The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-28
MOVEMENT FOR zOO
 VERY ENTHUSIASTIC
Boys and Girls Working Hard
 on Elephant Fund.
CONTEST GROWS VERY KEEN
Board of Directors and Officers VIII Meet Today and Perfect Plans for the Furtherance of
 the Work.

Enthusiasm in the movement for the establishment of a geological garden in Birmingham IS growing, and hundreds of boys and girls were out yesterday raising money to purchase elephant as a nucleus for the collection of animals. The contest for a place on the committee which goes to New York Is keen, and few citizens can pass these industrious young fellows without giving something to the fund
 The boys believe that as much as $250 has already been raised, and they expect to have more than 5000 by the first of June. In fact, the boys believe they will have enough funds by that time to pur- chase a camel or a tiger, as we'll as an elephant. when they go to New York.
 Every Boy Has Chance.
 As there seems to be some doubt among the boys and girls of Birmingham as to whether a person not a member of the geological pary association has a right to enter the contest in soliciting subscrip- tions to the elephant fund Sam Clabaugh, president, yesterday made the following statement:
 Any boy or girl in Birmingham under sixteen years of age becomes a member of the geological park association If he or she secures a subscription for as much as 10 cents. All boys and girls in Birmingham are earnestly requested and invited to take part in this movement, which means so much for our future pleasure and in- struction."
 A meeting of the officers and the board of directors of the geological association will meet in the city hall this morning at 10 o'clock, and as there will be no school today, the president expects every boy to he present.
 Boys Will Address Council.
 Plans will be perfected Tor continuing the raj. 2 of funds to purchase the ele- phant and for the appointment of com- rlittee to appear before the board of al- dermen and urge the adoption of a reso- i luton providing for the maintenance of the zoo. The boys already have seen sev- eral of the aldermen and they express themselves as favoring the resolution. Four or five of the boys will address the board at the next meeting, and will be backed up by prominent citizens who will accompany them.
 The movement for a zoo is a success. The boys and girls have gone at it with a vim, and say there is no chance of fail- ure Scores of them were out yesterday securing subscriptions ranging anywhere from 10 cents to $10 One little fellow came l er.5s T that he had already secured sS5. This will entitle him to $50 votes. Another said that he had gotten up $20, and still another had SIS.
 Sanitary Committee. The boys propose to appoint commit tee on sanitary inspection after the zoo is established to see that the animal houses are kept absolutely clean. They propose that the city shall name the keeper and that they will inspect the zoo every day. and If it is found unclean, report the mat ter to the mayor.
 Several youngsters were out interview ing prominent citizens on the subject yesterday, and they say they have found the sentiment practically unanimous in favor of the movement.
 Another Generous Offer. Last night President clabaugh received the following very generous letter from the clothing firm of II. J. Porter & Co.,: Birmingham, April 27. Master Sam Clabaugh, President Zoolog- teal Park Association. City: | Dear Sir-We note with pleasure your efforts to establish geological park for the boys of Birmingham, and feeling an interest in the pleasure of the boys, we have decided to offer prize to the boy | who gets the largest number of votes for | the elephant fund; therefore, we will offer | through you the finest suit in our store | for the boy under 16 who secures the larg- est number of votes for the elephant fund; the winer to have the privilege of selecting any suit from our boys depart ment
 Trusting the foregoing will be an incen- tive to the boys and will aid you in your | efforts. and wishing you every success, we are very truly yours,
 II. J. PORTER & co. Citizens Favor Movement. l One of the boys saw MT. Fowlkes of the firm of Fowlkes X Myatt, grocers, yesterday, and he told him that he had nersonally contributed to the movement and that his firm had also contributed. He said that he was heartily in sympathy | with the movement and would do any l thing he could to aid the boys and girls of Birmingham.
 Chief Wier assured them that he was right with them and would be willing to help them at all times. He said that he had always wanted zoo in Birmingham and was happy to know that the boys had taken the work up in earnest. John Mayberry, a we'll known citizer, said yesterday that he was in Chatta- nooga at the time a zoo was started there and said that it was a success from the start. "This zoo has become great re- sort for grown people as we'll as children and is an ornament to the city of Chat