The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-04-20
BESSEMER COUNCIL HAS BUSY SESSION Many Petitions and Complaints
 Heard by Aldermen CITY RAISES THE LICENSE Annual License of B. R., L. 6 p. Go. Is Raised From $15o to $1ooo a
 Year-New Alderman Is
 Sworn In.
CITY RAISES THE LICENSE

Bessemer, April 19.--(Special) )-The city council met tonight in regular session at the city hall. Mayor Huey presided and Aldermen Huey, Moore, Randall, Sim mons, Hurd and Mundes were present. Alderman T. A. Moore, who was elected to fill the vacancy caused by the resigna- tion of Alderman Rogers, was sworn in, Alderman Simmons having been sworn in at the previous meeting.
 After the minutes were read and approv- ed the regular order of business was dis pensed with in order to hear petitions and complaints Vermillion & Adams, merchants in Bessemer. made a complaint against the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company for the alleged fail- ure of the company to put lights in their store. A committee was appointed to meet representatives from the company and endeavor to bring about settlement of the trouble.
 A resolution was offered and passed af- ter the first reading which raised the license of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company from $l50 to 5000 a year The citizens of Bessemer have been at outs with the light and power company for some time and both sides have griev- ances
 w. H. Lewis, president of the Bessemer Banking and Trust company, petitioned the council for permission to build stair way on the alley next to the company's building. The request was granted. The Southern Bell Telephone company peti- toned the city to settle the account for use of telephone. The counfil submitted proposition to pay only half the account because of alleged poor service and the fact that the company had been ordered to remove the telephone and had not done so.
 Attorney Seeks Damaqes.
 Attorney Welch appeared for his client, Mrs. Allen, and petitioned that the coun- ell take up the matter of payment for damages caused to Mrs. Aliens property on Nineteenth street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. Mrs. Aliens house was damaged by workmen blasting for the sewer on Nineteenth street. The council agreed to take the matter up and report back at a special meeting to be called for next Friday night.
 The resignation of E. H. Lopez from the city school board was read and &C., cepted. Dr. J. H. Downing was unani- mopsly elected to fill the vacancy.
 On motion the council entered into the election of a supernumerary policeman Messrs. Mckay and Smitherman were put In nomination. Mir. Mckay received one vote and Mir. Smitherman received four, so the latter was declared elected
 public water trough was ordered placed at Eighth avenue and Twenty fourth street, and there being no other business to transact, the council ad- journed to meet again next Friday night.
 Dance Postponed.
 The dance that was to have been given by the young men of Bessemer at the armory next Thursday night has been in- definitely postponed.
 Negroes Have Ball Game.
 A negro ball team from Chattanooga played Bessemers Darktown team a hot game this afternoon at Lynches park, which resulted in a victory for Besse- mer. large crowd of negroes was in attendance. The Chattanooga team brought along a brass band which en- livened things with music. Two more games will be played to decide the win ner of the series.
 Negro Arrested.
 George Williams, the negro charged with holding up John McLain at the point of a pistol last week and robbing him of s11 25, was arrested last night and was taken to jail in Birmingham this morning. Five other negroes were im- plicated in the robbery and four have been arrested and are now confined in the county jail
 May Soon Have Water.
 Morris Adler has returned from New York. where he has been undergoing treatment at hospital and states that he will soon take up again the question of getting a better water supply for Bessemer. A conference will be held with committee appointed by the city council at an early date, when steps will be taken to arrange for water sup ply from Hawkins Springs. This was practically agreed to by both sides be- fore MT. Adler left for New York
 The present water contract expires next fall. MT. Adler has agreed to furnish the city water from Hawkins Springs, and the right of was has already been secured. If the present plans are carried out Res. semer will have enough water for three times the population. and the number of fire plugs will be increased
 Notes and pereonaIe