The age-herald., 1901-07-28

or twenty years ago. is to write of days lang syne, because the past two decades have worked wonders in this valley and the transformation wrought by force of natural surroundings and the energy and progress of this people presents a E wonderful and amazing picture.
 ,. The recent transfer and reorganization ! of the street railway systems of Bir- mingham suggests a story of the begin ming. the growth and the present magni- { ficent proportions of this great factor E this railway system. and it's growth and ; development is to write of greater Bir- mihgham; so closely akin is one to the 5 other, and naturally so dependent and helpful in tho march of progress.
 Credit for the present strength and greatness of this enterprise is not only due to It's present management but the pioneers who blazed the way in the early sos deserve recognition as public benefactors, for they staked their money and energy in the establishment of a street railway system here when Bir- mingham was only In embryo.
 While 1t is true that busy. growing Bir- mingham accounts ten, fifteen and twen- ty years ago as ancient days, quite number of her people remember when the first street car line was put in oper- , ation in this city and they remember how boasting1y the young city prlded herself upon this assumption of a metro politan feature. It was the Birming- ; ham Street Railway company, organized by w. H. Morris and associates which in 1888 began opperatious. The original < contract or charter to this company was granted by the mayor. and aldemen g of Birmingham on the 18th day of May, ! 1882. This instrument is so unique, and 1t may be said. antique. though only 19 years old, that it is here presented in full, to-wit
 The State of Alabama,
 Jefferson County. | This contract made and entered into this. the 19 tn day of May. 1882. by and between the mayor and aldermen of Birmingham, parties of the first part, and Benjamlne F. Roden, W. IT. Morris and associates, parties of the second part, witnesseth:
 ' That for and in consideration of terms covenants and agreements herein stated, and the further sum of one dollar each to the other paid. the receipt where E of is hereby duly acknowledged, the par ties hereto contract and agree as follows, to-wit:
 1st. The parties of the first part here by grant to the parties of the second part and assigns the rights and privi- ledges of surveying, locating. contract ing, equiping. etc.. to operate and run street railway in and along the streets and avenues of said city of Birmingham Alabama. and over and along the fol- j lowing streets. avenues and parts of said city to-wit: The exclusive right to construct a street railway with the ne- cessary and proper turnouts and side- tracks for the same over and upon Fourteenth, Eighteenth. Nineteenth Twentieth and Twenty Fourth streets; end First. Second, Third Fourth and Flfth avenues. north and avenues A, B, O elusive right herein granted shall not apply to such Of said streets and avenues as are not occupied by the party of the second part within ten years from the date of this contract.
 @ 1d. The party of the first part further ,. agrees to pass such ordinances as may Do necessary for the running and safety dof the tracks and property of said party of the serond part, and to prohibit wag- ons. hacks. drays and other vehicles from standing upon or in the way of the tracks or cars of said party of the sec- ond part.
 :, sd. The parties of the second part agree to at once organize themselves in- to an incorporated company under the laws of Alabama. and the rights and privileges herein granted are to be transferred to said company when so in- corporated.
 :. The parties of the second part further agree and obiigate themselves to con struct and operate said stret railway in such a manner as not to interfere with the ordinary us and travel of the streets and avenues; that they will construct said street railway in a manner to con form to and with the most improved plans of street railways as are now used in other cities. They agree to charge ali amount for passengers not to exceed five cents for each passenger, a fare be- ing considered from one end of a line to the other. The parties of the second pari further agree to conform to all the just and reasonable regulations of the party of the first part, in regard to running and speed of the ears of said railway; and the parties of the second part furth- CT agree to hold the city harmless from liability to any person or persons for damages caused by the neglect or care .lessness of the party of the second part their agents or employs The party Of the second part further agrees to begin construction of said street railway with in twelve months from the date of this contract, and to have at least one mile of same in frst-cIass running order on O. before the first day of July, 1884
 In witness whereof the said parti,I q thas contract have hereunto set