'No Unusual Incidents' in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., May 16--Tension eased in this racially disturbed steel city today as business life in the downtown district appeared to be returning to normal. Although there were reports of a white boycott, a spot check of some of the downtown department stores showed business was running from good to subnormal.

Police Chief Jamle Moore said there were no unusual incidents overnight. Scattered reports of window smashing and minor scuffies between Negroes and white persons had plagued the city since Sunday, when thousands of angry Negroes rioted.

Approximately 2,000 soldiers were poised at two military bases within 100 miles of Birmingham. They were ready to enter the city if President Kennedy decides they are needed to keep order.