il want ed to put up monument to my wife and wasn't able to buy one, but went to work and made one, and in so do- ing learned that l had a talent for handling marble. Most of the men were not merely dealers, or salesmen, but practical workmen as well. am glad I got to spend couple of days with them. Here is wishing the as sociation well.
 
 MRS. HARRIS AND THE LAW