The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-25
ANN|STON COUNCIL
 IN BUSY SESSION Richie Asks Reconsideration of
 McCarty Appropriation MUNICIPAL OWNERSHIP
Anniston Is Considering the Matter of Building It's Own WaterWorks System-New Union Station
 Work to Begin Soon.

Anniston, December 24-(Special )--W.
 F. Richie, who recently returned to the
 city, resumed his seat on the city alder manic board at the regular meeting last
 night and cast somewhat of bomb into the ranks of the city rulers by introduc-
 ing resolution to reconsider a resolu-
 tion passed at the last meeting of that
 body to pay to Judge Henry D. Me-
 Carty. former city attorney, the sum of
 $500 for his services in the qualification of the city laws.
 It is alleged by MT. Richie that the original contract with Judge McCarty called for only s25o for his services, but that he has already been paid $235 in ex-
 cess of that amount, making a total of
 $lS5 which he has received from the city for his services. Hence, MT. Richie ar eues, his claim for an additional $500 is not understood.
 The council deferred definite action on the matter, which will probably be fully investigated before disposed of. as it is considered that the amount claimed by Judge McCarty would not be exorbitant even if he should be paid the full amount, Anniston now having, in the opinion of attorneys the best code of laws to be found in the state. Another matter which elicited unusual attention was the act of Mayor WilSle in picking up what he considered gaunt- lot which had baap tbroup down hx Nicn President J. Henry Edmondson of the city council by submitting resolution veto- ing resolution which had been passed at the instance of Councilman Edmondson at the last meeting of the board of alder men.
 This resolution had to do with the em- ployment of City Guard John Smith, whom MT Edmondson wanted discharged for the purpose of employing a bona fide citizen of the city, it being alleged that Guard Smith lives at Alexandria. Mayor Wikle denies this statement in his veto and openly makes the charge that Mir Edmondson's action was intended as a blow for him, whose actions, he says MT.
 Edmondson has endeavored to discredit
 
 only one member voting to the contrary.
 several other matters of routine business were given attention, including a reduc-
 tlon of taxes levied against corporations doing business in the city.
 | The Model Citys proposed experiment l in municipal ownership is hanging fire,
 according to statement made this morn ] ing by Mayor Wikle. who says that the ! city Is now waiting on the answer of
 Morris ". Bush, president of the An
 niston Water Supply company, in regard
 to the offer of the city to buy the system
 now in use for s357,70O
 This will include all the rights and ap- purtenances to the system now being used by the city, and MT. Bush was expected here last Friday to confer with Mayor Wikle and the committee of the council in regard to the proposed purchase,
 though he was prevented from coming by
 business difficulties in Birmingham. The city's offer is based on valuations
 made by expert engineers, who were re-
 gently employed by the city council to
 go over the system and assess it's value.
 In case this offer is not accepted 1t is
 considered probable that the city may build an independent competing system. Work on the new union passenger sta
 tion for Anniston will begin immediately after the new year arrives, according to letter received yesterday by Mayor Wilsle from Superintendent T. E. Brooks of the
 Alabama Mineral division of that road.
 In his letter MT. Brooks made no ref
 erence to an increased appropriation for 1 the work proposed, and Mayor Wil1le, who Is also president of the Anniston 1 Chamber of Commerce, said today that no ] further action has been taken by the commercial body in regard to securing 8 larger appropriation.
 meeting for this purpose was held last week, but definite action was deferred on the ground that the Southern railway is considering the erection of a separate station and the Seaboard has not yet contracted with the Louisville and Nash ville to enter the union station. Hence, 1t was argued by some s16,0O0 is consld- cred sufficient. However, many are still of the opinion that there should be CO., operation of the roads for the erection of much better union station. and the Chamber of Commerce may take further action on this project.
 Included in the specifications of the Louisville and Nashville is a shed to take the place of the one destroyed by wind several years ago and also a new track which will probably be used by the Sea- board, should they decide to enter the union station.
 Dr. J. G. Anderson, who was recently appointed special agent of the north Ala bama presbvtery, will preach his final sermon as pastor of the First Presby- terian church in this city next Sunday evening. He will continue to make his
 home at the manse. however. until the new minister is selected for which com mttee has been appointed by the church.
 Tn the future Dr. Anderson will divide his time between Anniston and Birming- ham.
 S. w. and M. A. Deese who were rA- rertlv apro'nted by the county cormis- sioners to prepare a map of Calhoun county have completed their task. and their data is now in the hands of their publishers. to be issued some time in Feh- ruary The man shows every road every land owner and every stream of conse- ouence in the county, besides furnishing other data of interest and of great value.
 Enopoves Get Holiday
 Huntsville December o4-(Special) Several of the cotton mills of Hunts vile have closed down. giving their employees two full holidays for Christ mas. followed by the usual rest on I.rf.t k.x