The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-06-25
JOnesboro Election Comes
 Off Tomorrow
VIEWS PRO AND CON
Bessemer Financial Status and Jonesboro's Water Supply Figure in Arguments-PersOnal
 and General News
By LILY W. I.YKEs

new territory Will be decided by the elec- ton to be helds In Jonesboro Monday. The Bessemer {city council has recorded its willingness to accept the municipal ity, the Jonesboro council has called the election, the campaign has been warmly agitated by adherents to either side of the question, but the real test of the | success of either party will be evident | in the ballot returns, tho voice of the people. Monday night. The managers named to be present at the polls are: D. ". Houston, Joe Nicholas and J. D. Martin; returning officer, M. Wells; clerks, Robert Bumgardner and John L. Rarden.
 J. D. Martin. one of the trio composed of D. w. Houston, Pfnkney Scott and himself. who are the main generals in the fight for annexation, stated today:
 "The town is continually in danger of typhoid fever epidemic because of the unsanitary conditions existing there and the extremely poor water supply The water proposition is the main reason for annexation. When learned that it would take s25,000 to establish water works there. that the consumption would not guarantee per cent return and that brokers would not purchase bonds on waterworks when the only water supply was a small condemned spring. the only solution left was annexation to Besse- mer., Being a town without big pay roll accruing from industries. furnaces. etc, and allowed only 50 per cent con stitutonal tax, it's revenue is not sui ficient to support the expenses. I have lived there for % years, have always been with and for the people, I know annexation is one of the best steps ... the progress of the town and if the election is lost will give it a backset of or 10 years and cause the city to lose every foot of real estate 1t owns"
 Mayor J. N. Smithson and City Attor- ney George Bumgardner of Jonesboro are strong opponents to the annexation and are confident that Jonesboro will remain separate from Bessemer. MT. Bumgard- ner stated today:
 "Bessemer is not financially able to assume the Jonesboro obligations and give us everything we desire. The town indebtedness alone Is $20,000; water works would >cost $15,000e at any rate and the property tax Is pledged for the payment of interest and principal of the school bonds. no matter if it Is tripled or doubled over and over I feel just like a Bessemer alderman expressed himself yesterday: that Is, that a man who already possesses half a dozen progeny and is unable to support them would be a trifle unwise to go to an orphans asylum and adopt six more"
 George Ross. president of the city council today signed a statement to the effect that the original resolution pass ed by the council at the time of the former election, which was declared illegal. is still on the books of the city and unrepealed. This resolution em- braces pledges of school advantages free for nine months of the year. street and light improvements, police and fire protection, excellent water system s speedily as possible and promises that at no time shall there be placed saloons of any kind in that part of the town or city.
 The resolution passed at the last council meeting is a modified pledge to give Jonesboro a square deal." fire protection, water and sanitary improve ments.
 Juvenile Court in Session
 The first juvenile court in the his tory of this city was held this morning by Judge s. D. Murphy. who added many admirers to his list of friends by shis judicial mien and rulings. separate record will be kept of the juvenile court proceedings and hearings will be granted at o'clock in the aft ernoon on the second and fourth Fri days of every month Today Herbert Lawson was put on 60 days probation; Boston Quinn. a negro boy, received the same sentence, and Andy Lee Stone, a tilrn nad t1 la tbor for correction. This will mean the jur- isdiction In all juvenile cases hereto fore not subject to the police court.
 Welch to Be Speaker
 The committee on securing an orator for the Fourth of July celebration an- nounced today that w. S. Welch of the firm of Estes. Jones & Welsh had accepted an invitation to be the speak CT of the day. The advertising com mittee will have ready for distribution Monday large streamer circulars enumerating the joys of the Fourth to be found here and these will be sent to all parts of the state, giving the widest possible publicity to the occa- sion.
 Carelessness Caused Death
 The coroner's jury empaneled today to hold an investigation of the death of lit-
  mines recently, handed down the follow Ing verdict: we the jury empaneled on June 24, by the coroner of Jefferson coun- ty to investigate the death of Willie Cole. who was killed at Sloss Mines on June r, l, find that the boy came to his death through gross careessness on the part of 1 the company in not having in the mines what is known as a boss driver to look | after the safety of the boys whom the 1 company employ, and feel that the off | cials of the said company should be held | responsible for his death. & A, Bell John Horn. T. H. Herring, k. C.. Fulton, Frank | Neson.f
 The jury hearing was made at the Ken | nedy Undertaking establishment. Other Items
 The dampness prevented a game sched- | uled between Bessemer and North Bir- | mingham here this afternoon. The two postponed games between these teams will be played next week. one at North | Birmingham and one here.
 A surprise dinner party as a welcome | to pr. and Mrs. S. E. Grout was given at their cottage at Readers Gap. several | A delicious four-course dinner was served | and the table prettily decorated for this | first dining in their new home, with | gladiolias Those present were pr. and Mrs. Grout, Dr.. and Mrs. T. I. Conwel | Dr. W. w. Compton, George Rutledge and James Wells.
 The Besseiner lodge, A. F. and A. NJ, | will have a special communication Mon 1 day night for work in the entered appren- tice degrees.
 Announcements
 church will meet Monday afternoon at tha church