The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-08-16

roadway and sidewalks have to be re-
constructed 1t shall be done at the ex
pense of the railroadAand furnace com
panies
Seventh. The railroad and furnace
companies In interest agree to waive all
abutting property damage against their
property in consequence of the con-
struction of the aforesaid viaducts, in
GLIDING the Mobile and Ohio railroad
company and all other railroad COM
panies owning now or hereafter any
property abutting on the said viaducts.
Eighth. The railroad engineers are
to prepare and submit to the city en-
gineer for his approval plans for the
aforesaid viaducts, the same to De ap-
proved by the city council of Birming
ham. Respectfully submitted.
NJ ]. GREGG, Chairman
r. d. BURNETT,
DAN H. HOGAN,
WALTER MOORE
JNO. F. WILLIAMS,
M. H MCDOWELL.
some Members Want Subway
The differences of opinion among the
members of the entire committee SEEM
ed to be in regard to whether a sub
way would not be better than viaduct
If the former plan were thoroughly in
vestigated. Alderman Copeland in his
argument said II the First avenue via
duct were erected as proposed in the
plan drafted 1t would set a bad pre-
cedent for the future administrations
whether they be the present system or
commission form of government.
He was Joined in this argument by
several of the committee, who after
wards were shown to be in minority
when 1t came to question of voting.
Mr. Copeland said when the Twentieth
street viaduct came up the property
damage on viaduct at that point
would be enormous and the city could
not stand to pay IT.
1T is all wrong boys. and you know
it," said Mr.. Copeland II have talked
with Julian Kendrick, who was GU rengin-
eer before Nicholson. He told me that no
property damage would result from a
First avenue subway, and the city would
be enabled to drain a subway without
any artificial means. am in favor of
relief and that at once. But think the
engineer should be instructed to study
this matter thoroughly and report back
here at later date
Chairman Swamped With Rulings
The chairman was swamped from time
to time with aldermen on their feet in
sisting that the rights of the people were
being trafficked with by the adoption of
the report. Alderman Moore said he was
a real and original subway man and had
insisted that one be built on First ave-
nue..
But" said Mr.. Moore, your city en-
gneer turned me down and the committee
of which we are a part ruled against my
subway plan. l still favor subway but
as the engineering judges have ruled
against me- / take the position that
viaduct is now the best solution Of the
problem
Alderman Perdue cited, when that ques-
ton came up, that the state had plenty
of authority to force the railroads to
build the viaducts without the ciy's pay
ing / cent.
III the damages on First avenue are to
be small" said Mr.. Perdue, II think the
railroads should pay all of them and al
low the city to secure some benefits from
the vast and valuable property that has
been given them practically free. The
city of Denver made them come across
without paying any damages. We have
the same law here in every practical
sense and we should Invoke the law in
the matter
Wanted 1t Referred Back
After the spirited passing Of several re-
marks the motion was made by Alderman
Morgan that the entire plan be referred
back to the original committee for re-
port. This was lost upon a vote and the
counter motion made by Alderman
O'Nein that the alderman strike out the
closing OF certain streets and adopt the
plan with this exception. The ruling was
made that 1t did not materially affect the
plan whether the city said anything in re-
gard to the closing of streets.
( However. Mr.. Copeland and other mem
bers of the committee objected to the use
of the term 20 years in connection with
the streets. 1t was pointed out that as
the city did not have the authority to close
the streets 1t should not make any very
great difference to leave out the reference
to a term of years.
This motion Of Mr.. ONeill was also