The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-09
ees in certain counties throughout the

fees in certain counties throughout the
state.
Mr. Lyons, of Mobile spoke favorably on
the bill, but offered an amendment to re-
duce the figures, provided in the bill, from.
40 to so cents.
Mr. Buchanan was in favor of the bill,
offering as an illustration the average
boarding schools and colleges and saying
that the amount paid was much less than
was charged by these boarding schools.
Mr. Cunningham from Jefferson (Mr.
Rather presiding) said that the rate today
was legitimate and that a man, or body of
men, could not be fed properly for less
sum than is paid by the state. He said
that If the rate was reduced, it would mean
still poorer food for those unfortunates who
would be forced to eat what was given
them and concluded by saying he would
vote for the bill.
Mr.. Meador, from Marengo, said that he
did not believe that a reduction would
cause a big difference in the quality Of food
furnished; that he did not believe that the
sheriff of Mobile or Montgomery, or of any
other county, would force a cheaper grade
and poorer quality of food on his prisoners,
(who could not help themselves), in order
to make the usual 800 per cent, which they
do make under the present rate.
Mr. Meador then said that it was fact
that many OF our farmers of today were
working for less than 50 a month and COM
fortably boarding and supporting them
selves on that. He offered as a convincing
argument, statements from the chiefs of
police of Montgomery, Mobile and Birmng-
ham, showing that the feeding of their city
prisoners was less than So per month. He
concluded, his remarks with a motion TO
table the amendment of Mr. Lyons.
Mr. Thompson, from Macon, asked
withdrawal of this motion until he could be
heard, which was granted, and Mr.. Thomp-
then said that he was not in. favor of the
bill; that the work done, the risk involved
in the discharge OF his duties. demanded
some compensa ton, and that the sheriffs
office was an important and dangerous one,
and that the present rate should not be
reduced.
Mr.. Jelks said he knew from experience
about the cost of feeding, and if the sheriffs
of jefferson and other large counties were
paid rs cents they would be walking on
velvet, and that 40 cents for the small coun-
ties would be plenty
Mr.. Wiley was not in favor of the bill
He said the office of sheriff was a most
important one; that men elected to sher-
ifs office did not seek the Office for the
glory attached that the securing of such
office entailed a lavish expenditure of mon
ey and that it would be unjust to the sher-
ifs elected to reduce the present rate.
Mr.. Meador said that Mr.. Wiley was
right when he said large sums of money
was spent to secure the office; that it was
not remarkable that men spent large sums
of money to get offices that paid so well,
and that the rate provided for in the bill,
40 cents for small counties and Is cents for
larger countless was "big plenty" and
should be adopted.
Mr.. Meador then renewed his motion to
table Mr.. Lyons amendment and that gen.
tleman called for the ayes and noes on the
question to table.
The ayes and noes were called for and
the amendment was tabled.
Mr. Jenkins, from Wilcox, then moved
to table the bill, but withdrew in favor of
Mr. Cunningham (Mr. Rather presidng),
who offered a substitute to Mr.. Lyons
amendment. Mr.. Wiley moved to table
the substitute, the amendment and bill, and
on call for votes the motion was lost.
House Message
The house non-concurred in the senate
amendment to S. B. 1879 and asked that a
committee of conference be appointed to
consider the whole matter. Mr.. Wiley
moved that the senate concur in this re-
quest, which was done, and Messrs. Boy
kin and Jenkins appointed on the part of
the senate.
A number of house bills were then read
and referred to proper committees. The
consideration of senate bill So was then re-
sumed and Mr.. Moody addressed the
speaker.
Mr.. Moody was decidedly in favor of re-