The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-05-29

JOHN w. ELLIOTT, Treasurer. The auditors report is as follows: I have examined and compared the monthly reports, cash books and vouch- CTS of the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce from May l. 1908 to May 1, 1909, and find the balance correct and the vouchers properly issued.
 ALVIN M. DOUGLASS, Auditor
 Industrial Report.
 The past 12 months has been period of building activity in Birmingham and vi- cnity. All previous building records were exceeded. Four new office buildings are already added to the city's imposing list, among them being the new home of the Chamber of Commerce. More homes were built in Birmingham and the aver age of cost was larger last year than ever before. This building activity is eloquent of the abiding faith that our people have in this community-a faith justified by the history of development here.
 Three new railroads, the Illinois Gen. tral, the Mobile and Ohio and the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic made formal entrance into Birmingham during the past F months. A beautiful new terminal station was completed and in railroad facilities Birmingham stands without peer in the southern territory.
 The activities. of the Chamber of Com merce were varied and comprehensive. and have been set forth in the several reports of committees and officers. Over 75000 pieces of literature were distributed under the auspices of the Chamber of Commerce, included In this number being 5000 of the handsome books issued by the Birmingham Railway Light and Power company and donated to the organ ization.
 Conventions.
 Some four years ago the Commercial club, which during the past year was merged into the Chamber of Commerce, started a campaign for securing conven- tions for Birmingham. The results have been highly gratifying. Birmingham Is now known as a convention city. Through the inspiration of that movement Birming- ham delegates to various organizations are alert and active in endeavoring to in- duce the bodies to meet here.
 History of Iron Making In Alabama. Next to the importance of making his- tory is the importance of its preserva- tion Some two years ago under the auspices of the Commercial club the work of perpetuating the record of from mak- ing in Alabama was entrusted to a spe- cial committee, which secured the ser vices of a talented writer and palms taking investigator in the person of Miss Ethel Armes The historical work Is now completed and is ready for the printer.
 Birmingham Trade.
 The Birmingham trade area for retailer, wholesaler and manufacturer can and should be extended. The Business Men league recently has undertaken this mis- sion on behalf of the retail trade and, under the competent management of that organization most gratifying results should be obtained.
 Our wholesalers and manufacturers have an opportunity in cooperation with the committee on promotion of wholesale trade to enlarge Birmingham trade ter ritory.
 A gratifying announcement reached the secretarys desk this morning that ar rangements had been made in Savan- nah, Ga, to furnish steamship lines with Birmingham coal and that 1000 tons will be used this year with promise of large- ly increased trade.
 New Hotel.
 The popularity of Birmingham as con- vention city has emphasized the need of new hotel. Arrangements for supply ing this need are now under way.
 Delegates Appointed.
 Delegates were appointed and attended tine Southern Commercial congress- the Rivers and Harbors congress, the Mobile Basin association the Lake Mohonk Con ference of International Arbitration, and the Peace Conference of Chicago. Repre- sentatives also participated in the presen- tation to the cruiser Birmingham of the silver service, presented on behalf of the citizens of Birmingham.
 New Houses.
 New houses were built during the year, as obtained from canvass of Birming-
  ments on the street car lines and imme- diate vicinity, as follows:
 r Number of houses, s225 cost s5,22o,552.
 New Corporations.
 New corporations were filed as follows. The Southern Garage Co., ........$ 1000 Phoenix Construction Co. ......... 5000 Southern Laundry Supply Manufac-