The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1897-12-10
He TOOK EXCEPTIONS
AT A SMALL MATTER
BY ]. ]. ALTMAN.

y
miltee as well as myself, feel that
should say that the statement in The
Age-Herald that che resolution calling
for more testimony in the gas lnvesti-
cation locked more like a means of
delaying things than otherwise" is
wholly unfounded. I wish to say that it
is to be regretted that THE names of peo-
Pile who make such statements are not
given; for IL given, due weight would
probably be attached to their statements
and the sta. ements themselves could be
properly characterized.
think l know what testimony ought
to be on hand before law suit'is start
ed or invited, and SO thinking. took Ehe
responsibility of calling for more testi-
mony. We must not put the city in a
position to lHigate unless we believe
we have enough evidence 70 justify 1T;
nor mus0 we put corporations or indi-
viduals to cost or expense until we feel
that the evidence and the law will sus-
tain us. o.
The difference between an alderman
and an outsider Is the same difference
thar exists between a judge or juror
and an outsider; that is to say the one
is acting under the responsibility not
only of an official position, but of a SOL
emn oath. while the other Is free TO in
dulge in such talk and conduct as he
sees proper. 1 feel that I may speak
for the committee as well as for myself
when l say that we are making a dill
gent effont to gee all the law and testi-
mony (and that testimony includes not
only The statements of witnesses and
gas receipts, but also transcripts of the
minutes showing each and every action
Of previous mayors and boards of alder
men and copies of contracts In reference
to gas in Birmingham from the founda-
tion of the city to the present time), and
that when we get the evidence in proper
shape we will undertake to thew to the
line, let the chips fall where they may"
In The meantime let there be a surcease
of sentimentality and sensalionalsm.
ASSUMES A POSITION.
Mr.. Altman gave this Statement to The
Age-Herald. He assumes he position to
speak for the gas investigation commit
tee, fuilTher assuming that the commit
tee had been done an injustice by the
expression off a gentleman ON the action
of the committee, which was quoted by
am AgaHerald reporter.
Mr. Altman is a member of che gas
committee. He was The only one to sug-
gest that more testimony was needed.
This was objected to by Messrs. Evans
and Kerr. Mr.. Kerr has the reputation
of being a good lawyer
No one doubts that THE committee
will do its duty. Every ONE has implicit
confidence in It,
The committee has heard the testi-
mony of Mr. Roden, in which he adj
mLltted that itqle gas company violated its
contract. 1t has gas bills rendered at
$1.65 per thousand feet transcripts of
the council proceedings on the gas ques-
tom have been made and Mr. Altman
was in possession of a copy when his
suggestion was made before the commit
tee Mr.. Altman so expresses a. hope
that there will be a surcease of senti-
mentality and sensationalism.
The Cry of the people against a grind
ing monopoly is called senaimenltality,
and sensationalism. There will be ces-
satlon of this sentimentality and sensa-
tionalism. The people are after the
scalp of corporation that has violated
the principles of justice. They will have
1t.
VIII Mr.. Altman dispute that the
bringing of private ctdzens before the
committee will delay matters?
The citizens see no necessity in de-
laying matters when there is no good
cause for It,
Mr.. Altman says the board of alder
men are placed in the position of judges.
He wants some Of the people who have
been doing so much talking to come be-
fore the- committee. The people make
the aldermen. The aldermen were once
private citizens. The people want the
contract with the gas company abro-
gated. The people want dollar gas.
No one expressed an opinion in favor
of Mr.. Aftman's suggestion. To the con-
trary, two members of the committee,
Messrs. Evans and Kerr, expressed the
belief that Mr.. Roden's admissions were
sufficient. Mr.. Kerr has the reput alton
of being good lawyer. Mayor Evans
has had considerable experience in such
matters.
DOES NOT BELIEVE MIR. RIDDEN.
The imprs ssion is drawn from Mr.. Alt
mans suggestion that he does not be-
Heye the Statements made by Mr.. Roden.
He would, it seems. impeach the tesi-
mony of the president of the gas COM
pany. when that gentleman Cranky ad-
united thar the company charged 81 65
for gas, and that his recollection of the
contract was that 1t stipulated a price
of $1.4S. Mr.. Roden further admitted
that the gas company deducted 10 per
cent. from $l65 for prompt payment,
which leaves 81 .4S1a. He sad this amount
was so small that it did not amount to
anything.
What mon testimony does the COM
mittee want? 1t appears Mr.. Al man is
alone in his desire for more.
Even Mr. Roden can read his own tes-
timony and hardly wonder how the COM
nilttse could want more.
Long Favors the Civil Service.
Wa shin On Den Q-Sprr,af aru of a