The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-04-28
IMMENSE CROWD ATTEND OPENING
 EXERCISES AT THE
 LOVICK B RIDG E
Continued From Page Five)

novel to Birmingham. He is well known throughout the county. and unani- lmousy honored in the christening A
 motion was made that the bridge be l known and put on the maps of Alabama as the Leeds Lovick Elliott bridge, and when second was called for more than 50 voices responded. The vote was unan- imous.
 Dr. R. F. Lovelady, president of the board of revenue was the next speaker, | and with a splendid speech presented the bridge and highway to the citizens of Jefferson county. which was accepted by Colonel Elliott on the part of the citizens. and his talk was characteristic of the enthusiasm he has put into the work of 1 building good roads.
 Judge Samuel w. Spruiell of Leeds was the next speaker. He spoke the sent- ment of the citizens of Leeds and that district, indorsing the work the convicts were doing in the vicinity. He was fol- lowed by James Weatherly, coity com 1 missioner of Birmingham. Hugh Me- Geever member of the board of revenue, was the last speaker before the dinner hour. MT. McGeever spoke for something like 15 minutes, and might have talked longer but for dinner being announced at that time.
 The principal talk of the afternoon was made by ex-Senator Frank s. White.
 
 use of convict labor on the county roads, and placed 5the defeat of the state bill at the feet of lobbyists. He was handed a report on the health conditions of the convicts of the Jefferson county roads by w. A. Burns, physician in charge. From the report Captain White cited facts that went to show the improved condition of convict life since removing them from the mines In the three years since the conv1ctS have been put on the county roads there have been only 10 deaths out of 1796 convicts, and not one of that number has died from acute disease. CRAFT MAKES SPEECH In the afternoon short speeches were made by several prominent men, among whom were Capt. John Craft president of the Alabama Good Roads association of Mobile. Captain Craft talk was along the international line and was listened to with great eagerness. He told how 10 years ago he had spoke at a good roads meeting at Leeds and propheszed the building of the great concrete bridge from the cement made from the natural resources of Leeds. He did not fall short in his phophesy for the bridge was built from cement made in Leeds.
 In the afternoon the stage was turned over to the pleasure-seekers. The young folk were not slow in taking advantage of their opportunities. and soon couples were waltzing to the music furnished by Nappis band. Two-steps and waltzing soon gave place to an old-fashioned square dance and was much enjoyed. Tho round dance and square barnyard pre- vailed throughout the evening alternately. Before the crowd left the grounds they were favored by several quartet selec- tions fom the convicts. The singing was good and enjoyed by all.
 One of the features of the day was the presence of the convicts who worked to build the bridge The day has been long looked forward to by them. and they were given holiday and barbecue that went well with their appetites, judging from the expression on their faces as they ate. They figured in every part of the days activities, acting as walters. singing and dancing and later in the evening played a game of ball between