The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-19
MAYOR AND BOARD ;. ISSUE STATEMENT Tell Why Bond Issue Is Needed By Bessemer BISHOP c. M. BECKWITH Makes Annual Visit to Trinity Church Tomorrow-Turka and Big Brown
 Bear Attract Attention.
 Other News

Bessemer, February 1S.-(Special.) )-The all-absorbing question in and around Bes semer is the s75,oOo bond issue that comes up for election Monday week. The matter has been taken up by the loyal citizens of the city and a strong campaign com mittee Is being selected to present the matter properly before the people. Mayor Lewis and the board of aldermen have issued a signed statement which is ex- planatory. It shows that the present board are not in any way responsible for the deficit that they are endeavoring to maintain Ae credit of the city and have pledged an economical administration oi the city's affairs. The prevailing senti- ment seems to be that the bond issue will carry, as it means a great saving to the city In interest alone. The statement oi the city fathers is as follows:
 Tn view of the election to be held in this city on Monday, February 27, to de- termine whether or not the mayor and board of council snail be authorized to issue s75,0o0 of the city's bonds to provide money to pay the citys outstanding in- debtedness, we believe it proper that every voter should be informed of the cause of this deficit in the municipal treasury and the conditions which make the bond issue necessary at the time.
 Our entire deficit, represented by the city's notes to the Bessemer National bank and other outstanding obligations now due, is $50, .64, these obligations having been incurred as follows:
 Prior to 1908 Accumulated de-
 ficits of several years) .......... s10, 467 65 Borrowed from bank in 1908. ..... 16, 370. g Borrowed from bank in 1909 and
 1910 ...% ........................ o5,5oo .u
 $50, 206. .6i
 "The above total represents obligations incurred prior to the going into office of the present board.
 During the years 1909 and 1910 much street and sidewalk improvement was done, and of the amounts paid out for such improvements SHAFT. 63 was borne by the city because of the work being done adjacent to church property, city property, government property, etc, and liability in some cases to enforce pay ment. In addition to this amount sS259 .09 is still outstanding on the Improvements named some of which can be collected. which some of it Is believed cannot.
 Now, we deem it best to put this dept in the form of bonds bearing 5 per cent interest eve are now paying per cent) in order to save the city the difference in in terest, per cent, which amounts to $2250 per year, and this will also enable us Go use our current revenues for the city needs, without fearing that the banks rnay at any time demand immediate pay ment of the entire loans, all of which are due in less than 90 days.
 Now, in conclusion, we will state that since we came into office we have kept our expenditures well within the. reve- nues. and we also pledge you to continue this. M
 '1n view of the>.facts above. we hope you will see your way clear to suppor. the bond issue on February 27, and be sure to be on hand to express your opin- fen at the ballot box.
 'I. A. Lewis, mayor; J. B. Houston, city clerk; George Ross. president city coun- cil; R. P. McTyeire. J, l. Crotwell. J. A. LaRue, K. M. Johnson, D. L. Morton, W. A Simmons, J. H. Edwards, J. W. Porter, aldermen"
 Bishop Beckwith in Bessemer
 Right Rev. c. M Beckwith, bishop of the diocese of the state of Alabama will make his annual visit to Trinity Episcopal church Monday. February 20 There will be service and confirma ton at the church at 7:30 o'clock, when the bishop will confer the rite of con firmati ton on a class of young Deople An offering will be taken for the bish- ops aims. All who are interested are cordially invited to attend.
 Brown Beaf Does Stunts
 ,-Jr been the center of attraction on the streets of Bessemer for the past few days. The man attracts a crowd witf bugle call and when the crowd has assembled puts the bear through g number of surprising stunts. such as dancing and acrobatic stunts that arc remarkable for such seemingly awk. ward animal The little folks are es. pecially interested but view the antic. of the bear from safe distance. Nc trouble is experinced in keeping the give his bearship all the room he wants
 Local Items
 Judge Gwin finished the non-jurJ civil docket of the Besemer city cour today and on Monday will take III the non-jury criminal docket.
 The Masonic lodge will hold a regu lar communication on Monday night a the Masonic hall. All members art urged to attend.
 Delegates from Myrtle-Linton lodge Knights of Pythias. to the Pythian con vention, which meets at Carbon Hill February 2S. have been selected al follows: Sam Stein, M. J. Brooks, M. Tn omas, c. T. Cook, A. Forst, K R. Fountain, B. Clay Jones. W. M. Jone and B. E. Houtson.
 MT. W. T. Kennedy was the recipien of distinct honor from Bessemer aeri of Eagles at a recent meeting whel that lodge conferred a life member ship upon him. This in an honor tha but few attain and was quite sur prise to him.
 The county registrars will sit il Bessemer on February "A and 25 t register all those who have becom voters since the last election.
 The board of education of Besseme has elected Prof R. A. Mickle, prin cipal of the high school. as a delegat to the meeting of school superintend ents at Mobile on February 22 and 2s Carson Robinson. who was indicte by the grand jury for the murder o Snug Bagget in Colley's pool room som time ago. has been surrendered by hi bondsmen and is confined to the coun ty jail
 John Neal has been recently electe president of the reorganized Besse mer Casting company George c. Neal secretary. and Ben c. Perry. treasurer L. A. Carlisle is sales agent Church Notices
 w. D. Upshaw of Atlanta will preacl both Sunday morning and evening at tn First Baptist church. Sunday school, 9:4i The Rev. M. K. Thornton, pastor. | esbyterian-Morning subject Al Old Testament Victory" Evening subject And They Shall Tabernacle With Him.