The age-herald., 1901-11-13

At joint meeting of the judiciary and street railway committee of the Board of Aldermen last night it was decided to disallow the petition for a 99-year street railway franchise requested by the Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power Company
 The basis for this action was a state ment by President Robert Jemison, in which he declared his company would not accept such a franchise if a strong sentiment among the people developed against it. Following Is the resolution adopted by the joint committed:
 Be it Resolved, That 1t is the sense of this committee that in view of the statement made by Mr. Jemison, as president of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power Company that the franchise requested would not be ac- ceptable to the company, unless grant ed by almost a practically unanimous vote of the Board, and, whereas, the committee is of the opinion that such unanimity cannot be had, therefore we recommend that the petition be dis allowed.
 Be it further Resolved by the Com mttee, That in view of the resolution adopted by this committee In reference to the franchise asked for by the Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power Company that this committee request the Mayor not to call a meeting of the Board for tomorrow night, the 18th instant.
 After a few hours rapid fire of protest ing speeches and exciting colloquies the joint committee appointed by the City Council killed the petition of the Bir- mingham Railway, Light and Power Company for 99-year franchise and prevented the special meeting of the Board of Aldermen scheduled for to- night Notice had been given that all citizens who had anything to say on the question would be given a hearing at the joint meeting, and they were there from twenty-five to thirty strong.
 The meeting began at 5 o'clock, and at g o'clock nine tired and hungry Alder men went into executive session and passed the resolution which finally set tied the franchise question.
 Before Chairman Thach had finished aHHOunciH6 tiiS obgecl ol tho Aheetll6 two or three attorneys and as many citi- zens began clamoring for recognition and it became necessary to arrange a plan for the discussion so that each side could have an equal show. On motion of Colonel Altman, with amendments by Aldermen Kerr and Harrington, it was decided to let the side favoring the pe- tition speak first. Those who had pro- tests to enter according to the plan, were to follow, and then each side had ten and fifteen minutes respectively in which to reply.
 every man spoke for himself or some or ganization he represented, there being no united advocacy or opposition.
 Mir. JemIson Makes Statement.
 Just as the chairman was about to an- nounce everything ready for the debate to begin, Robert Jemison, president of the Street Car Company, asked permission to make a brief statement as he had to leave the meeting to be present at the marriage of his son. MT. Jemison said he tion had arisen over the franchise ques- ton, and so far as he and his company were concerned he would not insist on the petition before the committee. MT. Jemison explained that 1t had been very l embarrassing to him as he found some | of his friends opposing the granting of l the franchise, and rather than have a