The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-05-21
WANT ROAD ID
 GET FRANCHISE Bessemer Citizens Adopt Fa- vorable Resolutions COUNCIL MEETS TONIGH Citizens Are Practically Unanimous for Giving A., B. 6 A. Every Con
 cession-other Personal
 and General News.
COUNCIL MEETS T0NlGH

Bessemer May 2O.-(Special. IA mass meeting was held at the Rebie hall this evening for the purpose of learning the opinions of the different citizens of Besse- mer with regard to granting a franchise for the entrance into Bessemer of the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic rail road. The meeting was very well at- tended and a number of speeches were made by citizens prominent in the com mercial and social life of Bessemer. The meeting was called to order by E. H. Lo- peg, chairman and William P. Gum, secretary.
 Dr. E. P. Lacy stated that in his opinion no obstacle should be placed in the way of the road in getting Into Bessemer, and if necessary, all concessions within reason should be granted
 Walter S. Gilbert was very decided in his opinion that the road should be of- fered every indueement to get into Besse- mer.
 MT. James Trotter stated that in his opinion all legislative bodies liked to hear from the citizens, as regarding their views in connection with any movement that tended to benefit their city, and he hoped that the city council would not take it as a reflection upon their ability to govern the city's affairs.
 MT. J. A. LaRue was of the opinion that the city council should be con- sidered in the matter before any steps were taken in the matter of resolutions and petitions.
 Gardner Goodwin suggested that a pe- tition be submitted to the council with regard to granting the franchise.
 MT. McInary stated that he could see no good reason why the road should not be allowed to enter the city, in any way that it saw fit. If it had to enter the city by way of a trestle, let it come in that way, and if it had to come in by means of a subway, why let it come He stated that the main thing the city needed was the road. That it was a question of time when all shipments des- tined for the great canal that is now being built would be looking towards a southern outlet, and the immense amount of traffic that would result in the road having a good southern outlet, was not to be considered lightly.
 LIT. GeOrBe R. LeWlS Salu that While in his opinion the road should by all means be allowed to come Into the city he did not believe that 1t would be good policy for the meeting to assume the position of telling the council what they should or should not do
 In conclusion, the following resolutions were offered and adopted:
 T. That the citizens of Bessemer, in mass meeting, extend to the Atlanta, Bir- mingham and Atlantic railroad, our well come upon their determination to enter the great coal and iron fields of the south, and the immense advantages to all concerned.
 ''2. That the citizens of- Bessemer learn with pride of the intention of the com pany, with regard to our city, and we hereby tender the company our sincere thanks for what they have in contem- plation for Bessemer, and we pledge our earnest support and cooperation in every way possible.
 g. That the citizens of Bessemer have the utmost confidence in the city coun- cil and we believe the railroad will be met equal grounds, and to the best interests of both concerned.
 "A Be it further resolved That it is the sense of the meeting that the board of mayor and aldermen grant the Atlanta, Birmingham and Atlantic railroad the franchise asked for.
 "5. That a copy of these resolutions be submitted to the board of mayor and aldermen"
 The city council will meet tomorrow evening, and as there are several mat terJ of importance to come up before that body, Il is expected that a good gallery Will be on hand.