The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-02
Total ................ ss, 4sl .o4
Comparison.

No of arcs .............,............ .290 40i Price per annum each. .......... $S3 B Sii Public Improvement Bond Fund. Since 1899 the city has been operating under law by which the property owner pays for all Improvements. He can pay cash or pay in 10 annual install ments. The status of this fund Is as follows:
 Bonds outstanding Jan. l, 1905 .s2s6 ,50O Bonds issued between 1905 and 190S. 2o4 900
 s490 300 Bonds redeemed 1905 to 1908 .. sles. BOO
 S321 ,o0O It is estimated that $1oo,0OO of these bonds will be redeemed during 1909. Cash balance of this fund in bank draws per cent per annum.
 Judgments Against City.
 Up to 1905 the city felt unable and had steadily declined to pay various judg ments by the higher courts against 1t. It relied on the state law that makes all property used for municipal purposes ex- empt from attachment or levy. It relied also on foresight In keeping old junk, lumber, stone or brick piled on your va- cant property to prove that 1t was being used for municipal purposes.
 Early in 1906 the last of these judgments were paid Since that time your honor able body has met such obligations and been relieved from anxiety that your property might be sold under execution.
 Salaries.
 While absolutely in need of all revenue for general purposes. the city has not been niggardly with it's employees. Nearly ev- cry salary on your pay roll has been in creased.
 This was done because 1t was right and also to retain the services of train men and to enable them to offset higher cost of living.
 Greater Birmingham.
 At the last session of the legislature a greater Birmingham bill was passed. talk ing in most of our surrounding territory. making a total area approximating AZ square miles, This bill was recently de- cared unconstitutional by the supreme court. Prior to this time. however, two strips of territory, included in the original bill. which extended from Gate City along the south line of East Lake, Woodlawn and Avondale and corporate limits of the city of Birmingham. with another strip along the north side of East Lake, Wood lawn and Avonda1e. to the corporate lim- its of Birmingham. voted annexation under a separate bill These elections were attacked and carried to the supreme court. After more or less litigation it has been decided that both strips are part of the city of Birmingham.
 The town of Avondale also voted to come into the city. This election was de- clared unconstitutional. Another election is now pending to be held on May f. Ow- ing to the broad and liberal policy pur- sued by the city of Birmingham toward Avondale during the period of litigation and the friendly spirit aroused in that suburb toward your honorable body, 1t will assuredly make a unanimous vote for annexation.
 7. During all the time Avondale was being buffeted about, steady Improvements were being made in the magnificent Avondale park Wading pool, baseball grounds, tennis courts. walks, drives, pavilion. band stand and a general cleaning up has transformed this property and revealed one of the most beautiful spots in the state of Alabama
 Public Library.
 Attention Is called to the public library on the fourth floor of the city hall. You have made extensive Improvements and additions to floor space that makes it now most attractive. It is now the largest in the state, having 15.000 volumes It Is under very able management and forms the nucleus of the great library that is to come.
 City Beautiful.
 Steady efforts have been made for year past to enlist the interest of all our people in a movement to beautify the city. The women were called on more especial ly to take charge of the work They have responded with enthusiasm and action. Splendid results already have been pro-