The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-23

cant Happenings of the Past 12
 Months-Refreshm ents
 and Music.
 The annual meeting of the Commercial club was a jubilation over the wonders of years accomplishment and the foun- dation for a still greater years work Held in the Commercial club rooms, at tended by more of the makers, the build CTS and the boosters of Birmingham than were ever gotten together in one room before. begun with the encouraging re- ports of the faithful officers, featured by the installation of the new president John l.. Raul. and ended with a series of en- thusiastic, carefully weighed speeches. the meeting was more than a success
 After the call to order by the retiring president, Sterling A. Wood, Secretary J. B. Babb read his complete and interesting report, which Is given In another column. President Wood then made his report as follows:
 MT. Woods report follows:
 The annual meetings of the Com mercial club have very often been a source of very great pleasure to the speaker in the various capacities In tended the same.
 It can be said in truth that the pres ent meeting is one from which greater pleasure may be anticipated than any other formerly attended, for, at this meeting, the office of president Is re- linquished to a more worthy successor.
 Not that the office of president is an unpleasant one, for, with the efficient force employed by the club. the de- tails of the office are pleasantly worked out, but that the office is one to which any citizen, being called, ought to at tend, and having attended is entitled to return to his bench, or to his blow, or to his book, or to his counter, as the case may be.
 Club Membership.
 This club is intended to and do ,s embrace every interest for the good of y, doors are always open, it's terms are exceedingly easy, and every public spirited citizen is a candidate for mem- bership. Our old residents, if we have any, can here meet our new ones; and our new ones are here soon made to feel as if they were old residents; no special invitations are issued to join ne. tisement, and we are and propose 70 continue to be the sponsor for this great district. We want the outsider to come in the club and be an insider. Both phones 25.
 Endurance.
 The history of all endeavor is that the one who can stay in and play the game the longest Is the most sure Q win; is that he who has the most en- durance will surely be the victor; is that he who has the most wind will conquer in the end.
 The history of men is the history of nations, and is the history of cities. and we may correctly apply this to our own city, Birmingham.
 Can any one question that she can stay in and play the game of liie longer than others, that she has th, most endurance, or that she has the most wind in any conflict between rivals similarly situated?
 It seems to us here that we a,s built upon a rock, and that so long IS this rock, this ore, remains we cannot be swept away, nor should we do aught else but go forw.
 There has been something ol porary lull in the financial world. a dollar, like man going up hill, has to pause some time to catch its breath for the greater effort beyond.
 On assuming the duties of president of this club a year ago there appeared to be three particular works which de- manded more than ordinary attention. and which were undertaken by the club, and were assumed by the officars then installed
 Greater Birmingham.
 The first and prime duty of the club a year ago was Greater Birmingham. In this we have delivered the goods. not under some of the bills offered. but under the King bill, under the Smyer bill and under the general municipal code bill, so that those m charge might have choice of methods. but certainly could not choose as tn wheth CT or not we should have Great CT Birmingham, for that was fixed. It must ultimately work itself out politi- clans temporarily to the contrary not withstanding.
 It would serve no good purpose, ex- cept historically, to review the various incidents connected with the passing Of the various bills providing fog Greater Birmingham. Greater Bir- mingham finally became the law, and in the process of time, will become a fact to the betterment of every man, woman and child in Jones valley, and in the valleys leading thereto.
 Membership.
 The mark fixed for the membership in the club at this date year ago was 1000; we have S52, which is about an incerase of man per day, allowing the usual failing away, but it Is not