The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-09-11
For the Good of
 the Community

THAT was very refreshing bit of good news A gwen to the people of Birmingham few days ago when it was announced that construc- ton of the Warrior river terminals and railway transportation line was to begin at once.
 This is the news that Birmingham has been looking forward to for year or more Ever since the railroad administration took over operations on the Warrior river the citizens of Birmingham have been expectantly waiting for just this an- nOuncement
 They had to wait long time and hope was be- glnnlng to give way to despair. The long expect ed reduction in rates by way of the Warrior river came few weeks ago with Birmingham still minus her terminals. Tuscaloosa had been fore sighted enough to erect her terminals, and when the rate reduction took effect she was ready to begin business at once. She was the only place on the river north of Demopolis prepared to ham, de river business Hence, coupled with the an- nouncement of the joint rail and water rates was an embargo on all points above Tuscaloosa
 To Charles F. Wood, chief engineer of the War rior river development committee, is delegated the duty of planning and constructing the ter mlnals and transportation line connecting Bir- mingham and the river He is admittedly the best equipped man in the country for this work. By years of actual experience in engineering work on the Warrior river he is familiar with every foot of that stream and by recent study and investigation he knows the needs and possibilities of Birming- ham and how to provide for the needs and take advantage of the possibilities
 In recent speech delivered before the Xii wanis club, part of which was printed in these columns week or 10 days ago. he gave an il- luminating insight into conditions and require ments.
 He is backed in his work by some of the ablest and most progressive men in Birmingham and the n Oh moi hn houn rIx1nY and are giving of their best thought and efforts to the upbuilding of Birmingham and all that pertains to the growth and development of Birmingham and the district, and there is no question now but they will accomplish the things they set out to do. Every citizen of Birmingham should back them up in this good work, and they will.
 But there is other work to be done. Several bills pending in the legislature which have for their purpose the building and equipment of these terminals and transportation facilities. One of them seeks to submit to the voters of the state an amendment to the constitution authorizing Jeff fersOn county to acquire, build, own and operate terminals, transportation and other internal i'm provements and facilities of like character. The others enabling acts effective upon the ratfi- cation of the constitutional amendment
 Senator West introduced and passed all of these through the senate and they are now on the house calendar awaiting action there. Only seven more days remain in which to pass them There are nearly 4UU OCuOI UllS OI CIl0 mousse CdloUUdr ana every member is interested in one or more of these. Little time remains in which to pass them The representatives from Jefferson county are wideawake, active and progressive and they will exert their utmost influence to pass them.
 In this great mass of proposed legislation some-S body is going to be disappointed. Let us hope it will not be Birmingham. y
 Akin to these bills is one introduced by Senator Craft of Mobile for an amendment to the consti- tuition authorizing the state to lend it's aid to the improvement of Mobile harbor. The successful operation of the Warrior river depends upon the 7 contemplated improvements to the Mobile river. The Mobile harbor is not strictly Mobile prop osition. It is of the greatest importance to the whole state and whatever developments are made there will be reflected throughout the entire state
 Birmingham should and will join Mobile in putting this amendment through and Mobile will cooperate with Birmingham in putting through the Jefferson county bills And all the legislative members from all counties touching the Warrior or the Alabama rivers are equally interested in these matters and should give their aid and their votes in passing the bills. Every community in the state will be affected by the increased trans portation facilities and the decerased rates on commodity shipments
 Let this be one instance in which all Alabama