The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-01-14

The enactment of a general elecuon anu primary law in accordance with the pro visions of the new Constitution is regard- ed by a large part of the members of the House as the most important piece or legislation which will demand the atten- tion of the members of the House and Senate.
 Asked as to what they consider the most important legislation that will come be- fore the Legislature nine out of ten mem bers will say sThe passage of general election law" The pronounced reforms made in Alabama by the adoption of the new Constitution are to be carried fur ther by the election law which will be adopted by the Legislature. In fact 1t has been said that the full benefcent ef- feet upon political affairs in Alabama will not be felt until an election law in har- mony with the Constitution Is on the statute books.
 Much thought has been given to this matter by the Legislators and more than one of them has come to Montgomery with definite ideas of a general election law which he intends to embody in a measure to be laid before the House.
 Hon. R. T. Goodwin of Montgomery. and Hon. J. H. Bankhead of Walker, are two of the members who have definite ideas on a general election law, which CO., incide. They will, 1t understood. collab- crate in the preparation of g bill for general election law which will be pre- sented in the early days of the session.
 The provisions of the proposed meas ure have not yet been made public.
 The method by which the Legislature will carry out the recommendations con- tained in the Constitution has been the subject of general enquiry. among the Legislators.
 In the Constitution there are many im- pcrtant recommendations as to statutes recommendations made by the Constitu- tion-makers to the members of the Leg islature to carry into effect certain pro- visions of the organic law and to harmo- uize the statutes with it's provisions. It was at one time suggested that speciaI committee be appointed from each body of the lawmakers to prepare and submit bills embodying the recommendations Of the Constitution.
 It has been generally agreed by the members that such a committee is not necessary. The Senate and the House will not depend entirely upon the chance of members introducing bills fulfilling the recommendations. Such bills are expect ed to be introduced and they will In all probability become laws. If, however, such hills are not introduced the different committees win arrange for the prepara- ton and introduction of the measures. The bills will be submitted, If not pre- yiousIy introduced by individual members by the committee in charge of some par ticular subject.
 For instance if q recommendation on the part of tho Constitution relating to educational matters is not contained In bill introduced by some member the Com mittee on Education of the House or Sen ate will prepare and introduce the bill.
 All Committees will see that the Consti- tutton's recommendations as in thelr line of work are caried out.
 If was a compliment to the incoming officers of the two houses to be accorded the places without opposition. Senator Goldsby was on the Judiciary Commit- tee of the last Senate and was the only lawyer on the Committee on Rules. He then gave abundant evidence of his knowl- edge of parliamentary law and fin presid- inS temnorarily proved his fitness for the place. It is the first time that man from Mobile has had any leading place In the State offices in a number of years' and it is predicted that he will do honor to his home people and to the State.
 Hon. J. CA RichFof Mobile is probably one of the widest known and most popu- lar citizens of Alabama who has not been in State politics before. As Mayor or the Gulf City he attracted great attention Fby his splendid administrative ability and was prominent as a candidate Tor GOV ernor at one time. He has friends who yet speak of him in that connection. He IS said to be down for one of the first places on one of the leading committees.
 Senator SnraRgins of Madison is serv- ing his first term in the Legislature, al- though he was a member of the Consti- tutional Convention, and with his col leagues, Messrs. Walker and Fletcher. who are in the House. was sent to the Legislature on the splendid record made there. He is well equipped for the duties of A Senator and his friends predict he will be very useful to the State in that capacity.
 Hon. W. H. Bogart of Jackson Is a veteran legislator having served in both the Senate and the House In past years with honor and distinction. The late Sneaker Wilbur F. Foster of Macon once said of him that he was one of the best informed and most capable legislators he
 
 value in the present House.
 The new Senators are many of them very young men and there will be ri- valry between them for the honor Of be- ing the youngest member. There are Messrs. Craig of Dallas, Lynne of Nor gan. F.. P. Thomas of Barbour, T. s. Fraser of Bullock and Walter Smith of Clay, any one of whom might pass for a boy.
 Senator Fred Blackman of Calhoun IS one of the leaders of the upper house, He has made much reputation as law yer at his home in Anniston and made splendid record In the last Senate. At the head of the Committee on Education he did good work for the schools and says he will continue to work for them.
 Senator R. L. Hipp of Hanceville Is one of the young men of she Senate. but he has been made a leader by being honored with the chairmanship of the Democratic caucus. He is capable of holding his own in any debate that may arise during the session. Senator Craig of Dallas was made Secretary of the caucus.
 Hon. George H. Parker of Cullman Is one of the ablest lawyers in the present House. He was a member or the late Constitutional Convention. He has built m a large practice at his nome by hard Hicks and will no doubt forge to the front in the House in the same way.
 Senator Dan Meador made feeling speech as he retired from the Presidents