The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-17
SENATE PROVIDES $4OO,OOO
 FOR THE OLD SOLDIERS

recommended that Alabama enact a sim liar law.
 Senator Nesmith of Lamar, spoke on the constitutional requirement of passing State bank law. He answered the ob- jection of Senator Rogers that persons could escape taxes by depositing their money in United States banks, whereas. 1t coul1 not be done in State banks un- der the system of inspection proposed Senator NeSmitn said that the provision was a step in stopping tax lodging. Senator Morrow of Jefferson, said that if such a law had been enacted sever di months ago a thousand people in Jeifer- son County would have their own money. while now 1t is in possession of an ua- scrupulous ex-bank official. He urged the passing of the bill
 Senator Spragins of Madison. moved 10 amend the substitute by requiring the banks to pay the inspector instead of the State. The amendment provides that the banks shall pay the salary in proportion to the deposits and surplus. Senator Powell of Butler. said that the chief objection against the appointive Railroad Commission was that the mem bers were paid by the railroads. He raised the point that probably the same objection would be made as to the bank inspector
 The Spra gins amendment was ta bled. Senator Hipp of Cullman, then offered | a substitute. the difference being that the section in the original bill. prohibiting banks from lending to any one unless | such loan Is amply secured by good col | lateral. or shall be approved by ma jority of the board of directors. more than | 10 per cent. of its capital stock. surplus and undivided profits. was changed The substitute was tabled. The Senate then recessed until 3:So o'clock with the bill bending. ': Banking Bill Passed. 1 When the Senate reconvened at 3:3O o'clock, MT. Hipp of Cullman. moved to | amend Section 1 of the banking bill by striking out that part which provides for the publication twice year of the finan- cial condition of a bank
 Senator Goldsby of Mobile, urged that l the Senator from Culman withdraw the amendment. He thought the provision which he desired to have stricken out, was one of the greatest safeguards for the depositors and he admired the wisdom [ of the Senators who put in the section. l Senator Hipp withdrew the amendment. but Senator Rogers entered objection. The Senator from Sumter arose to de- | fend the amendment. He said that if a bank was embarrassed in even the small est degree and the condition was pub | lished. 1t would mean a break without the | least chance or recOupment.
 Senator Goldsby rose to question Sena- tor Rogers.
 Doesn't the Constitution distinctly pro- vide that two reports of the banks con dition be published annually?' asked the Senator from Mobile.
 "It does" replied MT. Rogers. but when did the Senate get to be such stick lers for following the letter of the law after a lapse of thirty years? From 1S1E t-I~ k..rA A1 hA n. stitutional provision that the Legislature should enact a law against the railroad pass evil"
 Weren't you a member of the Legisla- ture during that timer" asked MT. Ne Smith of Lamar.
 "I was" replied MT. Rogers. but was surrounded by the same class of men that am now surrounded by and knew it would be folly to introduce such a | measure I am glad to see this renais- sance in sticking to the letter of the law but I can't see why 1t should be confined solely to this bill"
 Docs the Senator from Sumter know of a single constitutional provision tha' this body has not sought to carry out tt the letter?' asked Senator NeSmith.
 Yes, sir!" replied Mir. Rogers, ''Th' one that provides that the salary of no of fcer shall be increased during the tern Of his lnoumDency.
 vote was then taken. the bill being passed, 23 ayes, nays. The bill was sen to the House without engrossment.
 $5o,Ooo for Old Soldiers.
 The Rlackmon bill providing for a s50' GOO appropriation for indigent Confeder ate veterans of Alabama and their wid nws. was then announced as the para mount special order.
 A substitute was offered by Senator Morrow of Jefferson. which appropriate! $50. GOO for the years 1903 and 1904, and $50, GOO for the years 1905 and 1906. if in tho opinion of the Governor the treasury could stand the increase
 Senator Morrow in speaking to the sub stitute said that his measure. in reality grants tho old soldiers $100020 year. | simply relieves the State treasury from any possibility of embarrassment and h' saw no reason why the substitute should meet with disfavor by even the most ar dent advocates of the s1o0,00O appropria tion The total sum for four years. | the treasury could stand 1t, would be $40O coo, an average of $10O,0O0 a year.
 Senator Powell of Butler spoke in favol of the Morrow substitute. The question as the Senator from Butler saw It. wal not how much debt of gratitude Alabama owed the Confederate soldiers but how much Alabama could pay them
 He said that although he highly revereC the Senator from Tuscaloosa (Mr. John ston) he was forced to say that Senator Johnston had not been correctly informed