The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-08-12
ATKINS TO THE COUNCIL
Rrcoa1rEMDAxIoNs FROM THE
 MAxo1 or SELMA.
The Abbott Rides to Be Warmly Well comed Upon Their Return Home. Mangum Announces
 for Solicitor.
Advertiser Bureau.
 Selma. August Il

Advsrtiser Bureau,
 Selma. August Il.
 Mayor Atkins' recommendations to the City Council last night were not % fnii as his first, but they were repiete Wnh W interest. Especially interesting were DIS explanations of the status of me ciy ters ana the settlement of the latter Is gratifying to. all cttisens.
 The Mayors remarks upon the conoi- lion of electrical wiring in the city was seesnineiy echoed last evening when Mr. Berry, the representative of the Fourth ward, proposed that the Mayor nave the electrical systems In the city examineo by an expert. In support or his propo, sition which was unanImously adopted by the Council Mir. Berry stated that he understood from persons learned m science that the wiring In all parts of the city was defective in insulation. ana might easily cause damage to hfe ana to property. Many wires were too close together. he thought. and this. of course. added to the dangers Of tnsumcienf fn- suiation He cited the case of the late C. E. Crawford who was electrocuted by a wire on Broad street. MT. Berkys resolution looks to q possible change or wiring from the pole to the underground system. He stated that the ire tnsnr- ance rates in this cify were probably higher because of the alleged defective ness of insulation.
 The last clause in the Mayors mes sage was pleasant to the large number of friends of John Blakeley. ~ho is driver of the hook and ladder truck. MT. Biakeley Is verp competent fireman. and 1t is pleasant to know that the in- fury he suffered while on duty is not to cost him anything in . monetary way.
 Following is a copy of the Mayors re- port:
 Selma, Ala. Aug. ie. isoS. Gentlemen of the Council:
 am glad to report to you that at last Mir. R. F. Manly has been heard from MT. C. w. Hayes. his representa- i've. reported to me Friday. and I had a conversation with him and our Public Building Committee. MT. Hayes was presented with a written notice as re- quired under our contract, and as per request of R. P. Manly an unsigned bond with coupon cancelled, was presented to him.
 It gives me pleasure to report to you that the United Charities have agreed to take up again the cnarity work in the city upon the same basis and plans as heretofore. the hospital o~be run as a charity hospital. I attach hereto com munication from Mrs. Ernest Lamar.
  with these ladies to deduct amounts the city has paid out on this work in July and give them warrant for the balance of $60. foTmery appropriated. and to @e- duet in September the amount the city has expended for this purpose fin August, and give them the balance of the ap- propriation for August. and trust that you will indorse this action.
 attach hereto a special, report from tf.s ntf for V1r0nNTfY sola for taxes and bought in by the city. Some of this runs as far back as 1887, and shows a net amount. of taxes due the city without interest and cost of the sum of $1.4l0.62. Some of this property is very desirable and now is bringing very substantial incomes and in my opin- ion the City Council. with proper dili- gence, may recover these taxes. I would ask that this special report be referred to your Committee on Revenue and Tax ation with your tax collector and city attorney added. and they be urged to | force the collection of these taxes or take charge of the property for the city. l attach here a report from your city attorney on appeal cases from the May or's Court from June l, 1901 to. June l, l90S: Fines sustained and judgments
 taken in the City Court ......... .$257 50 Fines sustained and judgments
 csses ssn setslsa II S with % cisy attorney or ~ ~ chief Of police eiuo..H.s,-.-....s...''. 70 Oe
 r...,1os 1..1 onnuoe y~ ,as SE59 <
 TStal TSs city sisrks books show that fhs I last money paid in to him on appeal cases was on Sept. % 1900. and that the records of chief of police on appeal cases since May 1. 1901. show the amount of | fines on appeal cases to be about $2,2oQ some of which 1t appears to me from l information, have payer reached the ] higher court. would ask that this I matter be referred to a committee with the city attorney and chief of police | added. with authority to settle up and adjust this matter.
 While it is our duty to look after the commercial and industrial interest of our city and to foster every enterprise | for our commercial and industrial ad- vancement and development, it Is also our first and paramount duty to throw every safe guard around the lives of our people. would urgently request you | to consider well the advisability of mak- 1 ing it the duty of some ono man to look after the numerous wires that run along and across our streets, many of them highly charged. I ask your considera- ton of this matter.
 I attach hereto a bill of s1o of United Charities against John Blakeley. This man was hurt in the fire of Dr. Jones building, corner of Lauderdale and Water streets. and as it was done in the per- formance of his duty-after being noti- fed by Dr. Pitts. that he would have to be operated on, I ordered him sent to the hospital. ask you to order this bill paid.
 Very respectfully submitted.
 v. B. Atkins. Mayor.