The age-herald., 1900-07-21

 publishing Birmingham's progressive week. ly, as they have been constantly interested in the growth and upbuiding of Birming- ham, At the annual meeting of the Press Association in 1880, the Iron Age was rep resented by Mir Charles Roberts, now the enterprising head of the prosperous cor poration of Roberts and Son. He was one of the youths of the association; and will ever remain young in heart.
 In the matter of paving Fifth avenue, it is to be regretted that there exists a single objection by any property-holder therein Certain it is, that the work will be done sooner or later; and still more certain is the fact that the values of property there- in will be greatly enhanced by such im- provement. It is understood that the city is to contract for the work, and under its charter assess the cost thereof against the abutting property holders, allowing those unable or unwilling to pay cash ten years time, at a low rate of interest, in which to liquidate the cost
 Fifth avenue is the most important resi- dence thoroughfare in the city. It extends from Smiths Park on the west to the east ern corporate limits in an unbroken lne.> It is not interrupted by any street railroad line; is broad and level, and can be made beautiful by removing the unsightly fences and by a pavement of brick or asphaltum from curb to curb
 The owners of property in Fifth avenue are in a position to become pioneers in a genuine development of the residence portion of the city on the north side Twentieth street. south, which was but woodland road few years ago, has led the pace and has now outstripped any resi- dence portion of the city in rapid advance ment. Away, from the business center, the enterprise and public spirit of the property owners have far outrun the older portion of the city, which, under the natural order, should have led the way.
 Fifth avenue should and must be paved from Fifteenth street on the west to Twenty-sixth street on the east without delay There is no reason why it should not have been done long ago. Terms and conditions can be made most liberal, and every dollar invested in this way will be doubly returned to the investor.
 Aside from the attractive beauty of such improvement as that proposed, cleanliness and a freedom from dust are to be con- sidered. Paved streets are to be swept and perfect sanitation will be assured.
 The matter of the class of material to be used in the paving of the street should not hinder perfect agreement on the part of property holders in Fifth avenue. They can easily come together on this point. Whether brick or asphalt be used is of lit tie importance, Either will beautify and adorn. The question is now fairly before the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and they should consider it with a view to the de- velopment of the city and the general good of the people thereof. Let Fifth avenue be paved.
 Colonel Jefferson M. Falkner was in Bir- mingham yesterday on legal business for the Louisville and Nashville Railroad Com pany.
 Ignatius Pollak and Henry c. Davidson of Montgomery were in Birmingham yester- day.
 George Clark has returned to Birming- ham after an absence of week.
 
 President Roof of Howard College re- turned yesterday from Charleston, whither he went to attend the National Educa tional Convention. He greatly enjoyed his ex- periences; and is happy over the bright prospects of Howard College for the coming year.
 Superintendent of Education John ". Abercrombie was in Birmingham.
 Rev. John Massey, president of the Methodist College for Girls at Tuskegee is the guest of Rev. H. Urquhart, editor of the Christian Advocate in Birmingham Dr. Massey Is one of the most successful educators of girls Alabama has ever had, and one of the best men in any land.
 General E. w. Fucker has sold to Cover nor Simms the unfinished dwelling house on the hillside in Nineteenth street, South Highlands, the construction of which was begun by the late John Boddie, and which he intended to occupy as residence. The price paid has not been made public. It is understood that Governor Simms will fin ish the building with the purpose of occu- pying it himself. For many years the ''Bodde house." as it stands unfinished, has been a familiar object to the Birming ham public. According to the plans so far as carried out the building would have been one of the handsomest and costlieSt dwelling houses in Alabama. Governor Simms will carry out MT. Boddies plans, it is believed.
 
 THE ECLIPSE OF POETRY