The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1903-03-29
BIRMINGHAM has long passed

= BIRMINGHAM has long passed the
EAN conditions of village, and even
~ of an ordinary city, and has en-
tered the metropolitan era. Her citizens
embrace the most representative people
those who come from advanced cities and
who cannot be contented with anything
provincial.
One thing lacking in Birmingham is a
spirit of unity, and in the mad rush OF
prosperity Birmingham has made several
mistakes which should be a lesson for
the future.
Just now every one is more or less inter-
ested in the Horse Show that is being
planned for the near future.
The press dispatches of the week speak
of a new coliseum to be erected in Louis
Willie at cost of $780, 900, in which to hold
the annual Horse Shows. New York's
most valuable spot Is the Madison Square
Garden, where the Horse Shows are held
every year.
In the Horse Show cities this class of
amusement is among the most attractive
and profitable and people of all classes
attend the shows
Birmingham then must have a coliseum,
and no mistakes should be made
At first a coliseum on leased grounds
was contemplated, then large tent, and
the latest developments indicate that ad-
ditions will be made to the grand stand
at the fair grounds.
The permanency of the Horse Show in
the large cities makes it all the more i'm
perative that the plans of a coliseum
should be made not for day, but for all
time
Birmingham should have an up-to-date
coliseum. 1t would be we'll If it could be
erected on ground owned by the city.
The improvements should be made by
a stock company backed by the street
railway.
This would result in making the Horse
Show permanent, would prevent
change of purpose, and every dollar would
be a permanent investment
1t is not necessary that the location
should be central, as the car system elm
mates distance.
Take. for example, the money that has
been wasted on the old fair grounds be-
low Elyton, Smiths park Lal5eVew park
and ball grounds, West End park North
Birmingham ball grounds and other
places. for which there is very little to
show as assets, and 1t is evident that a
plans would have given better results.
Postpone the Horse Show, if necessary,
and let our citizens get together and
build a coliseum worthy of Birmingham.
Stop wasting money on temporary struc-
lures on leased grounds, stop building for
q day and build for all time.
Birmingham is not only one of the
great cities of the south but 1t is des-
tined to be the greatest; to be the lead
er In progressive movements. We should
prepare for the people who are here. for
those who are to come, and for the hun
dreds of visitors who come annually to
the city.
The hotels, the theaters, the clubs must
be in keeping. and If any attempt Is made
TO hold a Horse Show there should be
broader and more metropolitan plans
than those now being discussed
Horse Shows on a provincial scale cam
not attract the representative classes,
and will not draw visitors from other
sections Of the state.
Louisville is making no mistake In its
investment of $500, 900 for a coliseum.
Birmingham must not be content with
a few additions to the fair grounds
which are not pointed to with any degree
of pride.
A little money spent annually in the
right direction will give us handsome
parks. speedways exhibition grounds, ball
grounds and a coliseum.
The plans for a coliseum should be in