The age-herald., 1902-03-20

Mayor and Aldermen. At the time the contract was made this company was not in a position to make the necessary changes for hanging the lights in the cen- ter of the streets, but during the past year a consolidation has been perfected whereby the street railway, the gas and electric light companies have all been in- corporated under one management, and ample means provided for making the necessary Improvements.
 In view of this fact, therefore recom- mend that all arc lights now in use by the city, or that may hereafter be in- stalled. be suspended in the center of the streets, thereby giving more than double their present benefit. Unless this matter is given immediate attention the city will not receive the full benefit of its lights as the dense foliage of trees in various portions of the city render all lights other wise situated comparatively useless It is well-known fact that lamps suspended over the center of intersecting streets will light more than doubie the area of | lamp placed on the corner of a street. Conclusion,
 | Since my last annual message was sub | mitted to you the city of Birmingham | (and with 1t the Birmingham district) | has enjoyed a period of prosperity great | CT than at any previous time, and which l will mark an important and eventful , epoch in it's history. Our population has | increased so rapidly that frequent de- mands are made for the extension of our sanitary and storm sewer system beyond our corporate limits. bill was passed by the last General Assembly of Alabama, creating the Jef- ferson Sanitary Sewerage Commission, and empowering them to issue bonds to the amount of half a million dollars for the construction of trunk lines of sanitary sewers for Jefferson county, thus making 1t possible for these suburban towns to unite with Birmingham under one system of sewerage. When this system has been constructed, which will be in the near future, 1t will form the nucleus for merg- ing the suburban towns into one large city-Greater Birmingham.
 Nothing has heretofore dem onstrated so fully that Birmingham is destined to be- come great city the high and firm value which centrally located real estate has attained. and the splendid class of buildings which have recently and are now being erected thereon
 Among the more important matters that l wish to call to your attention Is the expenditure of $S14,433 for permanent street Improvements; the construction of three new school buildings at cost of $54, 403 and new City Hall. which is a
 
 credit to the architect the contractor, the administration and the city of Birm- ingham, costing s200, OO0 making a grand total for permanent improvem ents of S56S, ,7S6.
 The completion of the city hall will pro- vide ample accommodation for all city of- ficers, including the central fire station, police department, Inferior Criminal Court police commission, board of edu- l fnY1 1io the National Guard consisting of one of cavalry and two of infantry, and stores that will pay more than two-thirds of the interest on the money invested It should be gratifying to you to know ! that with this large expenditure for pub lie works so few complaints have been made, showing that a great majority of the people approved of our actions And as further guarantee that you have not over-ridden the wishes of those who elected you to the important positions you hold as their representatives, the de- mand for street Improvements during the coming year promises to be greater than ever before.
 I can point with pride to the record this administration has made in the manage ment of its municipal affairs; the expen- ditures have all been made judiciously and along business lines, and excellent judgment has been shown by you in deal
 ing with all legislation on matters affect ing the general welfare of the city. My greatest ambition has been to serve at the head of an administration pre- eminent for its business reputation and achievements, and in conclusion express to every member of your body and to every officer and employe of the city. my thanks for devotion to duty. co-opera- tion given, courtesy shown and assistance | rendered. Respectfully submitted, | w M. DRENNEN, Mayor.