The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-12
FRANCHISE MAY
 BE RECONSIDERED
BesSemer Council May Revoke
 Transfer Clause
GAVIN GIVEN VACATION
His Resignation as Pastor of Baptist Church Is Refused, But He Is Granted Three Months
 Rest.

Bessemer. January f1.-fspeelai)- )-When the l'tv council of Bessemer meets in rege. session next Tuesday night 1t is expected that the matter of granting franchise to the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company for tho build ing of new line from thls city to Jones' boro will be taken up and reeonsdered.
 It will be remembered that an ordl- nance was passed by the council some time ago granting this franchise but 1t is said that clause In the ordinance as to the granting of transfers is ob- jectionable to the railway company.
 The ordinance provides that transfers shall not be granted on the new line to any other line entering the city for five years without the express permission of the mayor and city council. The ordi- nance also provides. however. that not more than a cent fare shall be charged on the line from Jonesboro through the city to the United States Cast Iron Pipe and Foundry company over the line now being built. In other words the ordinance provides that the Jonesboro line to be built and the line now being built to
 
 line over which a cent fare will be charged.
 It is understood that the railway off | cials object to this provision and will ask the council to reconsider the mat ter. It is sad that while the officials were in the city yesterday that they took occasion to call upon some of the city officials and discussed the matter though no definite information is given out to this effect.
 Quite large petition was presented to the council before the ordinance was adopted asking that the franchise be re- fused unless transfers were granted from the proposed new line to all connecting lines in this city, and quite a sensation was sprung when one of the aldermen offered resolution to the effeck that the granting of transfers be prohibited instead of requiring that they be given. To the surprise of most of those present the resolution met with approval from majority of the councilmen and was adopted.
 It Is believed that the council will re- consider the matter and grant the fran chise in accordance with the wishes of the railway company. It is understood that as soon as the franchise matter is settled satisfactorily to the company, that work will begin on the buil1lng of the new line
 Jonesboro is populous suburban sec ton and the proposed line would serve a large number of people who are at present isolated from any means of ready transportation.
 Many of the leading business and pro- fessional men of the city as well as employees at the large manufacturing Gi Of the town, live at Jonesboro and the new line would be a great advantage to these citizens.
 Resignation Refused.
 The members of the First Baptist church of this city in a business meeting last night at the church declined to accept the resignation of their pastor, the Rev. R. S. Gavin which was handed to the officers of the church few days ago.
 In declining to receive the resignation of the Rev. MT Gavin the members of the church offered him three or four months vacation, in which to rest and reeuperate his health
 The action was unanimous and a large attendance was present to consider the resignation which was announced as hay ing been received last Sunday. The Rev. MT. Gavin has been pastor of this church for two years, and has made himself  city and everybody is pleased with the action of the church last night The Rev. MT. Gavin has been suffering for some time from a hip malady and some weeks ago went to New Orleans, where he underwent an operation. He Is some what improved, but not sufficiently to re- turn to the active duties of his work It is hoped that a few months rest will be greatly beneficial.
 A pomnitfae has been appointad to s1if1- ply some one for the work of the church during the absence of the pastor. It Is understood that the Rev. and Mrs. Gavin will spend part of the vacation accorded them in south Alabama with the latter's relatives
 Killed In Mines.
 The remains of Sam Payne who was killed yesterday afternoon in No. 3 ore mines of the Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company at Readers, few miles from this city, were inferred in Union cemetery in this city today. The funeral was attended by a large number of peo pie. friends and relatives of the deceased and family. MT. Payne was bank boss In the mines and killed by eave-in of ore. It is estimated that about five tons of ore fell on his body. He was 55 years of age. and was well known in this city. He leaves d NiuoNr ltNe Hldfileu uduBHtefs anu iNo sons.
 Notes and Personals.
 State President Jerry Fountain is at Gadsden tonight where he went this morn- i ing to officiate in the installation of the officers of the Eagle lodge of that city. He will install officers at Anniston to- morrow night The case of the state against T. J. Cornweli. charged with embezzlement, will be called in the Bessemer city court next Monday morning. and it is thought that the entire week and possibly large part of the following week will be consumed in the trial
 The following officers of Bessemer lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows were installed at the meeting this week: J. L. Owens, noble grand; B. F. Hill, vice grand; G. F. Bain. secretary; R. J. Mill Ter, treasurer; w. M. Doyle. chaplain; T. T. Hendricks, conductor; A. A. Griffiths,