By aiding the farmers, those who are interested in the movement declare that the city will benefit greatly by the trade that is bound to be attracted here; that instead of depending entirely on the manufacturing interests, the whole of the surrounding territory will also be made available. The department will maintain offices in the Chamber of Commerce.
GAS MEN ELECT OFFICERS
William V. Cromson, of Newport News, Among Directors of Southern Association.
[By Associated Press.]
ROANOKE, VA, May 4.?The ninth annual meeting of the Southern Gas Association was brought to a close today with the election of officers and the selection of Chattanooga, Tenn., as the meeting place next May. The officers chosen were: president, P. L. Marshall, Augusta, Ga.; first vice president, M. M. Milton, Roanoke, Va.; second vice-president, L. Gaston, Knoxville, Tenn.; secretary and treasurer, M. A. Rowling, Jacksonville, Fla. The following directors were named: William P. Croston, Newport News, Va.; Men. Dexter, Columbus, Ga.; J. S. Dickey, Baltimore; George Sill, Atlanta.
Ornyn?o Re I'aid Monday.
Payment to the members of the Grays' Battalion, who are on active duty in the service of the State, will probably be made on Monday. The men were called out five weeks or more ago, and will receive money for the time up to May 1. The battalion payroll was presented to Adjutant General Sale yesterday and sent, with  His approval, to the State Auditor. The pay will amount to a total of about $15,000. 