The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-03-25

The union depot is go, and everybody Is pleased and happy. and even Vulcan wears that broad smile of satisfaction at the wise action of our City Fathers, tinged only by a sigh of regret that first one distinguished lady and then en- tire club persists in calling him ugly, 'unsightly' and 'unapproprlate' which Is enough to move even the Iron Man to tears at this unnecessary and uncalled for wounding of the generous pride he has felt in proclaimlng in the most eff fective manner the merits of these dis- tinguished people and their city to a wondering world. No wonder the real es- tate market Is unsettledl
 He had about rolled himself up in his velvet robes (of mould) for perhaps a twenty-year sleep, when this uncharitable outburst awoke him from his rheumatic slhmbers and disturbed the peaceful dream that his troubles at last were over and that he would be permitted to pre- side in peace. free from turmoil and at tack. attracting the outside world to the borders of a great city and people and the boundless natural wealth upon which her greatness rests.
 There is a tlnge of 'crestfallen pride lowering around the brow of the Iron Man, who, being accustomed by hls na-
  ance to be called beautiful" that the most distinguished portion of the salt of the earth" whose opinions and wishes he and the whole world rightly venerates. should suffer the uncharitable thrust of being called ugly" when he has noth- ing in this world to live for, but to crave the favor of those. who insist that the ''ole man. will be lifted out of his boots, when a cyclone strikes and shakes up pld bulks of her august gubernatorial, con gressional and senatorial misery dobby- fists included) in the midst of Capitol park.
 When such thoughtless, but universally revered and esteemed folk, have their pink teas" (we've only heard of 'em), let them pause, and reflect, as they sip the delectable nectar, and ask themselves the question. If the tea would be of so good quality, or as easily obtainable Universally in Brmingham if the merits of this great city and the district had not been prominently advertised or if its cardinal virtues were placed at such remote distance, that even Birmingham's celebrated opticians, would be unable to supply glasses of sufficient strength to see through Red mountain or a forest: or the intensely practical but thoughtless clouds, vapor, and smoke that might
 
 tural laws of gravitation and roll be- tween the valley and the mountain and obstruct and shut off the view of our pre- siding genius.
 Vulcan Is good natured as well as of large proportions, he couldn't be ,other- wise Gas he only seeks to benefit others), but when he saw that threat, (for the Iron Man ain't the only one afraid of them critters). he blessed the Lord that oif ifxr IA catch glimpse of 1t, until they had properly done the right and gracious thing, and with feeling that they had, honored themselves and the city by their wise and generous act, he doubtless sim ply rolled over on his weary and af- fiicted ribs on the side of Red mountain, among the daisies and fairly cracked his sides laughing at many of hls critics, whom he is confident will never see the ''p'int''-until he stands in Capitol park, as firm as our real estate market, with the arrow pointed hopefully heavenward, suggestive of the watchword for a great city, Excelsior"
 Trading for the past week has been confined mostly to homes and suburban properties; there are inquiries for va rious classes of business and central prop critics. but movement fB retarded by prices, which buyers consider unreason- able and there is little disposition on the part of buying inquiries to recede from their position.
 There Is a comfortable and healthy undertone to the market condition and when sellers are permeated with suffl- cient restlessness to do business and re- cede from their perch, everybody will be happy with an active market
 There are good purchases in homes and Investments procurable, but 1t requires discretion in singling out from the main body of realty offerings. those properties that are divested of risky elements. There is practically little or no risk, save on those properties where the owners have anticipated the future by several years in making quotations. It is this feature that throws a wet blanket over the mar ket and retards its activity.
 This does not mean that considerable business is not being transacted. but there is not nearly so much, as the pres ent favorable conditions and certainties of a great city and its promise of the