The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-01-16
CENTRAL
 MATTER DISCUSSED Petition for Franchises to Be Considered Tomorrow MUCH INTEREST AROUSED Mayor Ward Says Peoples Wish Can Be Brought Out Only By Discus
 sion-Frlends of RaiIraod
 Express Themselves.
MUCH INTEREST AROUSED

be discussed at a meeting of the railroad committee of the Board of Aldermen to- morrow afternoon at o'clock the matter will be disposed of by the Mayor and All dermen tomorrow night. Mayor Ward is ex-officio a member of the committee.
 The Illinois Central asks among other things for the right to close Second ave- nue at Fifteenth street. to run tracks on Second avenue westward to Seventh street.
 "The council is probably glad to see the discussion in regard to the Illinois Central right-of-way." said the Mayor yesterday.
 "on coming into office I promised to keep the people fully informed in regard to public business. Also that no fran chise of importance should pass the coun- cil without giving everybody a chance to see what it meant and say what he thought about It.
 If it is the peoples wish that Second avenue should be turned over to a big railroad system for a right-of-way tho members of the council will probably be willing
 "Whether or not it is the peoples wish it can be brought out only by discus- sion.
 "In the meantime the Illinois Central people can rest assured that the people of Birmingham and members of it's city council are anxious to cooperate with them in every wise and legitimate way"
 Representatives of Road.
 Capt. Frank S. White. counsel for the Alabama Western railroad, the style of the company under which the Illinois Gen. tral will operate in this state, when asked if he had any statement to make concern- ing the franchise sought said:
 q can only remark that these fran chises are absolutely indispensable for the operation of the line in Birmingham. We do not ask half as much as the city granted to other roads now here
 W. B. Leedy of VI. B. Leedy & Co.,, the real estate firm representing the Illi- nois Central in acquiring terminal prop erty here, on being asked for his views concerning Mayor Wards desire for the fullest publicity and discussion as set forth in the Mayors statement published in The Age-Herald Sunday, said
 'sThe matter of q railroad entering this city certainly developes a peculiar state of affairs If a railroad asks for its fran chises first, then it would be impossible to purchase it's terminals; on the other hand, if you buy your terminals first then you encounter difficulties in securing your franchises.
 "We have a most excellent Mayor, who desires to do right; but I fear he Is a little timid in asserting the right. He Is afraid. however, he may do something that is not for the best interests of the people In my opinion, it is plain that he and the Board of Aldermen will voice the sentiments of nlne-tenths of the people if they will give the Illinois Central all they ask We have city lawmakers that are young, progressive and brainy, and l have no fears but what they will receive the Illinois Central with open arms, and by so doing they will build for themselves an imperlshabe monument; and the bus mess that this railroad will bring to Bir- mingham will add materially to it's growth and wealth, and the increased assessed value of the lands they have purchased, together with the half million expended on buildings to be erected will vastly add to the purse of the city, which is anything but 'plethorlc' now, says Mayor Ward The Mayor and board cannot please everybody, no matter what laws they may enact, but my word for it, if they say to the Illinois Central, We bid you welcome,' in a few years, when this great railroad shows them what they will stltuents will arise and call them blessed"
 General Fuckers Open Letter. Hon. George B. Ward, Mayor, Biming-
 ham, Ala.
 Dear Sir. own no property in the western portion of the city, and do not know whether what 1 say should influ- ence you or not, but 1 write you for what l. is worth.
 cannot see why the petition of the Illinois Central Railroad company for a franchise on Second avenue from Thir- teenth to Seventh streets should not be granted and the other franchise also or course, this is not an exclusive use, and l do not believe the track on Second avenue would be any more of an obstruc- ton than the double track railroad on Third avenue.
 As to the obstruction of Smiths park: Sooner or later. If the city expands and it's business demands, 1t will have To ad- nit streets through It's grounds.
 For myself, I am very proud that the Illinois Central Is entering our city. and want as q citizen. to grant them every right that is possible with public safety If abutting property is injured, they have their redress in the courts.
 I write this because of your invitation for an expression of public opinion.
 l am dear sir. very sincerely,
 EDWIN w. FUCKER.
 MT. Latady Writes.