The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-15

from other states. We need more farm
ers and truck gardeners in Alabama, and
the chief way to secure them is by having
good roads, which will attract the atten-
/ ton of homeseekers from all parts of the
world l desire to call attention to the
fact that in one item alone that over ST.
100000 worth of sweet potatoes are shipped
into Birmingham from outside of our
state yearly. | could give you figures
equally as startling on other products
that should be raised here in our midst. 1t
is simply business proposition that the
Board of Trade should assist in every
movement that has for it's object the
building of good roads.
Il would recommend that we take
active steps in advocating the million
dollar bond issue for good roads in JEFF
ferson county and also the building of a
great state highway from the Tennessee
line to the gulf, with lateral roads con-
Meeting with this state highway from
every section in the state. This last
named proposition has been discussed and
/ think 1t would be good move on the
part of the Board of Trade to get behind
just such a movement
Gas Fields
THE recent discovery of natural gas
In Fayette counf,, about 80 miles from
BIRMINGHAM in Iiy opinion is one of the
greatest discoveries in recent years for
our section. and as soon as these gas
fields have been sufficiently explored to
insure beyond reasonable doubt that
there Is lasting supply sufficient to
| justify capital to pipe 1t to this great
market, 1t will do more to bring diversi-
| fled industries to our city than all other
means combined. Natural gas Is piped
from West Virginia to Cincinnati, O., a
distance Of 200 to $50 miles, and is sold
for domestic purposes at 30 cents, en-
abling the people to use it for heating
and cooking at less cost than coal. Let
us hope that the supply will justify as
| cheap fuel In our city. The board should
| do what it can to assist in this UNDER
| taking
belgium Blocks
Zone year ago the Board of Trade
passed a resolution condemning the Bel
| GUM block now In use in Tia heart of
our city and appointed committees to
urge the City Council to remove the same
and replace 1t with modern pavements
So far their efforts have failed. I would
urge this organization to agitate this mat
ter until they have met with success
Money Leaders
| IT desire to call the attention of the
Board of Trade to money lenders and
loan sharks that are operating in Bir-
bingham, to the detriment Of the clerks
and salaried people of this city. l dare
say that there Is not a member Of the
Board of Trade who has not had garnish-
ments and trouble with these loan sharks,
who have had their grip on their EN-
ployes.
| Il note that a war Is being waged in At
anta against loan sharks, and the grand
jury of Fulton county has already found
45 indictments against money lenders
charging usuary.
Let the Board of Trade take some step
that will stop the practice here in Biz
mipgham, which is sapping the life out Of
the laboring people and annoying their
employers.
Greater Birmlngham
"Since our last annual meeting Greater
Birmingham has become a reality. It Is
with pardonable pride that rerer to Inc
splendid work that was done ny the
Greater Birmingham committee of the
| Board of Trade which worked unceasing-
ly and tremendously with the other ,on,-
,nittees and organize lions to attain this
| reality.
Many matters of great interest to our
community that have been advocated and
agitated by the Board of Trade have re-.
suited In their accomplishment or better
ment. standpipe has been installed on
| Red mountain which not only affords ex-
cellcnt service. but gives protection to
hundreds of thousands Of dollars worth Of
property that was totally at the mercy OF
flames: better railroad schedules, stop
over privileges. the abolition of the dam
serous grade crossings have been brought
about or are In course Of contamination.
and friandIisr faaiins and more null