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This newspaper page contains 10 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Mobile Item
Location
Mobile, Alabama, United States of America
Date
Jul 18, 1915
Page
4
Mobile defends its fiscal priorities as Birmingham teeters under a strained tax base and service cuts. The piece argues Mobile’s lower general tax rate and higher debt payments contrast with Birmingham’s failing finances and annexation challenges. It highlights fire and police cuts, park funding reductions, and calls for state aid to ease Birmingham’s burden.
Col Frank B Merrill urged Mobile to form a state naval militia and secured assurance of support. He contacted Washington for funding ships and equipment, aiming to organize a capable unit. The plan calls for at least fifty Mobile volunteers and naval assets for the militia.
The discussion centers on Mobile's port charges and pilotage as key to maintaining its claim as the cheapest Gulf Coast port. Officials, led by J C Rich, consider modest rate reductions and pilotage reforms to counter publicity and entice more trade while preserving efficiency and labor standards.
Postmaster Thornton and Senator Bankhead secured postal service improvements for Mobile County. Rural delivery starts September 1 including Spring Hill Toulminville Prichard and Whitler. Automobile parcel post delivery to begin early next month. County seeks cement and chemicals for tiger lair efforts and school district dipping vats. Southern Railway promotes J H Stanfield to western division superintendent.
The Rich committee faced delays due to shipping interests withholding information, hampering investigation and sparking long delays. Yet the panel broke through barriers and showed the public a clearer, more hopeful view, while the Mobile team’s former manager Lord wore a weary look after a harsh day of play.
A Mobile and The Item column extols Mobile’s low 75 cent tax rate and public works achievements. It contrasts Birmingham’s $350 000 yearly cuts and fire department reductions with Mobile’s water system, sewers, free garbage removal, and extensive street paving. The piece notes parks, bay-front land, and a pure water supply, urging citizens to appreciate Mobile’s improving infrastructure and amenities.
The Dick bill creates a formal National Guard system with federal funding and equipment tied to strict US Army standards. Guardsmen serve three years, must meet citizenship and oath requirements, receive exemptions from some civic duties, and are paid while in camp. The article also notes a Tacoma judge’s ruling on a division of property.
Ruth Winters of Fairhope enjoyed a delightful week with aunt Susie Winters. Mrs D J Jackson visited relatives in Oarkinie and W J Jackson plans a several weeks stay with son J W Jackson. Mrs Kurt Luft and daughter spent a day with mother Mrs Murphy. Mrs Tom Fairley hosted her sister Miss Hattie Blalack. Hudson returned home after visit to Bilox. Little Andrey Allen came back Saturday after a weekend with grandmother on Old Shell Road. A surprise party for Ruth Winters and Robert Bolton featured games and refreshments at Mrs R Bolton's home.
A Ringgold Louisiana resident, Mrs. 8 A Cotter, reports recovery from pellagra using a claimed remedy promoted by American Compounds Co. of Alabama. The advertisement promises a free book, instructs readers to consult the product for disease symptoms, and offers refunds if it fails to cure.
A compact theater note highlights the Tuesday program featuring Cateys Sister, the Smouldering film, and two-reel specials with C C Holland and Lillian Haywood.
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