The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-06

strongly condemns the trading stamp. In Atlanta it was formerly used right large ly, but the merchants got rid of it and have apparently fixed it over there so that it will not be permitted to re-enter Atlanta at all. In Augusta, Ga, the stamps were used some years ago, but were gotten rid of because unsatisfactory, and although I understand there are some being used there now, there is another vigorous effort on foot to get rid of them again. Savannah, Ga, has the same story, and New Orleans has done away with the trade stamp because of its dis advantages. Nashville, Tenn, has not only cut them out long ago.. but has caused legislation to be enacted which practically prohibits the stamp ever com ing back into that city again. This legislation has been tested in the courts, and it has been found that 1t will hold against the trade stamp people, and the merchants of that state have been pro- tected.
 Its disadvantages were also recognized in Birmingham some several years ago when license of 5000 was put upon any concern doing a trade stamp business, and a minimum license of $20O and up was placed upon each merchant who might use them. It seems, however, that this is not high enough yet, considering the great amount of money which the trading stamp will take out of the com munity, according to reports and expert ence of these interested.
 I am reliably informed that four of the concerns who have agreed to use -1- pressed their determination already to withdraw and not continue to use same.
 Water Supply on South Highlands.
 The lack of sufficient quantity of water, and the almost total absence of water pressure throughout the southeastern DOT tion of the South Highlands especially. is the cause for serious alram to many. Recent fires in this district have shown that although the firemen are prompt in arriving on the spot, 1t Is absolutely necessary to have steamers to pump the water out of the mains by suction be- fore sufficient supply can be utilized for putting out the fire. Even then the quantity is limited, so that the losses are probobly ten times what they should be. and the only wonder is that every house that catches fire does not burn down entirely. We should not longer de- lay procuring action which will result in relief to the greatly increased population of this handsome residence district. There is too much valuable property at stake, and 1t should not longer be suffered to i go without adequate fire protection. An additional fire engine or steamer should also be placed on the South Highlands, and l hope that the board will take steps at once to aid in bringing about a solution of this water supply problem.
 Greater Birmjnuham
 It is a matter of keen regret that for reasons which are possibly only partially known by any of us, the King Greater Birmingham bill should have been found unconstitutional by the lower court. Our people spent great deal of time and money securing the passage and adoption of the measure to procure Greater Bir- mingham and we should not sit idly by and see our city go into the next fed eral census with an area much less than i it should be and a population of only about one-third of what 1t ought to be if | the boundary lines of our municipality were properly extended to take in that territory and population which rightfuly belongs to Birmingham. I hope some &C., ton will be taken in this matter.
 We have received communication from l.. V. w. Moves, president of the Ma tional Business League of America, of Chicago, asking us to join with them in using our influence and In sending dee- gates, if possible, to attend a meeting sof the league which will be held on Mon day, January IS, at Washington, D. c. The purpose of this league seems to be principally to procure proper legislation through Congress which will insure a more thorough Standardization and inn provement in our consular service, which is of vast interest and importance to our manufacturing and exporting houses The United States. in recent years. 1t seems, has not made the advancement which it should have done in exporting our prod ucts of manufactured articles, and 1t is thought that this is largely due to the inefficienc, If our consular service in the various tant ports and countries of the Nc
 Reports on Committees.
 The Shopping Days" committee has been doing considerable work in attempt ing to procure the establishment of reg ular Shopping Days'' for Birmingham, and while not successful as yet,s they have procured good deal of information on the subject which will probably be of value to our merchants. who may fol- low these matters up later.
 The other committees of the board have been doing good work also.
 Shopping Day Committee.
 This report of the Shopping Days" committee, was read by Colman Blach:
 Your committee appointed to present plan to the railroads whereby special rates might be obtained which would aid the merchants of Birmingham in enlarg- ing and extending their trade area by the establishing of certain shopping days has to report that though considerable work has been done on the matter, the majority of the railroads, after consider ing the plan presented, have declined to agree to the suggestions made and will