The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-26
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teen pupils, while now the entire sys-
 tenn was accommodating over 29,00O children. He named different school buildings in the city giving the needs Of each.
 Radcliffe Makes Report
 Secretary W. c. Radcliffe, the man who is always on the job as Presi- dent Sidley said in introducing him, then made a speech, in which he said 9 site for the demonstration farm De- ing established by the chamber would be chosen probably next week, that two federal agricultural experts had estao- lished offices in the chamber and were giving much valuable assistance. that the Sherwin- Williams Paint company, which recently located here had re- ported to him remarkable gains in sales in this and surrounding territory. Ills report follows:
 since March 1, 1912, when the pres ent administration of the Chamber or lCommerce was sworn in, thirty eight meetings and committee conferences have been held. and nine meetings or the board of directors. Active work by the directors and the committee has been continuous through the sum Imer months. "A concise view of the activities or the committees has been presented to YOU by the chairman of committees
  called upon for active service will or ganize without delay. The members of the committees are to be commended for their efforts in matters that have been brought to them, and their un- selfish devotion to the solution of ques- tions affecting the general good of all citizens of the city of Birmingham
 Demand for Zoo
 "One of the large matters to occupy the attention of this body was that of a comprehensive park and boulevard system, and a civic center. Nearly 200 of Birmingham's leading citizens and live wire members of the Chamber of Commerce foregathered at an informal dinner last July. After listening to the wit and wisdom and terse common sense of Col. Robert Galloway of Mem phis, our members were so enthused | that there was a spontaneous demand for a forward step Before we had adjourned that night, our honored city commissioners had assured us that they would gladly cooperate, and every member of the board of revenue de- clared himself in harmony with any broad plan which would include a civic center. Our park commission has gone to work energetically, and soon we expect to hear the name of the civic expert who will come to Birmingham | fcation.
 "As a direct result of this meeting the advocates of a city zoo again took heart. Agitation was renewed, an ap- peal was made to former president of the Chamber of Commerce, and a man of public spirit. Through his whole hearted response, a tangible start l has been made, and In a few weeks Birmingham will have a zoo all its own. This Is a striking example of some of the by-products that spring up when civic organization Is fulfilling its mission in a city, and when its cit izens catch the pull-together spirit. There are by-products in civic as well as industrial affairs.
 | Two of the special committees have rendered services that deserve recog- hilton. The first was the boil weevil committee. The quarantine line estab- lished this year worked a most serious hardship to Birmingham cotton seed oil mills, and threatened some of them with suspension, through lack of ability to procure their supplies of seed The l threatened loss to growers of cotton throughout the state was much greater. l "A committee appointed by the presi- dent was successful in obtaining a con- ference in the Chamber of Commerce rooms of members of the Alabama state board of horticulture, the managers of the Birmingham oil mills and the com mttee. After frank discussion, the | board of horticulture agreed to move the line, so that Birmingham mills are able to obtain an ample supply of seed | This benefit, let 1t be said in passing, was also shared by the Montgomery mills.
 Another By-Product
 And right here is another y-product. The morning after the decision was giv- | en publicity, the telephone bell rang in the Chamber of Commerce offices voice asked Is that statement cor rect about the boil weevil quarantine line being moved? Yes, sir was our reply Why do you ask? It means | that l and my associates will prepare to operate a new oil mill,' said the voice | at the other end.
 l 'It was not possible to obtain ma chinery in time for this year. but that mill is assured for next season. | Later the cotton buyers who pur- chase in eastern Alabama came to the Chamber of Commerce, through the strong gateway of their local bankers, and asked the efforts of this body in securing continuance of the privilege of having cotton bought along the line | of a certain railroad hauled to Bir- mngham for sorting and compression before being reshipped to Atlantic sea ports Again friendly conference was lheld, and the general manager of the railroad graciously acceded 10 our re- lquest. The secretary has been told that | this has brought to Birmingham banks and business houses between $1000, 900 and S1,500,000, that otherwise would have been lost to us, and that many sellers of cotton will buy goods for their homes of Birmingham dealers. | "The Chamber of Commerce was ac- | tive in forwarding the movement to have the Birmingham Medical College identified with the Alabama University. | It was represented, through the presi- dent and score of members, before the board of revenue when the deci- sion was made to purchase additional | land for an extension of Hillman hos pital. It's live wire members are in the forefront in the campaign to efface the fee system and to secure equitable tax ation methods in Jefferson county and every other county in the state of Ala bama.
 l The Chamber of Commerce will be l found hard at work on all vital prob l llems that touch the civic welfare"
 Mir. Harding Speaks
 | One of the most entertaining and de- | lightful talks of the evening was made | by W. P. G. Harding, president of the ! First National bank and a member of ] the state centennial committee which met recently in Montgomery and decided to | hold centennial in Alabama in 1919 MT | Harding proved himself the possessor of a l very effective sense of humor and dur ing the first part of his address kept the audience in an almost constant roll