The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-11-23

and fast track. The fastest mile paced was 2:0954 by Caspardeen, but had not rain interferred Baron Grattan would surely have taken down the 2:O6ka record set up by magnificent Old Hal Pointer thirteen years ago.
 '.The track is one of the best in the country. Ed Geers. the greatest driver of them all, pronounced 1t the fastest track he had ever seen, and this comes from a man who Is never given to saying thing unless he means 1t. Great credit is due Superintendent Amis for the fine track, for within three weeks he made 1t light ming fast by constant work and an intel ligent knowledge of what was necessary The reputation of this track has already spread to many states and hereafter fast trials will be made in Birmingham instead of elsewhere.
 Transformation Complete.
 "When one stops to consider the wonder full transformation that was wrought at the fair grounds and in the incredible short space of time, 1t proves to the world that Birmingham can do anything she undertakes. The plant here is as complete and as well appointed as any in the United States and should be improved and en- larged each year.
 "rhe visiting horsemen paid the asso- citation many compliments on the thorough construction ideal arrangement and pleasing appearance of the buildings. They all expressed the highest regard for Birmingham and felt grateful for the many attentions shown them. promising not only to come back in 1906 but to in- duce their friends to come also.'
 Credit Due.
 A great deal of credit is due President Eugene Flies for financing the enterprise and he gave much time and attention to the detriment of his personal affairs. He was ably assisted by the executive committee composed of John l.. Parker C. H. Nabb and A. w. Nelson. and also by Robert Jemison, c. w. Ufford, MT. Dunn, MT. Smith and other directors.
 The greatest credit has been given R. M. Williams, secretary and general man. ager, who took hold of the situation, de- signed the plant, looked after the buying of the material, personally supervised the construction of every building, fence and stable and who worked necessarily night and day, planning and figuring to make the fair a success.
 Mir. Williams met with many discour- agements, but from the very outset he claimed he would have the grounds and buildings completed and would give the people of Alabama fair Of whicn they could all be proud.
 Plans for future.
 Plans for the future fairs are being considered.
 It is now proposed to not only hold an annual fair each fall, but to have spring horse show-a summer harness meeting and various other entertainments through out the year. 1t is contemplated 10 erect club house for the Birmingham Driving club which will hold matlnees each week, beginning in May. These matinees Will prove popular now that the county m tends to make Fairview Boulevard an ideal driveway to the fair grounds. A lake will be built within the inheid and high-class amusements will be ar ranged in summer. The stables will be open and the track kept in fast condition.
 Several trainers will winter there and many more will come in the spring. pis horse sale will be held in April and rid- ing academy will be opened in the mines building. In fact the fair grounds will be kept alive all the year round. The total Improvements on the grounds