The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-05-26

The campaign for the s2,OoO,OO0 school bond issue, which has been waged with great vigor during the past few days, was given tremendous impetus last night when crowd estimated at from 5000 to 5000 gathered in Capitol park to witness the presentation of the great educational film, "The March of Empire" and to enjoy concert by the T. c. L band, whose members volunteered to serve on this occasion, and who will also play at big mass meeting to be held in Ensley tonight
 So great was the throng in Capitol park and so intense the interest displayed by the people, that it was decided to present the wonderful film Friday night and Saturday night at the same place. Next week it will be shown at suburban points.
 While the vast throng in Capitol park were witnessing the performance there, great mass meeting was in progress in the Masonic building at Wylam, presided over by pr. w. s. Rountree and attended by crowd that exceeded the seating ca pacity of the building. Dr. Rountree spoke in terms of warm approval of the proposed bond issue, and then introduced OoihAiiioSiOliSl IIOilid WHO gave ms
 Tour of Birmingham Schools" by means of stereopticon views MT. Hornady gave a graphic review of conditions in school buildings all over the city and his advo- cacy of the bond issue to modernize Bir- minghams school system met with en- thusiastic approval
 The address of MT. Hornady was fol- lowed by an eloquent and forceful appeal by Ben Davis, who made a ringing speech in behalf of the thousands of Br- mingham school children who are now housed in rickety frame buildings and Tn ancient brick structures that are dan gerous alike to health and to life He spoke of having children of his own in an obsolete school at Woodlawn and said that he could not help but feel un- easy about their welfare, that he wanted new and modern building for them. Yet, he said, he did not want anything for his own children that he did not want for the children of Vivian and every other section of Birmingham He declared that it was the solemn duty of the men Of Birmingham to provide buildings ir, which the children would be absolutely safe, and he insisted that this should be done even though the conditions were such that it would mean additional bur- dens for the people. Since, however, the issuance of this $2,000, ,0OO in bonds would not increase their burdens, he declared that it would be ridiculous almost crim- inal, not to vote the issue and provide the facilities that are so much needed.
 The address of MT. Davis was ire quently interrupted by applause, and there was no mstaking the enthusia sm of the great audience in behalf of the forward movement that is contemplated.
 The meeting was brought to close with brief addresses by Rev MT. Milner, pr. Phillips and Dr. P. P. Hogan, every utterance of each speaker in behalf of the movement to provide decent condi- tions for Birmingham school children be- ing met with prolonged applause.
 Tonight there will be mass meeting in Ensley at Elks' hall. to be held under the auspices of the Ensey School I'm provement association, D. M. Lewis will preside and there will be addresses by a number of we'll known speakers