The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-02-18
For the Good of
 the Community

~ ONVICTION is growing that Blr- V mingham's population ascertalned by the federal census just completed IS less than 100000. If this proves true It will be disappointing to every loyal cit izen of the South s industrial center.
 It has been assumed for some time past that the 1920 census would show upwards of 100000 inhabitants in Birmingham, and so confidently have the citizens be- lieved this that the actual figures when made public, if present forecasts are borne out, will mean nothing less than consternation in Jones Valley a month or two hence when the official report is made public.
 If the population falls as low as 180,- 900, latest estimates based on semi-au- thentic reports, Birmingham is likely to drop below Memphis and Richmond, her nearest southern rivals in 1910. It would mean a gain of only about 50,000 in ten years, or less than 40 per cent.
 This small increase in population has been made in face of the greatest indus trial development in the history of the city. In the last ten years 1t is estimated between $75,000,0 900 and S100,000,000 have been invested in new industries or enlargements and extensions of those al- ready established.
 But If Birningham's populatoin at the beginning of 1920 is under 200, 900 there are reasons for it-reasons that should not exist One of the reasons is lack of houses.
 A short time ago it was estimated that over 5000 families had their furniture in storage warehouses for the simple reason that no houses or apartments were avail able. Real estate men say they could rent over 5, 1000 houses and apartments in less 7 than month if they were to be had. Since the signing of the armistice on November II, 1918, following which all building restrictions were removed by tho government there have been built or are now in course of construction, not eXceed- ing six apartment houses, which conn bined possibly have 125 apartments. Contrast this with Atlanta, where 32 lagge apartment buildings were uncer c1Nr1- struction at one time last fall. OfnHEs have been started since.
 Five hundred would be high estjlrlaye of the number of new dwellings ez.aAtea or started since the signing of the almis- tice In the mean time the demanN fof homes has kept ahead of the supnlss aud thousands of persons have been kea awasf from here because they could fina nf place to live.
 Property owners offer as an excuse fat not building that the high cost of lansag anlA materials make 1t unprofitable. N.
 Atlanta and Memphis and NaseVills property owners have built and are A'ulla ing. Certainly labor and materials 1e ass high in either of these cities as in BilT lng ham, and rents are no higher Evide flf materials makes it unprofitable.
 It should not be forgotten that real tate values enhance in proportion to sl d number and value of improvements aY.d the property owner gets this benefit
 As an illustration of the effects il- adequate housing conditions have on a community the case of an Ohio city may be cited. One of the largest industries il the country only recently removed MI plant from that city to a city in MalglanQl where ample housing accommodationsI and satisfactory living conditions wereI created for the workers.