The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-10-16

Alderman Walter Moore talked inter- estingly yesterday of Greater Birmng- ham.
 MT. Moore has recently returned from St. Louis, where he went to consider an important matter regarding the railway development of the district MT. Moore said
 Birmingham Is a great town and grow Ing greater with every passing hour I never leave the city without feeling that it is one of the most progressive and most attractive places to live in the coun- try, and I never return to it without having that feeling strengthened in re- markable degree.
 While away on this trip. every one I met had some interesting inquiry to make of Birmingham. Especially was this true of persons who have large financial re- sources. All of them seemed to think that Birmingham and the Birmingham dis trict offer today the best opportunities for investment to be found in the United States.
 Greater Birmingham.
 While I was in St. Louis," continued MT. Moore, my attention was drawn to the proposition to consolidate Birming- ham and its neighboring municipalities Into what would be called the city of Greater Birmingham. It goes without saying that the tendency in all urban cen ters throughout the country nowadays is toward concentration and consolidation The examples set by Chicago and New York. in this respect Is being followed fau iu at vot, therefore, that we should be considering the question here in Birmingham, or that the outside world should be interest ed In how we are going to settle it. The problem is up to us now, and we must make a serious effor. to solve it.
 Views of, Consolidation.
 Am l fin favor of Greater Birming- ham?" asked MT. Moore in response to a question. "Yes, and-no: that Is, I am in favor of increasing the area and population of the city provided 1t can be done on conditions that will be satisfac- tory both to Birmingham and to the smaller municipalities that are situated near us.
 'The time will come, and it is not now far distant when the territorial limits of Birmingham will embrace almost all the cities and towns within radius of fifteen miles of the Birmingham city hall. It is certainly inspiring to think of the possi- biit.cs of such a city, stretching out over this valley as Greater Birmingham would surely do.
 Make Haste Slowly.
 "It is wise. however, I think to make haste slowly in this matter We must recognize existing conditions and reckon with them prudenty. The question of tax Ation-the question of revenue-wil de- termine whether or not there is to be soon Greater Birmingham. The diff ferent municipalities that will make up Greater Birmingham differ now in their financial condition. and in their rates of taxation. Some of the municipalities, carrying a light tax rate are heavily In debt. Others. carrying a heavier tax rate are financially unencumbered. These diff fering conditions in the different munich Taities must be capitalized before a satis-
 cry basis of negotiation can be agreed Il.
 Rules of Procedure.
 ''lt seems to me-" concluded Mr. Moore that l. WOuid De WlSe 10 adOpt one gem eral rule in conducting the campaign in favor of Greater Birmingham. and that rule is this: Let each municipality in the vicinity of Birmingham that wishes to be incorporated within the greater city 30 express its desire in a formal and definite manner. Then let Birmingham de- termine whether or not 1t is in favor of admitting the other municipalities that wish to be a part of the greater city.
 q think this Is a good rule for the reason that there may be cities near us that we would like to see a part of Greater Birmingham but that may not wish to come in, and again there may be cities that would be willing to come in which we might not want to annex at this time.
 Municipal Policy.
 "As matter of sound municipal policy, no city that does not wish to be inc6r- porated in Greater Birmingham should be induced to come in. On the other hand the city of Birmingham, proper should not be compelled to let in any neighboring city that would not. in the judgment of the men who shape the career of Birmingham. be able to bear its share