The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-03-16
.BESSEMER JAIL IN DEPLORABLE STATE Alderman Stein Creates a Mild
 Sensation. JUSTICES TO ORGANIZE Hope to Take steps Looking to EIeya- ton of office of Justice of the Peace-Other News
 of Bessemcr.
JUSTICES TO ORGANIZE

Bessemer, March 15.-(special) )-The council met tonight and there was a mild sensation,
 T had no idea that such conditions could exist in a civilized country as are in our city jail at present" said Alder man Stein. Tt is a disgrace to the city and to humanity. The prisoners have no beds, but lie around on the floor in filth unspeakable. The city takes negroes and keeps them in the city jail weeks and months and they neevr take bath. They do not change their clothes. but live in filth. The situation is terrible and some thing should be done at once"
 This caused a mild sensation for while it was known that sanitary conditions in the jail were in bad shape the state of affairs as presented by MT. Stein was committee recommended in this connec- tion that bath tub be installed in the jail that a 40-gallon tank with hot water connection be put in, that suitable hunks be built, and that the woodwork of the jail be torn out and steel cages substi- tuted. The recommendation was referred to the city engineer the chief of police, and the sanitary committee with power to act. Emphasis was laid on the fact that something must be done at once, and 1t is very probable that work will be commenced at once on the improve ments.
 Mayor Lewis left the city tonight and turned over the city to President Ed mundson of the city council, who Is now mayor pro tenn. George Ross presided to- night and MT. Edmundson occupied the mayors chair. The absence of Alder man Durick necessitated delay in tho passing over the mayors veto of the ordinance passed providing for the pay ment of F. D. Smith in the water works litigation until the next meeting. Mayor Lewis will be out of the city until Friday night on personal business
 The report of the detective department for the month of February was received and showed a large number of convic- tions. The amount of stolen property re- covered during the last month was also large. The report in full is as follows: Cases investigated, 114; arrests, 99; con- victed, 7s; nolle pressed and dismissed, 20; bound over to the grand jury, 3; fines assessed, $116s; fines paid. $5oe.s5; stolen property recovered, $315.
 An ordinance was passed providing for
 the paving of First, Second, Third, Four
 teenth and Fifth avenues between Thir- teenth and Fourteenth streets. Six thou-
 sand dollars worth of Improvement bonds
 were provided for An ordinance provid- ing for the paving of Second avenue. be- tween Eighteenth and Twenty-flrst streets
 was referred to the street and light com mittee. Several other improvement ordi- nances were brought up and referred to 1.-the committee
 The city physician reported il births and deaths.
 | The council will give $75 toward paying for uniforms for the Bessemer band if citizens will give like amount A petition was received asking that inn provements be made on Twenty-fourth street which Is in a bad condition. | The granting of the franchise to the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company was postponed.