The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-08-27
MERCHANTS MEET
 OFFICIALLY OPEN
lContfnued From Page One)

iCOnEmueu FFOm 1a86 Ouo) truth of Dr. Dyer's theory of the un- sound economic principle of the Flying wage" and quoted some surprising sta- tistics on the growth of foreign and radical elements in the country
 ''The south is much better off in this regard" he said, touching upon the latter topic. "Only 6 per cent of the foreign born population are un- naturalized, while New England rep resents so per cent; New York City, 76 per cent, and Rhode Island, 69 per cent
 Dr. Payne rapped government own ership and any attempt to create this would bring heavier taxes to the now Overtaxed public, he said. In almost every instance of government owner ship it has been losing proposition, he asserted.
 Following the principle talks of the evening J. L. Hicks, president of the association, announced the following committees to function during the meetings:
 Committees Named
 Nominating committee: NJ. F. Pope, chairman, West Blocton; J. R. Wilson, Woodward; Frank Holcombe, One Onta George Atwood, Manchester; C.. J. Fowler, Fell City.
 Adverstising committee: Sim Allen, chairman, Alexander City; T. J. Rodg- CTS, Morris; J. c. Weaver, Lineville ; T. c. Acree, Dadeville; c. A Stiefel- meyer, Cullman.
 Transportation committee: Mason Martin, chairman, North Birmingham i; M. P. Jeter, Montevallo; W. F. Baccus, Glen Allen; E. w. Atchison, Shelby i; J. D. Fletcher, Guntersville.
 Legislative committee: C.\ H. Leath, chairman, Boaz; w. s. Crump, Sed- dan; J. H. Walston, Russellville; E.. L. Mitchell, Livingston; James Schar- nagel, Spruce Pine.
 Resolution committee: E. J. Gran dall, Bradford, chairman; l.. c. Walk K. l.. Holcombe, Calera; 1rby De Ramus, Yerbena.
 Membership committee: T. E. Moody, chairman, SpringviIle; Frank Moore, Anniston; R. F. Odom, Mill port; J. R. Waldrip, Goodwater; R. E. Cosper, Starrette.
 Other Features
 Added features to the program were talks by o. l.. Bum. secretary-treas- urer of the Chamber of Commerce; Sid ney W. Lee, general chairman of the convention introduction of officials of the Alabama Merchants association ; music by q special orchestra, and a showing of the motion picture, ''The Bright Shawl
 Registration at headquarters during the day lived up to all expectation and gave evidence of bearing out the promise that the present gathering will he the greatest on record. By evening 1,637 merchants and their families had registered.
 At eight o'clock Tuesday evening 1 1,637 merchants and their families had been checked in, which number, with 427 travelling representatives, is said 10 surpass previous years first-day to- tals. Late arrivals Wednesday will add one-third to the figures, it is an- ticipated.
 During the afternoon the retailers were guests at Redwood field where special car service carried exception ally heavy crowds. Although slightly partisan, the fact that the Barons dropped another game at q 5-tO-2 clip to the Nashville Volunteers, apparent ly did not deter the enjoyment of the proceedings.
 Wednesdays program offerR an in- terlude Ill the morning that the mer- chants may fraternize umong them selves and the Birmingham dealers. - Many of the stores are making special displays for the out-of-town merchants and all have issued invitations for the delegates to visit their stores.
 East Lake park will be the stamp ing ground of the convention Wednes- day evening, featuring an old-fashioned southern barbecue. There has also been an attractive list of contests ar ranged which will occupy most of the afternoon.
 Official program for the contests follows:
 Fat Mems Race, over designated course, POO pounds and better, first prize S10; second prize $5.
 Egg and Spoon Race, over desig hated course. First $10; second $5.
 Horse Shoe Pitching Contest. First prize $10; second $5.
 Tug-ofWar. Cigars to the winning team.
 Fidelers' Contest. First s15i second
 Music of the program will be furn- ished by the Alabama Boys Industrial school band.
 For results, Age Herald want ads are Birminghams choice.