The age-herald., 1902-01-30

The Railway. Light and Power Compa- ny is expendlng s1,5OO.O00 on betterments. 1 Not only is 1t putting it's street car sys- tenn in first class condition but its elec- | tric plant is to be doubled in capacity and it's gas plant extended and modern ized
 SA$eS~%*S<e S-s-t~>~*~%<<<x~ nile of territory between AvondaIe and | Birmingham which could be annexed by the latter and that the four years would give Birmingham time to build the good 1 road to Avondale 0aughter).
 COULD BETTER FLOAT BONDS.
 Mir Robert Jemison was called on and said that he came to hear ideas from other people; that he had already ex- pressed his. A large city could always l float her bonds at less rate of interest l than a smaller one Its citizens could borrow money cheaper, and the cheaper the money the more liberal people were in spending 1t.
 He realized that 1t would take several l years to effect this consolidation. It takes time to accomplish great things It l should be done on an equitable basis, I and when so done he thought the suburbs would come in. He thought that Efisley | should provide itself with funds and put 1 in improvements. When 1t .5sued bonds. however, there should be a string to them so that when consolidation came 1 they could be provided for by Birming- ham at a lower rate of interest. These l suburbs had a population of 5000. against Birminehams 40000. and the tail could wag the dog. We want to get to be ono community, he said When this is done 3 per cent money will light and pave your streets ap6 do 1t better than the per cent money you are now using. An l nexation. however. must be on a just l basis. He advised the suburbs to spend money judiciously ia improvements. He then moved the appointment of a committee of one from each community to take up the matter. but accepted a substitute offered by Dr. Cunningham as follows:
 Whereas, the aggregation of the sew eral communities evidenced in Brming- ham, Avondale, Woodlawn, East Lake, North Birmingham. Elyton, West End, Thomas Pratt City. Ensley. Gate City and Wylam and ali intervening and con- tiguous territory is a question of such great importance to all those oommuni- ties in matters of health, morals, edu- cation, police protection. public improve ment and public utilities. bonds and in- terest as we'll as the general welfare of all in every particular, and,
  ton can be successful without full Knowledge of all questions of practical interest, then be it
 Resolved, That a committee consist ing of one from each of the above com munities to take this whole matter under consideration and report at a subsequent meeting to be called by the chairman of this meeting"
 This resolution was adopted. SHOULD GIVE FACTS.
 Emil Lesser was then called on. He said the suggestion just made expressed his views. He understood that some of the suburbs had instructed their repre- sentatves to vote against consolidation In this they had done wrong to them selves and to Birmingham. There was not man In the sound of his voice who did not favor Greater Birmingham but they wanted 1t without putting their hands in their pockets. He thought lit- erature should be published to show to the suburbs facts and figures. It should be shown that Birmingham with its good sewers maintained better health than the suburbs.
 It should be shown that the rate of in- terest in the outlaying district was per cent and in Birmingham money could be had at per cent. This was matter that directly affected every inhabitant of the suburbs. Figures on insurance rates should also be shown. He spoke of the good schools of Birmingham. except the high school, whose building, he said, was a disgrace to the city. The high school was the poor mans college It should be free, and this should be an i1ducement to the suburbs to come in.
 MT. John, Diggans of Gate City said he was present for information, and that the majority of his people would favor annexation if it was to their advantage.
 MT. Jen1ison here urged that they do not get discouraged because everything could not be done at one meeting The public, he said. must be educated on this subject
 MT. William Grady of Pratt City said that the people of that place had every- thing they wanted, and that they were opposed to consolidation.
 COMMUNITY OF INTEREST.
 Mir. NJ. V. Joseph was called on and said that the whole valley was one community of interest. The question was big, broad proposition that would require time and patience on the part of those who had it in charge to bring to a successful issue.
 We are all working for a common pur- pose-to develop the city and district. We want the greatest city fin the entire south. Let us all work together for this end dropping all selflshness. He spoke of the enhanced values following a great CT population and better schools and san- itation. He was applauded as he sat down. /l
 The meeting then adjourned to meet at the call of the Mayor.