The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-03-14

Albany, March 13.-(Special)- )-Group one of the Alabama Bankers associa- tion, composed of representatives of the 69 banks of north Alabama holding mem berships in the organization, met here bany Board of Commerce. Thomas A. Bowles, cashier of the Central National bank of Albany and president of the group. called the meeting to order and presided at it's deliberations. The prin- cipal speakers on the programme were Mrs. G. H. Mathis of Gadsden and Hon. Joseph McCord, president of the federal reserve bank at Atlanta Tonight the bankers will enjoy a banquet, following which the meeting will adjourn.
 The North Alabama automobile show the first ever held in this section of the state, will open tomorrow night at the garage of the Malone Coal, Grain and Motor company. The event will con- tinue through tho week and indications are that 1t will be largely attended. The show promises to be a surprise to the thousands who are expected to come here from all over north Alabama. On entering the show rooms the visitors will be impressed with the large number of ly attractive decorations, which are the handiwork of Harry B. Marks, a Bir- mingham decorator. The programme for the show follows: Wednesday, grand opening day; Thursday afternoon and night, Albany Decatur day; Friday aft ernoon and night, society day; Saturday afternoon and night, Morgan county day.
 The rob bery of the home of Sam Frank on Market street last night and the many burglaries over north Alabama in the last month have led local officers to believe that a systematic plan of thiev- ing is being carried on throughout the Tennessee valley. It Is believed that well organized gang, is operating with headquarters possibly in Albany or De- actur. According to reports received here the Southern express office in the de- pot at Hillsboro and the store of w. T. Owens at that place were broken into Saturday night. Clothing valued at $50 was taken from the Owens residence.
 Bloodhounds failed to follow the trail and it is believed that the thieves board ed train in making their escape. It was also reported that three places were robbed at Moulton Friday night while two stores were robbed at Belle Nina on the same date. Wholesale burglaries have also been reported from Hunts ville Athens and Harris Station. The burglars secured a valuable diamond brooch and a small bank containing $7 In change from the Frank home. Last week they robbed the home of D. D. Me- Gehee. prominent Decatu furniture deal CT, and also broke into the supply store of Hughes & Tidwell in Albany, securing wearing apparel valued at $150.
 Owing to the growth of the city, the Albany city council at it's meeting to- night voted to add one additional po- liceman to the city force, bringing the to- tai up to four. A. S. Grubbs former deputy sheriff, was elected to the place, three other names being also considered.
 The first quarterly meeting of the AL bany Board of Commerce was held last meeting of the members council of the organization, the occa sion taking the form of smoker. Nearly 100 persons were present. Brief. addresses were de- livered by B. L. Malone. H. l.. Spen- cer. R. H. Wolcott. Judge l.. F. Troup and R. F. Galloway of Chattanooga. member of the Manufacturers associa- tion of that city. A note of enthusiasm was conspicuous in the meeting and opti- mistc assurances of city building were given. w. R. Hall, president of the board, was the presiding officer