The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-01-02
ENSLEY CITIZENS
ON THE ABSORPTION
Cunningham and Mcdowell
Disapprove the Methods
FINE REPORT ON SCHOOLS
Superintendent Baker Reviews Work
During His Observation-Disclosures
vices at Churches-Per-
sonal and General.
FINE REPORT ON SCHOOLS

Ensley, January Especial 1.-THE New
Year was ushered In with the shrieking
of whistles and changing of bells, and
other method sof announcing the birth
of new year. While the occasion Is or
dinarily one of more or less rejoicing
to many of the citizens of Ensley 1t was
one of genuine sadness, as 1t meant the
death of city containing their homes
and all and one which they had planned
and worked for
The advocates of the greater city were
correspondingiy elated as to them 1t
meant the realization of their desires. AS
the citizens viewed the shaft on Nine
teenth street which recounted the situa-
ton as those opposing annexation saw
It. many expressions were heard in ref
erence to the Greater City and the effects
on business conditions In and around the
Steel City. The optimist was very much
more In evidence than the pessimist and
to accept the inevitable and work to pro-
mote the interest and welfare of the dis
trict generally appeared to be the up
permost tho Ight Among the many ex-
pressions on the new condition DR.. R. M.
Cunningham gave out the following:
1T have no hesitation in saying that the
forcible annexation Of Ensley to Birmins-
ham had no warrant In sanitary, educa-
tional, moral or economic conditions. To
those of as who have been on the ground
for twenty-five years this IL a sad day.
Ambition for power, greatness, wealth
or domain are legitimate ambitions, but
when achieved by such methods as were
adopted in placing Ensley into Birmins
ham, parliamentary language IL made
quate to express the proper criticism.
Those of US who knew, loved and ad-
mired Enoch Ensley, the founder of the
city, cannot but regret that this city,
splendid monument to his name, has been
wiped out Of the map by an unhoiy am
bition. and despotic and tyrannical meth
DDS. The lovers Of justice, fair play, and
common honesty, cannot but feel that an
outrage was committed when Ensley was
against every substantial and sentimental
reason deprived of Its autonomy, its In
dividuality, ambition and hope.
Notwithstanding all this we must pull
ests demand this. It's inclusion into Bir-
mingham may In the end prove the best
for all. thus establishing its wisdom; but
even this does not compensate for the
injustice Of the method. I have never
regretted my defeat for governor SO far
as my personal interests or ambitions are
concerned, but do sometimes regret that
1t was not in my power, as 1t would have
been had been governor. to prevent this
and some other things which have hap
pened."
Mr.. H Mcdowell said:
"Of course no pleasant thoughts come
over me last night when heard the
whistles and bells sound the death knen
of 1909 and of the city of Enslsy. For
eleven years had contributed my little
towards building this splendid city and
have taken q pride In every movement for
the public welfare. / have never enter
tanned a reasonable thought towards
Ensley. The destruction of this city was
an outrage not even explainable by the
Jesuit motto; The end justifies the
means It Is a far cry from the means
employed In its communication to a fair
and honest conception of Justice, right,
democracy and local self government.
ouI eAO oAly thluB IoaI now COQITOnI8
us Is a condition and have faith that
loyal Ensley will meet that condition with
the Same fortitude others have been met
and overcome. Should Toadvine or Mt.
Pinson attempt to outrage and annex Biz
minsham. having the present shining ex-
ample before them, would protest az
vigorously as I know how. It Is up to
our best citizens to still keep watchful
eyes on public matters and perhaps the
many grave problems to be solved can DO
worked out with profit to US ALL Ensley
has enjoyed the reputation of having had
good and honest city government and
we should do our part in obtaining the
same for the new city. Let US hope and
work to make all Of 1910 and all of Great
er Birmingham ono family of an unpre-
cedented prosperity. Fair and just treat
ment to all will go far In smoothing the
way and look for no other kind"
Report on Schools.
The following report was subrnitfed IN