The age-herald., 1901-06-04
He Would Require a Poll Tax Nov and Educational Qua|-
 ilcatioRs After 191O
GRANTING LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Mir. Browne introduces An Ordinance Which He Claims Will Give the Schools More Money and Not
 increase Tax Rate.
BY FRANK HARVEY MILLER.

BY FRANK HARVEY MILLER.
 Montgomery, June 2-(Special)- )-The constitutional convention was in session one hour today. There were forty nine members absent out of a total member ship of 155.
 A large part of the one hour was taken up by various members asking to be ex- cused. It was q pray thee have me ex- cused,' or T pray thee have Brother So-and-So excused until President Knox finally said that he hoped somebody would be left to attend tomorrow's session. One member asked leave of absence for a week without giving any reason. Cover nor Oates objected, saying he thought some reason ought to be given. Ills ob- jection came little too late, the presi- dent having granted the leave just before Governor Oates objected. The president stated that he agreed with Governor Oates and was sorry he had not objected in time. Members get full pay when they have leaves of absence.
 In spite of this the convention did a good hours work. MT. Bulger of Talla- poosa, wanted 1t to work until o'clock but tho convention couldn't see 1t that way.
 MT. White of Jefferson introduced a suffrage ordinance providing for registra- ton, the payment of poll tax or $3 or s1 according as the voter was under or over 45 years of age. Ex-soldiers can vote without this and after 1910 the voter must be able to read and write.
 MT. Jenkins of Wilcox also introduced a suffrage scheme Voters must be able to read or own $500 of property, or have been a soldier or be a descendant of one. Tt also allows a voter otherwise disqualified to be- admitted to the franchise on cer- tificates of good character signed by twelve citizens.
 MT. Browne of Talladega introduced scheme which he thinks will allow special school taxes to be levied with out increasing the total tax rate. His idea is that very shortly the increased taxable valuation of the State will en- able the State to reduce its tax levied for schools. and that then such counties as wish may levy special tax for school purposes, thus bringing up the total tax ation to the constitutional limit, which
 
 in their platform having so pledged them selves.
 MT Brooks of Mobile introduced an or dinance to exempt purchase money notes and mortgages from taxation.
 The monotonous reading of ordinances is at times very conducive to slumber Up to the present time, however, no one has succumbed. One of the ladies in the gall lery today broke the ice As the reading went on her eyelids grew heavy and finally she leaned her head on the rail- ing and slept. As she did not snore no one paid any attention to her, and the convention continued its work of reduc- ing the cost of elections by eliminating Sambo as a voter.
 Convention Opens.
 The tenth days session of the conven- tion was called to order at 12 o'clock by President Knox A prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Provence.
 Roll call showed 106 delegates present Many members had obtained leave of ab- sence Friday and Monday, and a number of leaves of absence were asked for to- morrow. These became so numerous that the president said that he earnestly hoped some of the delegates would be present at the next days session.
 The committee on journal reported that, 1t was correct, and it's reading was dis penced with. MT. Reese of Dallas offered resolution extending the privileges of the floor to Hon. William J. Sanford. The rules were suspended and the resolution adopted.
 MT. Pettus of Limestone introduced an ordinance to establish courts of record in each county. os courts of county com missioners with such powers as the Legislature may give them.
 Mr. Hefiin of Randolph introduced A resolution to fix the salary of the Cover ernor at a sum not less than $5000.
 MT. Salllie of Dale introduced an or dinance to amend article of the consti- tuition by adding section 39. so as to au- fhorize the Governor to appoint an off cial stenographer for each circuit
 MT. Jenkins of Wilcox introduced an ordinance to amend Section l. article 8, so As to provide that every male over 2 sears who can read any section of the constitution, or who owns over $30O of property, or who has been a sol dier or Is descendant of soldier who has served the state can vote. , It includes a provision of allowing dis qualified to vote certificates of good character signed by twelve citizens.
 Whites ouffrase Plan.
 MT. White of Jefferson introduced an ordinance to regulate suffrage. It pro- Vides that every male over 21 may vote who is duly registered and has either paid | poll tax of 8 or s1, according as he Is nnder or over 45 years of age or shall have served in the forces of the United States or Confederate States. After 1910 to vote, the elector must, in addition. be able to read and write. It prohibits those having been convicted of felonies from voting.
 MT. Long of Walker moved that the privileges of the floor be extended to Hon. William Richardson. Congressman from the Eighth district. The rules were suspended and the motion adopted.
 Mir Hef1in of Chambers moved to ex- tend the privileges of the floor to Hon. Hannis Taylor. This was also adopted
 Mir Bulger of Tallapoosa introduced a resolution that the convention remain in session until o'clock This motion was lost by vote of fl to 30.
 Mr. Watts of Montgomery introduced a resolution to direct the secretary of the convention to have printed each report of