The age-herald., 1901-07-04
COUNTY DEBTS LIMITED TO 31-2
 PER GENT PROPERTY VALUATION
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tained it. This class of debt should be excepted from the ordinance limiting city debt which we were about to adopt. It would now be unfair to exempt those citizens in these citise from paying for these street improvements because many had already paid them, and those who had not had gained the benefits arising from the payment for improvements by others. Decisions affecting property rights should not be disturbed.
 Dr. Cunningham asked if assessments already made but which had not been paid would be retroactively affected by any action on this subject by the con- vention. Mir. Ferguson said that he thought not under the provision of the Federal Constitution that no state should pass any law impairing the obli- gation of a contract.
 MT. Lowe Speaks.
 MT. Lowe of Jefferson said he opposed section 10, and thought it was adopted without consultation by the committee. It's effect would stop the wheels of pro gress in Birmingham and other cities This convention was brought here to reg ulate matters general. but they were seeking to regulate matters special, and interfering with the time honored Demo- cratic doctrine of local self government. The people of Birmingham are satisfied with the present system of street develop ment, and this should not be interfered with. The city cannot supply the demand for sewers and improvements fast enough. No complaint had been made by any one Birmingham was now indebted about 15 per cent. of Its taxable value. This sec- tion if adopted, would prevent us from issuing another bond. Birmingham Is now building a sanitary sewer at a cost of over half a million. He favored MT. Weakleys amendment who was mayor of a city and understood its needs. If this section was adopted Birmingham could never own It's own water works a question dear the hearts of its people. It would practically put the city in a state of bankruptcy. What Birmingham needs Is to be let alone. General liar rison asked MT. Lowe if Birmingham was excepted would he be in favor of 1t. No, said MT. Lowe. I will not desert those who have stood by Birmingham. There are other progressive cities in the State. They must be let alone to grow.
 fom Long's Resolution.
 MT. Long of Walker by consent then introduced the following resolutions:
 Whereas, This convention passed a resolution today allowing no absent member any per diem unless excused on account of sickness; and
 Whereas, The members of this conven- tion have great respect for truth and ve- racity and good wishes for the public health; and
 Whereas, The adoption of the said res- olution will have tendency to make all absent members feel badly and the effect of making all future leaves of absence be requested on account of sickness of members or their families; therefore. for the public good, in the interest of truth, and as preventative of an epidemic of sickness among members of this con vention and their families one or both, be it
 Resolved by the people of Alabama in convention assembled, That the said res- olution No. 1S4 which offers a premium of $ per day for sickness, be and the same Is hereby repealed.
 MT. O'Neal of Lauderdale then intro- duced a resolution to adjourn for July Fourth. This was carried by a vote of 79 to 49.