The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-05-10
SYDNOR PREDICTS PERIOD OF SOLID
 ACTIVE BUSINESS
President of Dry Goods Asso- citation Talks of Business Conditions-Trade Evils
 Discussed at Session

Urging that because of the na- tional war debts, shortage in raw cotton, increased tax budget of $50 per cent since 1913, and disrupted markets in many other lines, the im- mediate months ahead were the most uncertain in our history, E. B. Syd- nor, president of the Southern Wholesale Dry Goods association, delivered stirring address before the convention last night at the Tut wiler.
 In discussing the various handicaps the speaker estimated the present international debt at ss5.ooo 900, 900. the carry-over cotton crop at slightly over 100000 bales this season mak- ing shortage inevitable. making a runaway cotton market seem very likely. The rise of wool prices as given Tn reliable trade journals was also treated by the speaker as an added cause for concern all of which was followed. however. with firm assertion and belief that with an abiding confidence in humankind order will finally be restored and there will be the greatest period of solid. dependable business activity that we have ever known.
 Study Conditions
 Recommendations weNe brought be- fore the delegates for the buyers to hold semi-annuaI meetings in New York where careful studies of condi- tions. prices and demands could in- telligently be made and that each of the divisions of the association ar range their annual meetings so that the president and the secretary could visit them In one continuous trip.
 In conclusion the following state ment was read coming from E. Earn ham Greene. treasurer of the Pacific Cotton Mills, illustrating the eco- homie law taht makes the south's natural position secure compared with other sections:
 south's Advantages
 T would like to call your atten- ton to the fact that the southern mills have cheaper and easier coal transportation, cotton supply. labor. more hours of labor. less stringent in- dustrial laws. lower cost of living and less burdensome taxation, which to say the least, calls for some alarm regarding southern competition"
 W. R. Northen, Richmond, Va. rem dered his third annual treasurer's re- port, showing receipts of $25.476.2S and disbursements of approximately S14,000 leaving a balance of s10.640. His recommendation that certifi- cate be gotten up for members to place in their offices, and a commit tee consisting of the president, secre- tary and treasurer, for the coming year make such arrangements, was adopted.
 Report of Divisions
 Reports of the divisions were then made to the convention, with the election of the division officers, to be acted upon later. on the floor of the convention. The nominating committee was named with R. K. Rambo, Atlanta, chairman, T. L. An derson, Richmond. J. E. Briscoe, J. H. Hosch. Gainesville. A. H. Williams, Nashville, and Thomas Fiaxman. Houston. Texas.
 Norman H. Johnston. Richmond. Va, secretary of the association made a most optimistic report In which he gave facts and figures pointing to a stability of prices. increased cotton acreage this year, and brought charges against the various trusts and associations on Worth and Franklin streets. New York, which were received with great enthusiasm. MT. Johnston pointed out the great confidence and uplifting comradeship engendered by this association which has produced results In 12 years of history not equaled by any other commercial organization in America.
 Afternoon Session
 It was definitely decided to change the name of the Notions and Fur nishings division of the association to the Notions, Furnishings and Knit Goods division, at the meeting yes terday afternoon on the convention floor at the Tutwiler hotel, with Wal ter C. Barnwell. chairman of the divi- sion, Atlanta, Ga, presiding.
 In this interesting discussion Of Trade Evils" T. L. Anderson, Rich mond, Va, said, Since the fall of 1920 We have travelled a rough and uneven road and some of us have wondered if it would ever end, but believe we are at the turning point as every indication points to the approach of period of great pros- perity through the country, which am convinced is not far distant" This statement, concise yet full of optimism, was received with mucs 
 Optimistic Views
 Robert c. Wetts, Lynchburg. Va. was also very optimistic of the flu. lure business conditions in all trades Tn his address on the great benefits of the association. in furnishing a house of ideas which, when put into practice with the enthusi- asm and inspiration derived from .he annual meetings will inevitably produce far reaching results.
 That business conditions in Texas and throughout the southwest are on the upward trend and that the en. fire section would henceforth show