The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-06-22

The state has the right of condemna- tion in such cases, but it is doubtful if the state docks commission will be compelled to resort to the exercise of power in any single instance.
 Board Of Appraisers The board of appraisers named by Governor Brandon is composed of George Gordon Crawford of Birming- ham, president of the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company; John w. Durr of Montgomery, wholesale drug gist, and Gordon Smith of Mobile, wholesale baker and capitalist. Their work as appraisers was done in a sys- tematic manner, and was based largely upon the assessed valuation of the property and on recent bona fide sales of land of the same general character on and near the Mobile river front.
 The total amount to be paid for the entire tract, which is between One Mile creek and Three-Mile creek, is within the means of the commission.
 The port plan adopted by the docks commission and approved by the gover- nor includes the construction of five slips and wharves of sufficient length and width to permit the handling of 31 ships at one time. Each slip will be served by railroad tracks at ship side, connecting with classified tion yards and joint interchange tracks, reached on equal terms by all rail lines entering-or that may hereafter enter-the port of Mobile.
 Among the special facilities pro- posed to be built are cotton com press and warehouse at shipside, stor- age space for the handling of potash and other fertilizer materials and stor- age and dock space for handling lumber and timber. The total expenditure un- der the amendment and act can not exceed ten million dollars.
 Assurances have been given that the wharves, warehouses and other improve Inents made under the bond issue au- thorized will be of the most permanent and enduring character. The places where cargo is to be stored awaiting shipment by land or sea will be built flood high, rat tight and storm strong" it has been said with authority.
 The effect of this proposed improve ment upon local business at Mobile has been beneficial and building has take care of the expected expansion in lHC anu Ol luE city. The housing situation has been greatly improved and it is noted that a greater percentage of Mobiles work ing people own their own homes than at Any time in the city's POO years and more of history.
 Like A Building Boom
 There is something in the nature of a building boom in prospect, for the present and for the immediate future. This is due in a great measure to the certainty of early construction of the state docks and consequent increase in 'the commerce of the city and seaport
 The new construction includes city improvements $1,300,000, for paving, storm sewers and waterworks exten- sions. The new streets now being paved and opened to traffic and set clement have necessitated expensive ex- tensions to the mains of the Mobile Gas company.
 Another direct result of port expan- sion is the removal of the quarantine station from Fort Morgan to Mobile. A bill to bring this about now is pend ing in the Congress of the United States. This change will cost the gov ernment about $500,000
 Because of the better transportation facilities offered, the Mobile Paper Mills, Inc, are now building a $200,- 900 plant at Mobile. and it is being con- structed of steel fabricated by the Mo bile Steel company, on concrete laid by a Mobile firm.
 Outside capital also has been att tracted to the Alabama seaport.
 The Continental Roofing and Manu- featuring company of Baltimore, has acquired the plant of the Great South ern Roofing corporation and will get into production immediately, manufac- turing felt asphalt composition roofing, both rolls and shingles.
 The Cotton Mill Products company of Jackson, Miss, has acquired the cot ton mills at Priehard and is moderniz-