The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-08-19


There was great rejoicing in Birming-
ham last night. When the news of the
passage of the Greater Birmingham bill
swept through the city like widfire, the
excitement grew intense, members of the
Chamber of Commerce hurriedly congrat-
ulated each other over the telephone,
the aldermen at the city hall heard the
news with joy and then began to figure
on the great task which lies before them.
Yesterday was the most important day
In the history of the Chamber of
Commerce. Greater Birmingham has
been the end and ambition of ev-
cry administration of the CONNER
cial club in the last ten years. The cham
Der has waged its war theoretically and
natiently and President Frank Nelson
with Secretary j. B. Babb. backed up
by strong Hobbies from the membership,
are receiving much credit for the final
accomplishment of the cty's long hope,
as well as the defeat of the new county
amendment These patriotic citizens have
given ND all their time for the past two
veel,s and have made a systematic lobby
at the capital
Under the governors amendment the
hill takes in the original lines, including
Ensley. Thomas, Wylam and all of North
birmingham The Ensley steel plant
has never been a part of Ensley and is
not a. part of Greater Birmingham.
Comparison of Figures.
On January 1, 1910. according TO the
most conservative estimates. Birmingham
.,,,, herome a city of from 115,o00 to $4,000
neonle The census will show that BIZ
r,,nebam has increased from 3S,415 In 1900,
,u,;cb means a 200 per cent increase OF
,,,o+,on since the last census. This
will show a larger percentage OF increase
IN ,onu,ation than any other city in the
Tinted States as it is not thought possible
49, .rv other city has trebled its popu-
,ation within the last ten years. Los
ANGELES may make 1t. but 1t Will be
close race for first place.
T, actual figures the increase will be
from 10000 to $1,000. people which SHOWS
bigger actual growth than any other
.o,+bern city can claim. 1t brings Biz
mingham up in the ladder of cities from
the one hundredth place to rank with the
o,+,es of over 100000 which do not number
many over 40.
Atlanta had s9,s72 in the last census ana
estimates 10000 now, but 1t Is hardiy
considered probable that Atlantas VIII
ooeed B,rminghams population. Mem
nbis will probably increase from loS'ooo
=, number close to 100000 while Nash
VILE will probably increase from So'ooo
a,o,,t 15oOo0. New Orleans will, of
course. show population close to Son.
ooo II is openly claimed that within three
wars birmingham will take her place
under Memphis as third largest city IN the
south. while the increases between TINS
and the census of 1920 will be too ire
mendous to be even estimated
The renewal Of activities at Ensiey ana
throughout the district will, 1t Is thought
increase Birminghams population De-
tween 5000 and 10000 by next spring. The
prestige which the big city Will give IN
securing rates from the railroads and In
bringing big industries here will begin to
be felt Immediately, 1t is everywhere ad-
mitted.
The bill, under the Governors amend
ment, becomes effective January /. in
plenty of time for the census, which will
be taken in April. The change was made
to relieve embarrassment in taxes and as
sessments, but not until Governor Conner
had received the opinion of members of
the supreme court, that the change would
not make the bill unconstitutional.
Jere King, author of the bill, and Secre-
tary Babb OF the Chamber of Commerce
remained in Montgomery last night to
carefully check up the bill and see that
it is properly recorded President Nelson
instructed him over the phone to employ
the best legal talent If necessary.
Immediately upon hearing the good
, news President Nelson sent kilograms to
the senate and house and will send one
to Conner this morning. When asked for
an expression he said
Nelson Makes Statement.
Now, we can raise money for Million
dollar hotels, and anything else we want
This is great day in our history. l was
convinced that with the squabbling and
wrangling of the separate municipalities.
the time for harmony.
Everybody Is going to get together un-
der one government. with one desire to
make Birmingham the greatest city Of the