The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-10-06
INTEREST AROUSED
 INSTILES CONTEST BesSemer Watching the Results
 With Interest
CAPT. JOHN HANBY TALKS
Committee on Steel Plant Make Par tal Report Which Seems to Assure
 the Location of the New Indus
 try-Llbrary Meeting Postponed

Bessemer, october 5.-(specia1. )-There is no other subject of conversation on the streets today but the Stiles contest. Many lawyers and citizens went to Bir- mingham to watch the action of the con- mittee, and as they returned on each car they were surrounded by eager politicians and usually a speech resulted, which was either In support of the committee or a warm denunciation of the whole membeI- ship. Every man has up his flag and Is standing by it through thick and thin.
 There is an opinion among the Higdon men that hls action was the only possible one open to him. and they all express the hope that he will hold out for his dues Bessemer also has many supporters of the judge who criticize Higdon for his with drawal from the contest. The town Is In a fever and every development Is awaited with interest.
 Capt. John Hanby, who entered the race for sheriff but withdrew when all of-the candidates had entered, said tonight that he and his friends can now see the wis dom of their action, and that in with drawing he had fortold the "mess" which has ensued. As an ardent supporter of Higdon Captain Hanby is doing much in this end of the county for his friend
 Steel Plant.
 That the people of Bessemer and the capitalists from the east mean business in the matter of a steel plant is ob- vious from the careful manner in which all of the minute details are being exam ined.
 A committee of six was appointed by meeting of citizens last Tuesday to inves- tigate and act in the matter This com mittee has organized and Is now hard at work G. P. Martin Is the chairman, James Bowron has the financial end in charge, and Is Investigating the respon- sibility of the company and its business standing. MT. Simpson, an expert steel man, is looking into the practical side Of the plan, and carefully examining the patents He has expressed his willingness to go to St. Louis to obtain further in- formation if the committee sees fit. The other members are H. L. Badham, Lee Moody and R. r. smith,
 In the partial report today they state that they have found no fault with the company or its patents. The steel plant seems to be assured.
 Library Meeting Postponed.
 On account of the indictment weather Mayor J. J. Sullivan postponed the meet ing of the library committee until tomor- rom night at O clock.
 There is great interest being manifested in this meeting, which is centered in the election of a librarian and a secretary. Many prominent ladies of the city have submitted their applications to the chair man. and all are interested in the work.
 1t Is probable that the resignation of Mrs. R. F. Smith, one of the ladies who first inaugurated the movement for the library, will be handed in and a successor will be chosen. MT. and Mrs. R. F. Smith have removed with their family to Bir mingham and although Mrs. Smiths in- terest in the Bessemer library will not diminish, she will not be able to attend the duties on the committees to which she was appointed
 Harrison-Bancroft Opening.
 The Harrison Bancroft Drug company threw its doors open to the public to- night at 7:30 o'clock and in spite of the indictment weather there were large crowds in attendance. This firm is made up of two well known and popular cit izens of Bessemer who have previously worked in Futons drug store. but for
  pairing for the opening of a store of their own in the Trotter building on Third avenue and Nineteenth street. They are both experienced pharmacists and are ably assisted by Thad Harrison, who comes here from Selma, where he worked as a prescription clerk.
 Most of the furnishings are new and all give a beautiful effect In glass and finished woodwork. Ferns and palms were l artistically arranged and the whole scene was a pleasure to the eye. The store is long and roomy and on each side there | Is q row of new glass cases. The cigar case and the cash register will arrive | in a few days and will add greatly to the effect. To the many ladies who attended sou venir sachet powder bag was presented, | while the men received leather match | cases and cigars, and the boys were given | caps During the evening refreshments | were served and other entertainment af- | forded. Every one was favorably i'm | pressed with the showing and many ex- | pressions of good will were rendered the | proprietors in their undertaking
 Notes and Personals.
 Dr. Brown, the well known dentist, has