The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-10-24
COLUMBUS FAIR IS
 WELL UNDER WAY
Two Candidates for Governor
 Among the Speakers
EXHIBITS OF HIGH ORDER
Steamer American Is Soon to Engage In Tomblgbee Traffic and Will Go as High as Co.,
 lumbus.

Columbus, Miss. October 23.-(Special) The sixth annual exhibition of the Miss issippi and West Alabama Fair associa- tion began today. The formal opening took place at o'clock this morning, at which time there were addresses by E. F. Noel and T. U. Slsson, and candidates for governor of Mississippi. All six of the gubernatorial candidates were in- vited to be present and deliv- CT addresses. but Charles Scott and Judge Jeff Truly found it impossible to accept the invitation. It was greatly regretted that these two gentle men could not be present, as both have numerous friends and supporters in this county who would have enjoyed the privi- lege of hearing them speak.
 The exhibits are numerous in every de- partment. The large number of attracs tive prizes offered this year has greatly increased the number of exhibitors who are all putting forth their best offerings in hopes of securing prizes. One of the very attractive features of this fair will be the races, and judging from the horses which are to be entered the races
 
 age.
 On Wednesday the fair patrons will be treated to something decidedly novel, baby show with the babies exhibited in decorated baby carriages. This promises to be a very pretty and attractive event, and a widespread interest has been inter ested in it. A football game between the Agricultural College of Mississippi and the University of Louisiana will be the spe- cial feature of Friday. These two teams are two of the strongest southern col lege teams, and the contest will no doubt be a very exciting one. These games always incite a great deal of interest and are attended by large crowds, and be- sides the regular attendants at the fair there will probably be large numbers of visitors from the various colleges in Miss issippi, Alabama and Louisiana to wit ness the game. Thursday will be given to the horse show. In addition to the attractions mentioned there will be run ming and harness racing every afternoon during the progress of the fair. The grounds are filled with the usual fair midway, merry-g -go-round electric theatre and other shows. Music will be furn- ished throughout the fair by Taylor's concert band The directors in charge of the fair have worked long and hard to make the present fair great success and they have succeeded admirably.
 Steamer Plies to Columbus.
 A telegram was received in this city today stating that the steamer American, which is to ply the river in the interest of the local trade during the coming season, has left Vicksburg and it is expected that she will arrive in this city at an early date. The steamer will come to Colum- bus via Mobile, where she will stop to take on a cargo of freight for Demopolis and way landings. The freight traffic on the river Tombgbee is proving to be very large and the steamer will be a source of great convenience to the local ship pers and buyers along the river.
 Want Better Freight Rates.
 l. H. Sykes, secretary of the Progress sive Union of this city has returned from Jackson, where he went to present petition to the Mississippi railroad com mission, requesting that the railroads en- tering Columbus reduce their freight rate from the great shipping centers of the north and east. The reduction of the freight rate to this city has long been on the public mind of this city. The members of the railroad commission, after hearing the claims set forth by Mr. Sykes stated that they realized the just ness of said claims and promised to take immediate action in the matter.
 At meeting of the Public Library as- sociation of this city yesterday a very satisfactory report of the years work was submitted. number of handsome volumes recently donated speak of the continued interest in the library and the growth In the record of the regular read CTS tells of it's establishment to meet a great public need.