The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-08-05
LIGHT QUESTION CAUSES COMMENT People Divided on Proposition
 to Build Plant REAL ESTATE MAN TALKS Statistics Show That More Than 75 Per Cent of Small Plants Run
 By Cities Are Financial
 Failures.
REAL ESTATE MAN TALKS

Enslev. August 4.-Speeial)-Th action of the City Council In turning down the ordinance for an electric lighting plant for Ensley last night has caused consider ab,e comment on the streets today.
 There is no criticism of the Mayor and City Council for their action in de- featine the ordinance in the face of the existing contract the people rather ac- cepting 1t as the most sensible thihs 'o do under the circumstances, but the laii- ure of the council to put through the plan has brought forth an expression of opinion from many people who hao nothing to say before the matter came 'o a showdown in the council.
 Before the question was finally disposed of in the council chamber last night, many of the citizens took no part In the general discussion and agitation in the town. .lh fact, it has been discovered that the building of an electric plant in the city has many opposers in the city who give business reasons for their objections
 One real estate man in discussing the proposition said: T am undecided as 'o the good business policy of building plant, even though the city had no con tract with any company to furnish lights.
 "Figures and statistics from the cen sus bureau of the government show that more than 75 per cent of the municipal utility plants of this kind have proved failures in financial way. If Ensley builds plant we want 1t not only to give us cheaper lights for our streets and public buildings, but it will be necessary for it to pay some profit above all ex- penses to pay interest and principle.
 "Now, according to the government sta- tistics. we will have only few chances in a hundred to even pay expenses. Can Ensley afford the risk? I hardly think so. This Is a. young city, already in debt considerably, and a hundred necessary improvements calling for immediate at tention. There are streets to pave and sidewalks to build. A hundred and one things are calling upon the taxpayer for attention. I am sure that this matter should be well considered before definite action is taken.'
 Considerable argument is geing put forth on both sides of the question today and the conservative element of the city seems to be pretty well divided on the best course for the city to pursue.
 No annonncement has yet been made as to the next move to be made by those interested in the erection of plant, but 1t Is considered as certainty that they will not let the matter drop in it's present con- dition.
 Notes and Personals.
 J. B. Hazell of Huntsville was in the city today and announced that he would make Ensley his home In the future. He will open an insurance office.
 Dr. E. w. Averyt, who has been spend- ing some time in Montgomery, returned home yesterday.
 Miss Alberta Roberts Of Birmingham Is spending a few days with Miss Pauline Henderson on Palmer Terrace.
 Justice of the Peace James Brodie, who has been confined at his home in Wydam for some time with sickness, is improv- ing.
 The Ensley Masonic lodge met In reg ular weekly session at their hall last night and had work in the third degree.
 Mayor N. w. Scott attended the meet ing of mayors of cities in the Birming- ham district at the city hall in Birming- ham today.
 Sanitary Inspector Acuff is possibly the busiest man in town just now. He is draining pools, pouring oil on those thai cannot be drained and keeps a corps of hands busy moving trash and other refuse matter from the streets and alleys.
 Work on the Elks' hall on Avenue E, between Twentieth and Twentyfirst streets, is progressing well and will be done in few more weeks.
 J. c. Bryant and family have moved into the house recently vacated by Prof. D. J. Moore at No. 1924 Avenue G. Profess sor Moore has gone to Elkmont, where he will make his future home.