The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-04-05
WOODLAWNL LADIES UP IN ARMS OVER DUMPING GROUND Main Body of Civic League Indorses- Their Protest
 Against Conditions REGULAR MEETING
 HELD YESTERDAY Various Reports Are Made on Sub- iects in Which Members of the
 League Are Interested.
 Improving Theatres

The problem of a city dumping ground several acres in size was the chief con-
 sideration of the Birmingham Civic league yesterday afternoon in council as- sembled The eloquence of several earn est women who are living in Woodlawn within a few blocks of the tabooed spot. and the sympathetic discussion of other members of the organization consumed much of the allotted interval permitted for the meeting. It is thought that as a result of this and other recent meet | ings active measures will be taken to re- move the offending refuse of the dump I heap. To this end committees are ap- pointed to consult with the city commis- sioners, and to present a series of ex- planatory resolutions.
 | Other matters of civic importance were also brought before the league. Mrs. c. P. Orr, president of the organization. conducted the meeting. Mrs. DuPont Thompson, secretary, was also present in her official capacity. The addition to members of the parent organization sev- l eral members from the newly organized branch at Woodlawn were present.
 Mrs. Zac Smith, chairman of the com mittee to investigate theatres, gave an interesting report of work done by her committee toward improving and raising | the standard of moving pictures and 1 similar amusements in the city. She stated ! that letters have been written to man agers of every theatre and motion pie ture house asking their cooperation in 1 of vaudeville productions. A copy of this letter was read. She also mentioned the receipt of a cordial reply from the man ager of one of the theatres. Her com mittee is holding weekly meetings to con- | fer about the character of amusements offered and to hear suggestions as to the best methods for cooperation with the l management and mutual aid in bringing about improvements.
 WOodlawn Branch of League
 Mrs. John B. Reid gave a report as | to the formation of a Woodlawn branch orga nization of the Civic league, which she has assisted in forming. She referred to 1 the choice of Mrs. c. B. Henley as vice I president, to the interest shown by the | fifty-odd women present and to the de- | lightful situation of their. meeting place. Il A statement was made during the prog ress of the meeting that the street cars are kept in far better condition than formerly, and that frequent evidence of | cleaning is now observed-a matter which brought a word of commendation for the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company In regard to the question of special cars to convey school children to the Central High school-a situation called for by the granting of school tick cts, on which no transfer is permitted--a committee was appointed to confer with the Birmingham Railway, Light and 1 Power company. This committee includes Mrs Hard and Mrs. Harris.
 Public Dumping Ground
 The committee from the newly organized | branch of the Civic league in response to a suggestion from the president, Mrs. Orr, informally discussed the matter up- permost in the new leagues considera- tion. This is the maintenance of a pub lie dumping ground in the heart of Wood lawn. Mrs. DuPont Thompson eloquent Ily described the dump heap, which she | taining that it is the refuse heap for garbage of every conceivable kind, dis ease-producing and a menace to the com l munity. This is within a few blocks of | the residence section of Woodlawn, is surrounded by negro homes and is so noisome during the warm weather as 10 make it well nigh impossible for the resi- dents of Woodlawn several blocks away to endure 1t. Her statements were borne bout by other representatives from Wood 1 lawn. Resolutions were then read by Mrs. Taylor of Woodlawn bringing the matter to the attention of the board of commissioners.
 | The resolutions were adopted this week by the Woodlawn Civic league and l brought fin yesterday to be ratified by the parent organization. The conditions l surrounding the maintenance of the dumping ground were entered into with thoroughness by the league It was sug- | gested that, until something Is done to remedy conditions-either by the pro- posed crematories which are to be in | stalled by the city, or by the application of destroying acids or other means un- known as yet to the league-the resi- 1 dents of Woodlawn be urged to destroy | all garbage on their own premises In this way, the trouble arising from the place will be, in a measure, checked | The resolutions to be presented to the 1 board of commissioners are as follows: N "Whereas, It is we'll known to the l citizens of our community that ap- | palling insanitary conditions exist in our midst and,
 Il "Whereas, The most conspicuous of these conditions Is brought about and exists on account of:
 T. The principal drainage of our | city having its origin in a densely pop ulated negro settlement fin a district of dry closets, and flowing through the heart of the town. spreading pollu- tion~in its wake; and,
 "2. By reason of the maintenance by the city of extensive oamping grounds and unscreened sanitary sewer; and, | Whereas, These conditions can and should be remedied by the city author ities and our people releved
 Therefore, be it resolved that, The Woodlawn branch of Woman's Civic | league seeks to cooperate with the honorable board of commissioners in creating beautiful as well as health full and sanitary environment. looking to stronger and better citizenship;