The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-24

Commerce. Addresses were delivered by prominent citizens, and the banquet was state of Alabama. being pronounced success from every point of view.
 Civic Pride
 There has been pronounced i'm provement in the civic pride and the get together spirit manifested by the mem- bers of this organization, which to me is one of the most encouraging features of the closing administration. I want to say with all the emphasis can command that this civic pride is the greatest asset tho Chamber of Commerce could possibly have.
 The Smoke Evil
 By an unanimous vote the Chamber of Commerce went on record as condemn ing the preesnt smoke evil in Birming- ham, It Is automatic that smoke IS wasteful, 1t Is uneconomical, it is uncom- fortable, 1t is unnecessary, and it's toler- ance is morally wrong. Prosperity does not demand smoke. but the comfort and health of all demand that the smoke evil of this city be abated.
 The Great White Way
 The chamber inaugurated the move ment and prepared the way that made possible the Great White Way that now SO Df1llld0lly 1tu1IlfldltS bui SLictNSs piO- claiming to the world Birminghams en- terprise and prosperity.
 Water Route to the Gulf
 The directors authorized the appoint ment of d committee of five to take up the subject of an all water route to the gulf, via Valley creek and the Warrior river. The committee was strong one and commanded the confidence of the public After a personal investigation they reported that an all water route was feasible, practicable and desirable. Later by a resolution of the directors com mittee of three was appointed for the purpose of Sonferring with Hon. George w. Taylor, Alabamas representative on the Rivers and Harbors committee, for the purpose of presenting suitable memorial to Congress to secure an ap- propriation for the re-survey of the Val ley creek.
 Modern Hotel for Birmingham
 "In my inaugural address I called at tention to the imperative need in this city of modern fireproof hotel, com mensurate with Birmingham's impor- tance, and concluded my remarks with the succipct statement, The hotel can and must be built With that end in view. a special hotel committee was ap- pointed, composed of 15 of Birmingham's
  was a guarantee of practical results. It is especially pleasing, therefore, for me to state that Birmingham is now assured of two fireproof hotels in the million dol lar class, and the hotel committee de- serves special commendation for this ac- complishment. If the chamber had no other accomplishment to it's credit, it would still have cause for congratuiation upon the results ofsthe.years activities
  Viaducts-an Urgent Need for Bir-
 mingham
 "Gentlemen, I wish to say to you as earnestly as possible that the time has arrived, and it is a moral duty of this chamber, to condemn outspokenly the present dangerous railroad crossings ap- preaching this city. As long as human life is held dearer than commercial gain, viaducts or elevated tracks will be a live question in Birmingham until every point of danger in this city has been safe guarded Already too much life has been sacrificed and as a parting injunction l urge this body, with it's tremendous in f1uence, and as it's moral obligation, to take an active stand and render all as- sistance within it's power toward bring ing about an immediate settlement of this question, so vital to the welfare of our citizens. But some of you members will say that this is politics. Yes. in it's broad sense, but in partisan politics l will say emphaticay, No.
 Larger Revenue Necessary
 ''The influence and usefulness of this organization has been limited by it's in- adequate income, and the extent of its future efforts in behalf of the commer- cial and civic interests of this city is purely a question of adequatae support. With a greater revenue this organization will become a greater factor, and will make possible the accomplishment or larger and larger projects. It was neces- sary, therefore, in my judgment to raise the annual dues of its membership and am sure that the members will meet 'he increased dues cheeRully, realizing that the additional fundsONill be carefully eX- pended for the best interests of our be- loved city.
 The Newspapers of Birmingham
 Birmingham is fortunate in having an enterprsng, aggressive and public spir- tied press, an important factor in the welfare of this city, the extent of which is perhaps not fully realized by the pub lie. l desire in addition to the usual ex- pression to acknowledge an unusual de- gree of indebtedness to the three daily papers of Birmingham for their cooper ation in all public movements undertaken by this organization. as well as in the publicity given to it's varied activities Especially valuable was the assistance rendered by the press at the time of the agitation of the hotel movement in arous ing public sentiment on this important subject.
 Expression of Appreciation
 'In concluding. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the hearty sup port and assistance given by the directors and the chairmen of the various commit-f tees. These gentlemen have been most unselfsh and energetic: all have given freely of their valuable time and judg ment, absolutely without financial com pensation or personal gain. I have never been associated with a more loyal, en- thusiastic or patriotic band of men, and this shows 1conclusively that there Is civic pride and tangibity to the 'Bir- mingham spirit Likewise, I desire to express my grat- itude for the honor and consideration that the members have invariably shown sided over this organization as it's presi- dent. It has been an honor of which have striven to be worthy.
 "Gentlemen. I am glad that the year is over, as it has brought to me many cares and responsibilities, but the memory of It's associations will always be to me most pleasing. ''To my successor I can truly say that I turn over the affairs of the chamber with absolute confidence that his admin istration will be successful beyond his most sangune expectations--due not only to his good judgment and his proven ability but also to the loyal support which know you gentlemen will give to t-.-