The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-09

rows, we allow this to obscure our vis- ions and to play havoc with our com 
 many other items of vast benefit to the business interests of our city could be mentioned as the direct result Of the ac- tivities of the Board of Trade.
 Matters of vital interest to our mer- chants are also many times acted on through the attorney and other officers or the board, by way of adjustment of ac- counts, railroad claims, etc., which are effected for our members without cost to them much more rapidly than would be possible through any other channel. L- cense and taxation as affecting the mer- chants is also a feature of special at tention.
 Trade Inquiries.
 In addition to the letters passing over the secretary's desk, a much larger mail than would be supposed has called for the personal attention of your president, and many matters of an executive nature which have been undertaken for our mem bers have been attended to by the off, ficers which have never been reported to the meetings. For instance, scarcely week has passed but that a number of letters have been received by myself, as well as by the secretary from would-be customers, asking for the names of re- liable merchants or places to trade, and in each and every instance names of members of the Board of Trade in their line have of course been given.
 Standing Committees.
 I feel that I have been very fortunate in having during the past year the CO., operation of very able committees. Some of their interesting reports you have al- ready heard. To the able chairmen of these committees am especially in debted
 As the reports of the standing commit tees speak for themselves, I shall not in tentionally dwell upon the work done by these committees as covered by the re. port, but will take the liberty of touch- ing upon some of the features which are of special importance or significance, and will give you brief summary of some of the most important matters which have occupied our attention during the year.
 Convention Record.
 While not primarily body of entertain CTS, during the past year the Board of Trade has Joined in invitations to a number of organizations including the National Farmers union which invita- tion to meet in Birmingham has been accepted. and will mean the bringing of many thousands of people here An invi- tation to the sovereign grand lodge, In dependent Order of Odd Fellows, has also been extended, and if we can put up the money there Is good chance for us to get this body here next year, and prob ably have Birmingham adopted as the regular meeting place and headquarters for this organization.
 We entertained the National Association of Postoffice Clerks in an evenings smoker in conjunction with the Commer cial club.
 An invitation was extended to the In- ternational Baraca- -Philathea convention to meet with us next year and the prob abilities are that this invitation will be accepted.
 In conjunction with the Commercial club the Board of Trade helped to bring in a large excursion celebrating the open ing of the Atlanta, Birmingham and At lantic railroad, and gave an elaborate banquet to the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic and visiting officials. This re- ception and banquet undertaken jointly by the Board of Trade and the Com mercial club, was a great success and not only resulted in bring over thou sand visitors to our city, many of whom were country merchants and citizens of our state who had never been to Bir- mingham, but resulted in extending our trade area as well. This banquet. at which over 800 people were seated, was probably the largest ever given in Bir- mingham.
 Civic Improvements.
 We indorsed the proposition of a bond issue of $400000 for the construction of much-needed sanitary sewerage in our city, and appointed committee which did active work in connection with other organizations by aiding in bringing about favorable action on this matter. This valuable sewer work has already been partially done. and the remainder Is now well under way.
 Endorsement was given the "City Beau tifuI' proposition, and a - been assisting in this work with tho rs-