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

 port that they have not been able to se- cure shopping days" but with the strong aid of the Business Mems league of Bir- mingham they have secured weekend rates on the Alabama Great Southern railroad. These rates go into effect on Saturday and continue until noon Sunday of each week, and tickets are good to re- turn until the midnight train Monday.
 It is reasonable to suppose that it will only be a short while before the other railroads follow in this weekend rate. Those on the Alabama Great Southern commence Saturday, June 12.
 This indication of cooperation on the part of the railroads is very encourag ing, and we find also that the general of optimism. In fact, business has inn proved to the stage that we find com parisons being made now with banner 1907 instead of panioky 1908. Respectfully sub mitted COLMAN BLACH,
 Chairman Retail Trade Committee.
 Legislative Committee.
 The report of J. D. Collins chairman of the legislative committee was as follows:
 The legislature of Alabama will soon convene, which will call for some active work on behalf of the committee before that body
 At the instgation of this board your chairman introduced 6 resolution in the City Council that Birmingham would not grant franchise to any other municipal ity for a water works system, as the city of Birmingham itself should purchase or build and own its own water works sys tenn, which resolution Mwas unanimously adopted by the City Council, thereby put ting at rest the question of any company or corporation building water works system for our city.
 G,.-+ +re4f hox- LaA, 4alr l~xr l,a City Council for authorizing the city en- gineer and assistant engineer to get all necessary data from the various sources of water supply and report back at an early date. Your committee trust that there will be no unnecessary delay in this matter, and would recommend that the Board of Trade continue the agitation of the water question until a solution of the matter has been found, and this great work has been commenced in earnest.
 The new county amendment was de- eeated by a small majority, as you know which we believe to be largely attribut- able to the activity of this board at a critical time. with the assistance of the Birmingham Ledger.
 The Board of Trade at the meeting in January passed resolutions asking the governor to call an extra session of the legislature for the purpose of passing 8 Greater Birmingham bill. The sentiment in favor of an extra session has steadily grown, and the governor has indicated his intention of calling such a session by or dering elections to fill the vacancies in the legislative body. Legislation creating Greater Birmingham will certainly be included in the cali. Respectfully sub mitted. J. D. COLLINS, Chairman.
 On Civic Improvements.
 Report of C. c. Heidt on civic inn provements:
 Your committee on civic improvements begs to make the following report:
 As this committee has no funds with which to carry on this great work we have principally loaned our energies and indorsement to the municipal government which has made great strides along this
 The "City<Beautiful' movement inau- gurated by Mayor George B. Ward re- ceved the official indorsement of this body and your committee has done much to aid this great work, both individually and through the press.
 There are now several hundred blocks iI the city organized with large mem- berships which is doing much to improve the conditions in their respective neigh borhoods.
 The municipal government, through the Mayor, offered prizes to be distributed this spring for the prettiest and best kept lawn in the city on large and small premises of the house-owner, and also the occupants of rented property. This con- test excited considerable interest and did much to improve conditions in every part of the city. Upon retirement from office of Mayor Ward he requested this com mittee to act as judges in this matter
 Your body also gave official indorse- ment to the public sewer bond issue and new school bond issue. Your commit tee did most effective work on both of these bond issues both of which carried by a handsome majority.
 The sewer bond issue Is for the largest civic improvement ever undertaken by