The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-11
Wants All Places of Business and Residences to Decor
 ate EIaborately
DECLARES A HOLIDAY
 AFTER THREE O'CLOCK
All City Offices Will Be Closed While the Chief Executive Is In the City on octo-
 Der 24.

Mayor George B. Ward has issued proclamation calling upon the people of Birmingham, one and all, to make prep arations for the visit of President Roose- welt Tuesday, october 24. He calls at tention to the fact that it is the first time a chief executive of the nation has hon ored this city with his presence since the late Benjamin Harrison occupied the White House, and urges that his recep- ton be made a memorable one.
 In asking the people to decorate, the Mayor emphasizes the importance of hav- ing the line of march ablaze with cleo tric arches, sign displays and other H. luminations that will literally convert night into day. He also urges that flags and bunting wave from every building on every street drought which the Pres ident will pass.
 The Mayor urges every business house to try and close it's doors during the Presidents stay here. In making this request he orders all city offices, except those that are of necessity forced to re- main open, closed at 3 o'clock for the rest of the day The principle idea of the proclamation is to make the day a holiday from o'clock in the afternoon and to have the entire city decorated. The proclamation is
 The Proclamation.
 s'To the People of Birmingham:
 "On Tuesrday, October "A, 1905, Theo- dore Roosevelt president of the United States. will pay a visit to Birmlngham He comes as a guest of the city, and will be here for several ho;rs. As has been announced prior to this time he fntx. de looking to the proper reception of the President have been completed by the committee having his entertainment in charge.
 "The visit of President Roosevelt is the first paid this city by the chief exc cutive of the nation since it had the honor of entertaining the lamented Benjamin Harrison, and a royal and fitting well come from every patriotic citizen should await him. 1t is a signal honor to this the Magic City of the south, that it should be favored with the official pres ence of the first citizen of the land and Birmingham should, and l feel sure will put forth her best efforts to make the occasion a gala and memorable one.
 Proper Decorating.
 "One of the most important features in this connection is the matter of proper and fitting decoration throughout the city.
 
 quest all property owners and others to display flags. bunting electric arches, lights, etc. upon the business houses and residences of the city. Especially do l urge the merchants and manufacturers of Birmingham to decorate their bus iness houses, and particularly those along the route which the President will take on his way to Capitol park the fair grounds and his return to the union depot. 'I also desire to request that in so far as practical, all business be suspend ed during the Presidents stay here in order to give the thousands of employees an opportunity to participate in the vari- ous events arranged for the afternoon of that date.
 'It is ordered that all city offices and departments, other than works of actual necessity, be closed at o'clock and con tinue closed during the remainder of the day. Respectfully.
 GEORGE B. WARD, Mayor"
 "This 10th day of October, 19O5.'