The age-herald., 1900-11-22

After short, sharp fight the Board or Aldermen last night rejected the proposi- tion of Alderman Jones to have a bill passed by the Legislature so amending the charter of Birmingham as to provide for two legislative branches in the city gov ernment. The resolution was rejected by the overwhelming vote of 10 to l. Mayor Drennen, Aldermen Jones. Camp and Will jams voting aye. According to the propo- sition of MT. Jones the city was to have two branches in the legislative department one to be called the Board of Aldermen and to the composed of two aldermen from each ward and the other to be called the council, to be composed of nlne council men, one to be from each ward and elected by the city at large. The Mayor was also to have the veto power and not to be entitled to vote In either body. The principal objection was that the change was useless The fight was precipitated when the legislative committee through Alderman Kerr sub mitted its report. The last item in the re- port was notice of adverse action on the Jones resolution. Alderman Camp submit- ted a minority report which included the original Jones resolution. Adoption of the majority report was vigorously advocated by Aldermen Thach and Kerr, both of whom made strong speeches. Alderman Jones vigorously insisted on the passage of his measure, explaining that it was the custom in all we'll regulated cities. Alder men Harrington, Rainbow and McAnally also expressed their disapproval of the Jones plan and then a vote was taken, re- sultng as stated.
 To Amend City Charter.
 The Committee on Legislation made re- port recommending amendments to the city charter to be incorporated into a bill to be presented to the present Legislature. It is proposed by this bill to save the city large amount of money annually insofar as street improvements are concerned The report is as follows:
 The committee on legislation begs to re- port and recommend as follows: l. That that part of the charter relating to street improvements be amended sub stantially as follows:
 By providing that notice of the adoption of an ordinance or resolution ordering any improvement under said law shall be in- serted one time in a newspaper of general circulation in the city of Birmingham; that such ordinance shall set out the ordi- nance or resolution but it shall not be necessary to set out in the notice the reso- lutlon ordering such publication.
 ?. By providing that after the expiration of thirty days from and after final assess ment of the cost of such improvement in- terest shall be charged at per cent on de- ferred payments.
 g. That no improvement bonds shall be sold at less than par
 4. That the Mayor and Aldermen may bor- row money to advance for any improve ment ordered, and after the final assess ment of the cost of such improvement is- sue bonds for such amount as may be necessary, and all interest and other ex- penses so incurred shall be charged as a part of the cost of such improvement. 5. That the Mayor and Aldermen may, by a two-thirds vote invest the proceeds arising from the assessment in the inn provement bonds of other improvements and that such bonds and the interest thereon shall be part of the sinking fund pledged for the payment of such bonds as may be issued for the original improve ment..
 G. Providing for such adjustment of the cost of any improvement that those who possible from any additional cost because of the deferred payments of other and sequent interest charges
 T. Providing for requiring, at the option Of the Mayor and Aldermen, that im- provements not exceeding a total cost of S200, 900 shall be paid in cash within sixty days from completion and final assessment
 S. Providing for the making of repairs and assessing and collecting same from prop erty improved in proportion to the benefit thereto.
 The commttte recommends that the board instruct the committee to prepare