The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-29
CLOSE RESIDENTS
 OPPOSE REMOVAL
 0F GRASS CIRCLE. R. s. Munger Thinks Danger from Automobiles Would
 Be Greatly Increased
WILL BEAR EXPENSE OF
 KEEPING PARK IN SHAPE
Capt. John c. Smith Thinks the Circle Should Really Be Larger So as To Check Swiftly Speed
 ing Automobiles.


 to the abolition of the circle and In each instance objections to the removal of the little park have been raised The argu- ment generally used is that the spot forms check on the speeding automo- hilists who rush into the head of Twen- tieth street. In discussing the mat.er yesterday R. s. Munger said:
 Noticing the article in yesterdays Ags- Herald with head lines Circle Will Re Removed if Citizens Are Wiling I beg not only as a citizen of Birmingham, but also as an adjacent property holder and resident, to state a few facts which are not only my individual views, but those of a majority of the citizens of the neigh borhood and of the South Highlands. "In your first clause you say There is apparently nothing in the way of hay ing the useless spot of grass done away with I imagine that you will agree with 8 large majority of the citizens of Bir mingham that every spot of grass in Btr- rnlngham which may be called a park. although it be a small one, should not only be preserved but others secured if possible.
 "Our city already has decidedly an in- sufficient number and area of parks. While this little park has never been talk on care of in the least if it were properly laid out and cared for it could be made one of the most attractive and beautiful spots in the city. But to lay aside this fea- ture your last clause says, The dangers to which pedestrians and persons riding m vehicles are exposed in passing around the west side of the plaza, where there is double street car track, is consid- cred no matter to be put aside, and the removal of the circle has within the past few days been made a live issue
 Will Increase the Danger.
 ITO this latter clause I wish to answer that the danger to pedestrians will have been increased an hundred fold the very minute you take away that little park. Probably 100 pedestrians are injured or killed to where one person in vehicles or automobiles are killed or injured. If you would take your stand on any lot adjoin- ing and watch for one or two days and see the numerous women and helpless children, and nurses with children, and other pedestrians. both young and old. who cross that park, and also see the huge wagons of all kinds, carriages and automobiles, frequently driven at rack less and dangerous speeds, and some of them by irresponsible and inconslderate drivers, and see what refuge of safety this park is, you would very probably change your mind.
 ""There is already a temptation for au- tomobles and vehicles of all kinds to adopt a reckless speed at this point, but If you should remove this park the temp tation would be still greater. There is already space of about 250 feet from the church lot to my lot across the street and there are five streets centering into this circle, four of which empty nearly together into the narrow Twentieth street which Is only 32 feet In. width at this point.
 AS far as I am personally concerned, if thought it would be safer and for the good of the greatest number, I would be willing to yield my own personal pref erence and interest in the matter entirely, but I think if you will get a vote of the adjacent property you would certainly be willing to change your mind and let the matter drop as far as ever expecting to have that park removed.
 Stralghten Car Tracks.
 with reference to the street car tracks there is considerable agitation and dis cussion as to whether the street car con- pany should be allowed to extend it's track through the park or not In fact, some of this agitation to do away with the park is supposedly for the purpose of letting the street car people straighten their track, and while I do not propose to speak for the Highland Methodist church, will say I am sure that the noise made by the street cars will be lessened considerably by letting the track be strengthened through the park, and cause much less disturbance to the church than the noise created by the curve which now exists, and I feel sure when this matter is thoroughly under stood that there will be very little if any objection from the church people to extending the track through the park.
 "I would suggest, then, that a five or sx-foot cement sidewalk be built all around the edge of the park and nice ornamental iron posts ana chain to con- stitute barrier be placed between that and the green, and the park planted in flowers and otherwise beautif1ed and kept, either by the city or by members of the fire department, as 1t seems they have proposed to take care of it.
 '"The fact is, proposed to Mayor Ward a year or two ago. if the city would im- prove the park, something in the manner I have mentioned, and give me charge of it, would keep it up for the city several years free of charge"
 Captain Smith Opposes Removal.
 John G. Smith, who lives near Five Points, Is also very much opposed to the removal of the plaza. When seen yes- terday afternoon Captain Smith said: There is a great tendency for autoists to race into Twentieth street at a very rapid rate of speed, and such Is especial ly the case with negro boys whom number of automobile owners allow to run their cars. The circle should by no means be removed. and If it were possible 1t should be made larger and the curve around 1t greater in order that these reckless drivers could be further checked in their mad races. T do not doubt that if the circle were removed the place would be one of death and accidents"
 When Dr. Cunningham Wilson, an adja- cenhresident, was asked what he thought