The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-06-13

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 ham. This point will then become full fledged weather bureau station. During the year there was a general distribution of the fund that had been previously raised for the relief of the Virginia mine disaster. Under the aus pices of the Commercial club $6,S07.50 was raised in behalf of the sufferers from the earthquake and fire in San Francisco. This contribution was swelled by those from fraternal and church organizations so that Birmingham's contribution for relief was more than s100OO. A gratify- ing incident has been the disposition shown by the Bessemer Board of Trade to cooperate with the Commercial club of Birmingham in everything tending to the development of the district. At the re- quest of the Board of Trade of Bessemer, a special committee was appointed by this organization to take steps to secure an adequate exhibit at the Jamestown exposition in 1907
 New Railroads.
 During the year two new railroads, the Illinois Central and the Mobile & Ohio have made arrangements for terminals to enter Birmingham. The Atlanta, Birming- ham & Atlantic railroad has made great progress in building its line towards this city. Several other railroads are looking this way and Birmingham can rest secure in the title, '"The railroad center of the south." An electric railroad was project ed from .Gadsden to Tuscaloosa.
 New Interests.
 The most potential industrial event in the past year was the requirement by Messrs. Gates. Topping and associates, of the controlling interest on the part of these great financiers in the Birmingham district Is a source of felicitation and is but accumulatiye evidence of the strength and resources of the magnificent promise of this section. Through the Commercial club the community extended them the right hand of fellowship which was re- ceived in the spirit it was given.
 A $200,0O0 high school and two elemen- tary schools of substantial structure were added to the public school equipment dur ing the past year in accord with the gen erous and enlightened policy which so often finds expression in this community With pardonable pride our citizens can draw attention to the fact that no city in the south has a high school equal in facilities, material and educational ad- vantages as Birmingham.
 Our collection of skyscrapers had not able addition in the erection of Brown Marx building of sixteen towering stories constitute a monument of the ability and progressiveness of two sterling represent ative young men.
 The lapse of few months will see the completion of a union depot which in beauty and comfort will yield the plam to none.
 Membership List.
 The membership of the club should be increased. The citizen who can afford to pay the dues of the organizat ton and re- fuses to enroll himself in the organized army battling for Birmingham's welfare is sadly lacking in public spirit and civic pride. The club should at least double It's membership. The secretary appre- ciates the many kindnesses bestowed up- on him by various members during his connection with the club but 1t Is not amiss for him to ask on behalf of the executive officers a more conscientious discharge of committee work and more lively interest in club affairs upon the part of our members.
 The members of the Commercial club of Birmingham should stand shoulder to shoulder in all things looking to the public welfare If they will exercise that militant energy of which they are so largely endowed in behalf of the club and club affairs they will hasten the attain
 
 busiest, biggest, best and the most beau- tiful city in the south. Much was done during the year to make Birmingham cleaner and more beautiful city. The policy of street paving was vigorously pushed and the street department render ed worthy service.
 House Building Increased.
 A striking feature of the year was in the increase in the average value of the houses erected as we'll as in the number. Never in any twelve months have there been so many substantial and beautiful homes erected as in the past year. and already in her youth Birmingham's resi- denuai sections more than favorably com pare with those cities which have for generations been the seat of wealth and culture No greater testimony to the home loving attributions of our citizens could be given-no stronger assurance could be made that while Birmingham is builded deeper and better upon the hearts of her loyal and loving people.
 New Enterprises.
 Among the new enterprises established during the year are:
 Payne & Joubert Machine and Foundry 
 van Duzen MOtor Car company.
 Concrete Construction company.
 Cement Block Manufacturing company. Sun Publishing company.
 Jennings Smith Lumber company.
 Smms Lumber company.
 Barnett Lumber and Manufacturing 
 Day Stove and Foundry company.
 veitch Foundry and Machine company. Webber Iron Works.
 Roberts Printing company.