The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-01-03

them to this word of introductfon to . realized unit of the "Is10 Moxsment's-- new citizen of Montgomery.
 An improvement association is an or- ganization of persons who band them, selves together in order to promote tho civic beauty and hygiene of the town wherein they live. Such associations have no legislative power outside their own bodies, yet they may rightfully use their Influence to promote laws affect. ing the general welfare The secret of their success in the long run is in ed ucating public opinion to demand good officials, and then in cooperating with the officials, not antagonizing them
 These associations are orgnniezd by one or more Interested persons calling meeting and electing officerss The of ficers are president. vice president, re-. cording< and corresponding secretaries. treasurer. and an executive commit tee. all elected annually. The duty Of the last is to plan the work, make the contracts and expend the funds. The funds are raised by annual dues of the membership, by contribution and by. en- tertainments. ~ W
 The object of these associations is tho improvement and ornamentatIon of public streets and highways. the beau tifying of premises, school yards. lfbra- ry grounds, railway stations. and other public buildings. the formation of parks and the preservation of natural beau ties. .qs
 The value of an improvement so- cietys work as a commerciai invest ment is clearly perceived by Europeans The Schwarzwald Improvement Society of Germany numbers $500 members, who are assessed an annual due of $L.25. This association was formed for the purpose Of making the Black Fer est known and accessible to the pub lie. of preserving and protecting ruins, of improving pleasure grounds. cre- ating pavilions. bowers. etc, and sener- ally promoting intercourse. Sl
 Both the German and English asso- citations work to attract capital to ltheir towns. River-sides are made Into cqntinuous parkway through the town, paths are opened to points where beau- tiful views may be had. and cards in the hotels and public buildings draw visitors attnetion to these matters, and to the fact that comfortable seats Will be found in these places \
 In England the society called Lea pa," the mission of which is the checking of the abuse of pufslic adver- Using. has more than one thousand members enrolled, some of them mem bers of Parliament The work of this notable society has attracted the fa- vorable attention of almost every rov- ernment in Europe. &x ssy '
 The .sAmerican League for. Civic I'm. provement,' the object of which is. stat ed in the constitution 'shalI be to bring into communication for acquaintance and helpfulness all organizations inter. ested In the promotion of out-door art, public beauty, own,Nvillage and neigh borheod. Improvement"
 As in Europe, the commercial possf- bilities of the work are beginning to appeal to the American business man, Large owners of real estate and tenant houses are adopting as business meth- ods some Of the special features of ina pr6vement associations. Commercial clubs and boards of trade are awaken. ing to the fact that cleaniy and beau- tiful city, containing fine Douievards. riverside drives and parks. public baths and swimming pools, is as much of an fnducement to new firms- desfring to locate, as Is a cash bonus or good ship ping facilities. Firms and good citi- gems seeking new locations and finding these advantages, are assured without further search that the schools will be good. the residence district fine, and that a minimum of undesirable resi-. dents will be found.
 Bspally the first step fin improving property is the planting of trees and flowers. It is an excellent idea for an Improvement association to encourage floral anows. with prizes to schools and school children. for, through the latter medium the infection of beautifying Is