The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-03-27
THE GOVERNMENT
 WILL BE SHOWN
Gather Statistics on CooSa
 River Section
PRESIDENT GAN VOTE
Anniston Council Reduces Privilege License on Telegraph Companies From $15o to $1oo-J. G.
 Simpson III In Chicago.

Anniston, March 2s.--(special.)-A the result of a meeting of the Anniston Chamber of Commerce Friday morning, a movement will likely be inaugurated immediately with a view of collecting statistics on the resources and tonnage of the Anniston district due to what Col R. A. Mitchell of Gadsden terms "an un- warranted procedure on the part of the national government in placing the south in the attitude of the man from Missouri before national aid will be extended to this section in the development of its waterways"
 It has been assured, however, that the national government will further the ex- tension of waterway development in the Coosa valley provided that the proposed statistic will justify the cost of the un- dertaking. and an engineer will be here within a few days, under the auspices of the government, to cooperate with the Chamber of Commerce in the collection of data with regard to this district
 According to Colonel Mitchell, who was the principal speaker at the meeting of the business organization Thursday morn ing, waterway development means a great deal to this city, not only in the way of cheaper freight rates, but also with reference to cheaper power which he says goes hand in hand with the question of transportation. While this city is not situated immediately on the Coosa, 1t was shown that the steamship companies would gladly absorb switching rates in consideration of the business which they would handle should North east Alabama's principal stream be rem dered navigable, the rates being lowered by about 100 per cent and the centers of distribution increased accordingly.
 It was shown that the ore deposits in the Coosa valley were 22 per cent great CT than in any other section of the world according to facts as known to the most enlightened specialists of today, and Colonel Mitchell stated that from his in yestigation the deposits within radius of 50 miles of this city were five times as great as they are in the Birming- ham district. Birmingham, he said, has at present an advantage in the quality of her ore but as the parity of cost and difficulty in mining between the red and brown grades are being made more manifest every year, he pictured this Clty dS tl6 greatest noii ottCi iidii- ufacturing center in the country within few years, provided that proper energy is brought to bear in the development of natural resources.
 The president of the rity council, W. l.. McCaa, who takes the oath of office on April &, will have a vote on every question that comes up for the consider ation of the body This right Is guar anteed him under the new code just adopted which is in compliance with the state municipal code. There was quite a lively discussion last night when the Judiciary committee reported on the new code. Several recommendation were made one of which was the changing of the code making the right of the pres ident of the council to vote only in case of a tie.
 Judge McCarty said that under the state municipal code he was given the right to vote on all questions. City Attor ney Agee concurred in the opinion of MT. McCarty. Councilman Lapsley de- tended the action of the committee, say ing they did not think a man should have the power to tie vote and then unite it. Councilman McKleroy stated that he feared that such action would be construed by many as an effort to restrict the powers and privileges of the incoming council and if there was legal
 
 tion. That part of the resolution was sticken out
 The privilege tax on telegraph com panies was reduced from $50 to $100 year by the city council last night. It is said that the Western Union will pay the s1OO license, but the Postal will con- test, claiming that $50 Is an adequate amount The entire matter will probably be thrashed out in the courts again, the Postal having won its suit on the same proposition last year.
 There has been a wonderful increase in travel during the last few months. as indicated by the register of local ho- tels At the Alabama especially, Is this noticeable. This hotel has been crowded every day for the past several months It's business has been better than ever before in its history Several pages of the register are required to hold the names of the guests every day and the rooms are all taken Manager Mitch ell, in answer to Inquiry says that he Is often hard pressed to accommodate those who apply for rooms there, which he considers to pc a sign of returning prosperity, as there must be business to justify the expense of travel.
 J. c. Simpson, the son of MT. and Mrs.
  ally i'll at the Wesley hospital In Chi cago. Dr. Frank M. Kingdin wired them yesterday that Wednesday night he op- erated on him for appendicitis. Last night another message said he was rest ing fairly well. The family Is very un- easy and MT. and Mrs Simpson may go to Chicago to be at the bedside of their son.
 Through the persistent efforts of City Physician Brothers, the prisoners con- fined In the city Jail and doing service on the streets will be enabled to have a change of clothing and prevent dis ease and sickness among them.
 The matter was brought to the attten tion of the council again last night and the spolice committee said that there were no recommendations to make, ow- ing to their time in office being limited. The matter was referred to Councilmen Ward and Richey who will serve on the new council and they will bring it to the attention of the incoming admins tration.
 The Woman's Missionary society of the First Presbyterian church will hold week of prayer in behalf of home mis- sions next week, beginning Monday aft ernoon at the church. An excellent pro- gramme has been arranged under the direction of Mrs. John B. Knox. This will be used in the meeting over the entire state and much good and interest in missions 1t Is hoped, will be the re- suit of the afternoon prayer meeting. Different members of the missionary so- ciety will lead the meetings and all the women of the church as we'll as of the societies are cordially invited to attend
 Circuit Court Meets.