The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-21
Nlnely-fOur Bills Turned on First Gall for Counties
 in House
LONDON OF JEFFERSON
 HAS SOME OF IMPORTANCE
First Bills of Moment to Be Introduced Come From Thompson of Bibb and Strother of TaIlapoosa On
 Text Book Law.

Montgomery, January 20.-(Special.)- The legislature of Alabama placed itselr on record today as legis,ative body that intended to accomplish something, ara in keeping with this assertion on the first call of counties in the lower house ninety-four bills were l,resdnter This is not an extraordinary large number SIS compared with previous sessions, but when 1t is considered that local leglsla- ton Is greatly lessened by the new con- stitution, the number of bills presented appears much in excess of what was expected. So many bi''s were offered to- day until practically nothing save the call of counties occurred in the house.
 Byrne Gets First Bill In.
 To MT. Byrne of Baldwin fell the honor of presenting the first bill, but the frst in importance came from MT. Thompson of Bibb and provides for an uniform sys- tenn of text books In me state. There were two other bills in accord with the one-by MT. Thach of Limestone and MT. Strother of Tallapoosa. Among each or the more important bills was one to regu- late the creation of stock law districts. This bill is of interest for the reason that 1t sets forth the idea of many legis- lators assto how local legislation is to be accomplished. The bill provides that when any community or district desires a stock law the probate judge, upon pe- tition may order an election, and the vote of the qualified electors In the ols- trict will determine the matter
 This is in line with the idea of Chair man Rich of the judiciary committee as to the method of the meeting the consti- tutional provision as to local legislation.
 An Interesting Question.
 The question was raised today as to the right of the legislature to delegate legislative authority to subordinate body and for the moment this seemed vexing question.
 Mir Rich, with many other members, assumes the position that the. legislature must enact laws that will refer alike to all sections of the state as to local legis- lation and delegate to nobody legislative mower. but merely provide when the local fties so determine, how these laws may be put into effect.
 MT London of Jefferson presented half dozen bills today of more or less im- portance. The first of these was to pro vide that mining and manufacturing con- nanies may borrow money upon their pro- ducts without the sanction in called meet ing of the stockholders. Another bill seeks to limit the salary of country treas urers to 5000, while third provides that all persons using free passes on railroads shall file quarterly a statement why such passes has been issued
 Inspection of Jails.
 Another and perhaps more important bill by Mir London provides for the creation of a state commission for the inspection of jais. This bill Is In line with tIx nnrfo of State Convict Physician Bragg. The com- mission is to be composed of three mem- bers, whose only compensation is mileage and expenses
 MT. Cunningham presented bill to pre- vent persons from interfering with others who desire to work.
 MT. Peters of Fayette offered bill of special importance. It provides that all suits for damages must be brought within the county where the damages are sup posed to have been sustained. From this date on the session promises to become more interesting and there is every evil dence that much legislation of general importance is to come up.
 Among the prominent of the Jefferson county citizens here today Is James Hill- house, who is assistant state mine in- spector. The presence of MT. Hillhouse has caused much apprehension among the applicants for the position of chief in- spector
 MT. Hooper Will Retire.
 The term of MT. Hooper. the present chief inspector, will expire the first of May, and there Is a general understand ing that he will not again ask for the position The announced candidates for the position are John Gray. one of the assistant inspectors, and Mayor Russell of Wylam. There will probably be other
  this time be an applicant for the posi- ton of chief.
 In discussing the matter today he au- thorized this statement. He has been strongly urged for the position and had he entered the contest 1t would have at least became interesting to his opponents.
 THE SENATE.
 The feature of the senate was of course tha induction of Lieutenant Governor Cunningham into his office as presiding officer The motion was made by. MT. Bullock for committee of three to con duct him to the chair. and Messrs. Bull lock. Spraggins and Powell were appoint ed to that pleasant duty. In taking the chair he spoke briefly and pleasantly about the senate, his past connection with 1t and a number of it's members, and complimented the body on It's per sonneI. particularly with reference to the number ol youhs sena'ois pieoei.' Dr. Cunningham was introduced by Presi- dent Pro Tenn Goldsby.
 The house joint resolution on the death of Governor Sanford came up and was unanimously adopted on motion of Gen eral Harrison.
 The bill cutting the fertilizer tag tax in two to 25 cents was recommitted pre- sumably in order that it might be amend ed so that the Auburn college will not lose in revenues.
 Bill for Subordinate Employees.
 The bill for providing for subordinate employees and fixing their pay came up on third reading, and was amended so that the house will have three messen- gers instead of one. An important ruling was made just here that means much. The chair ruled that the roll must be