The age-herald., 1900-01-04
MEETING OF THE
 BOARD OF TRADE Business and Pleasure Combined
 at Last Nights Session. DELIGHTFUL LUNCH SERVED
Informal Discussion of Semi Monthly Pay Bill-Routine Matters Soon GaveWay to the Smoker
 Much Enthusiasm

A representative gathering of business and professional men were entertained at Elks' hall last night by the Board of Trade, the occasion being a combined busi- ness and social session, which marked 0 splendid beginning for the year 1900.
 The meeting was held in the parlors of the hall, and was called to order by Presi- dent Chalifoux, with Secretary Ryan at the desk.
 Routine matters were quickly dispatched and the question of 5-cent fare to Ensley was taken up.
 Chairman klotz, of the suburban trains and excursion committed, read the follow ing letter:
 Birmingham, Ala, Jan. 3, 1900. MT simon Klotz Chairman, Birmingham,
 Ala.
 Dear Sir-Beg to acknowledge receipt of your communication containing resolu- tions passed by the Board of Trade at their meeting of December 29. We regret exceedingly that we are not able to grant your request = reduce the fares on the Ensley road al this time. We are doing everything in odr power to lessen the oper- atng expenses of this road to enable us to reduce the fare to cents. We now sell 100 tickets for $4, two of which pay fare to
  round trip for $3, or cents a trip
 We hope when double track is laid and the present light rails superseded by heaV- fer ones and improved rolling stock is placed thereon that we will be able to reduce the fares to cents and at the same time pay the stockholders small return on their investment, not one penny having been paid them so far. We would respect fully remind you.that the agitation of this subject in the public print tends to lessen rather than increase the present travel, greatly to the detriment of your interest and ours.
 The city has already regulated our fares within the city limits. being as far as it's authority extends. We are doing the best we can for you and our patrons. Yours very truly,
 BIRMINGHAM R. & E. co. By Robert Jemison, Vice-President.
 The letter was listened to with much in- terest, and action upon the question defer red until a later meeting.
 Several other matters were disposed of. after which President Chalifoux, on behalf of the board, extended a hearty welcome to all and asked for an informal discussion of the semi-monthly pay bill, calling upon Vice-President Sinnige to outline the ques- tion. MT. Sinnige responded and stated that the question was a delicate one He made a splendid talk, and was followed by Hon. John w. Tomlinson, who applauded the efforts of the merchants in taking up questions concerning their interests, stating that he was with the business men of Bir- mingham in their effort to add to and build up the material interests of the city. P Mr. Tomlinson was followed by General Shelley. who expressed his cordial well wishes for the success of the organization. pointing out the good results to be attained by united efforts. ~
 Short speeches were made~by Rufus N r,t- N Dor I Fl K. A J. O'Keefe, Dr. Jacobs, J. B. Gibson ana others.
 The members and guests were then in- yited into an adjoining room. where sumptuous lunch was served, consisting or cold turkey, ham, tongue, salads, pickles, radishes and beer.
 During the evening cigars and liquid re- treatments were passed around and good cheer reigned supreme.
 The feature of the evening was cake walk by the little Wilmot sisters, who were heartily applauded.
 The Board of Trade is one of the strong est organizations of the city, and counts among its members the leading merchants of Birmingham. Although only recently or ganized, it has taken active and substantial interest in the commercial development of the city, and promises to become a still more powerful factor.
 The board will resume its regular semi monthly meetings. which were temporarily suspended during the holiday season, and indications point to a most successful year in its history.