The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-11
MAGIC CITY NEEDS AUDITORIUM AND
 BETTER HOTELS
tCoNTINUED FROM PAGE o.)

ham as a wholesale and jobbing center IS never better accented than by such con- sessions from the carriers. There are many other rate adjustments equally as important to this district, which your committee is handling with the railroads through the freight bureau; the decisions of the interstate commerce commission on the long and short haul clause have not, it is believed, been such as to apply in all particulars to the adjustments to and from Birmingham, henc. your com mittee has been advised by the railroads that they are not in position yet to make such reductions as we have asked, until the commission has more completely de- fined this part of the law.
 "A special examiner of the commission will hold a hearing here on December l for the purpose of looking into the application of the fourth section, with re- spect to Birmingham rates; following this and other hearings at Atlanta and Chat tanooga, on the same question, decision will probably be rendered which will clar- fly the situation"
 The following letter from Chairman Oscar c. Turner of the convention com- mittee was read by Secretary Babb: ''Dear MT. Babb:
 T desire to acknowledge receipt of your very courteous letter of November 2, notifying me that the Chamber Of Commerce will hold it's regular meeting on Friday afternoon at o'clock, and that you desired report from me as chairman of the convention committee. l shall be very glad indeed to be present if 1t is pos sible and regret that the convention committees report shall not be as com plete as 1 would like it. I am not given to make excuses, and I don't want any committee I am connected with to make excuses, however, as you are aware, ] was only appointed chairman of this committee this week and up to the pres- ent time have not had meeting.
 Two Drawbacks
 s'The convention committee should be jn position to do considerable service to the city. However, the two serious draw bocks have been spoken of until they are almost a Birmingham proventialsm No large auditorium or assembly hall, and lack of hotel facilities are our real serious drawbacks. These are not only raw-
  everything connected with the upbuiding f of this city; they are matters that should be taken up and handled without gloves. They can be overcome if the proper work 3s inaugurated. I am in hearty accord with the Chamber of Commerce and am willing at all times to help in the work of its upbuilding
 / II hope you will not hesitate to call upon me when I can be of service. l trust that the next report of the convention committee will be very much more tc my liking, and I am sure it would be tc yours.
 with best wishes, am. cordially,
 OSCAR c. TURNER"
 The public library committee, John l. Haul chairman, reported that they had 1ndorsed the plan of the American em hassy association to cooperate with the government in securing permanent home. for the United States ambassadors abroad Chairman Robert w. Ewing, of the tray cling mems banquet arrangements com uniftee, stated that all finances for thi, event would be managed without the in dlviduai contributions from the members that the three subcommittee were busy ana that the purpose of the banquet was to oxtend the trade area of Birmingham Hv arousing the boosting qualities of thu sravAIing men to advertise Birmingham and her products.
 E. K. Campbell, chairman of the invi I faffon committee for the Underwood ban Glaot. reported progress from the various 1inb-committees and that the programme 1Su.unitfee would hold a conference to 6oy. when 1t was expected that the toast 1Sftnr for the dinner would be named