The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-26
FRANCHISE FOR NEW
 BELT LINE FRAMED
CENTRAL TRUST CO.'S CONTRACT IS IN HANDS OF CITY ATToR- NEY-WAs GRANTED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO.

The franchise granting to the Central Trust company the right to build belt line In Birmingham has been drawn up and has been sent to the city attorney for his approval. The franchise was granted by the City Council at a meeting held some weeks ago.
 The first section of the franchise pro- vides:
 That in consideration of $1OCO in hand of the second part. its successors or as- signs may have the privilege or franchise of crossing Twenty-fourth and Twenty fifth streets, between First avenue and the Louisville and Nashville railroad, and along and across Morris avenue from Twenty to Twenty-sixth streets, in the city of Birmingham with a double railroad track The franchise stipulates that the tracks are to be built in a proper sxillful manner under eucll regu- lations and conditions, and with such ma- terial, and at such grade, and in such manner and at such place as may be prescribed ty tle city engineer. and that it will maintain fhe same so that it shall nos become a nuisance nor be dangerous to the life and property of the citizens of Birmingham
 The franchise has already been signed by Turner R. Weakley. vice president and manager Of the Central Trust com pany of Birmingham.
 most deplorable condition, and we recom- mend that some steps be taken as early as possible to remedy them. We further find that in some precincts in the county the three-dollar road fund has not been fully collected, and we recommend that the road supervisors, or Board of Rev enue, see to 1t that this tax Is collected for the roads, in our judgment. need all the funds due them. We further rec ommend that warrants be isued by the proper officers for all persons in default in the payment of road tax due the county.
 We desire to express our appreciation for the efficient services rendered by our assistant solicitor, MT. J. B. Aird. and stenographer, Jack T. Stallings, who with untiring diligence. have rendered great assistance to this grand jury in expediting the business before us. Also to our efficient and obliging bailiff, Mr. T. D. Reeves, who has been with us con- tinuously during our labors
 Virginia Mines Resolution.
 Whereas, reat sorrow and deep gloom has been cast over our entire commun- ity by reason of the terrible calamity at Virginia mines on the '20th inst; aw- full in its consequence and frightful in the terrible loss of valuable lives; and the fact that in it's wake so many widows and orphans have been left to mourn the loss of their loved ones: this grand jury feels that 1t cannot adjourn without giving expression to its feelings in the matter
 Be 1t, Therefore, Resolved. That this grand jury does feel and deeply deplore the sad catastrophe, So terrible In It's consequences, and that we feel, with the community at large. It's awfulness. That we extend to those who have been be- reft of husbands, sons and fathers. our heartfelt sympathy in this. their supreme hour of trial. with the prayer that an allwise Providence may stretch forth that great and kindly hand to assuage their grief and succor them In their hour of affliction.
 Now. in conclusion, feeling that we have fairly and impartially investigated all the cases coming before us, and hav- ing disposed of all cases on the docket we, therefore. beg your Honor to dis charge us from further service.
 Respectfully submitted
 FRANK P. O'BRIEN Foreman of the Grand Jury, January
 Term, 1905.
 February 25, 1905