The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-02-05
Birmingham Delegation at Cap- itaI to Protest Against
 Taxation of Stock
PROMINENT MERCHANTS
 BEFORE THE COMMITTEE
B. 3. Conner Makes Argument In Favor of an Elective Railroad commIs- mlsslon-North Birmingham
 Saloon Question AgItated.

Montgomery February 4.--(special)-- This has been a veritable committee day in the Alabama legislature, notwithstand- ing the fact that several important bills were considered and passed upon in both houses. The importance of these bills did not rank with those before the commit tee, however, which at present hold public | attention.
 First In interest possibly WAS the con- sideration by the joint session of the sen- ate committee on finance and taxation of the question of assessing stocks of mer- chandise for taxation at not less than 75 per cent of the amount of insurance car ried
 There was a strong lobby against this proposition from Birmingham and 1t ap- | pears that they have practically earred | their points Among the Birmingham merchants who were present in opposl- | tlon to the measure were John W. O'Neill, M. V. Joseph. H. A. Goodall, " H. Ket- tlg and T. V. Boardman. MT. O'Neill. MT. Joseph and MT. Goodall al addressed the committee on the soroible points al to why mercantile stocks should not b, assessed as provided In the bill. Auditor Sowell and Tax Commissioner Blakey O Montgomery argued in favor of the bill The committee took action upon tn matter.
 Argument By MT. Conner.
 The committee on commerce and con- mon earriers tonight heard argument by B. B. Conner of Birmingham in favor of an elective railroad commission. but . action the matter " p0atnOnad
 The mining and manufacturing commit tee decided upon a favorable report for the bill of Mir. Brown of-St Clair. (, ex- empt from taxation for ten years from the date of establishment all cotton mills that shall locate in Alabama. This bill does not exempt mills already estab- lished.
 The house committee on agriculture tc- l day decided on favorable report for l the senate bill, fixing the tag tax onN fertilizer at 30 cents instead of 5O cents, | as heretofore One-third of this tax IS to go to the Agricultural and Mechanical college at Auburn.
 It Is expected that the fund from this tax will reach about $i6,00O
 The senate judiciary committee has voted for an adverse report on the Byard house bill prohibiting the sale Of cigar cites in Alabama.
 North Birmingham Saloon Question.
 There was a larg. delegation here today to appear before the temperance com mittee on the bil to establish open sa- looms in North Birmingham. The question was fully discussed, but no decision was reached Among the North Birmingham people here favoring the open saloon. with high license. were James Hillhouse, J. deB Hooper Hugh Friel. R. R. Sim- mons John Cole, George Carnes and 1 James Cole. Among those present who opposed the measure were Dr. M Il. Collins, J. F. Knight. w. M Lindsey. r. M Wood, w. T. Folsom. E. J. orr and James Hawkins The committee re- served it's decision.
 The executive committee of the state dispensary committee is in session here tonight trying to agree upon general dispensary bill for the state. 1t was stated at a late hour that no agreement could be reached tonight. but 1t Is generally be- lieyed that a bill to establish a general state dispensary will be agreed upon. Among the members of the committee present are Breck Musgrove of Birming- ham, F. s. Moody of Tuscaloosa, Ernest Lamar of Dallas and w. r. Davis of Cal houn.
 There is a delegation here favorlng the establishment of q dispensary at Smith Hill in Blocton. Also delegation asking for a term of the Bibb Circuit court at Broeton.
 In the senate today the uniform text book bill of Gen. Johnston went on the calendar under a favorable report from the finance committee and 300 copies were ordered printed for the use of the senate and house. It really seems now that stats uniformity is going to win.
 The senate acceded to the request of the Alabama Federation of Woman's Clubs that Mrs. R D. Johnston of Br- mingh9m be given hearing before joint session on the boys reformatory | Avfa Na1n | house rules committee reported without | recommendation and that body contentcd itself with simply spreading the request on the journal
 The senate passed bill to change the terms of the Chancery court in Wilcox and Dallas counties. There was quite l discussion over the bill, which comes in with the sanction of the state auditor providing how poll taxes shall be col- | lected It requires the auditor to furnish collectors with stub books and receiptA after the manner of blank licenses sup. piled to probate judges. and the collectors | must account for all blank receipts fvr- nished to them. There was difference | as to the time which should be allowed collectors to make their final report afteAr February 1. The bill as it came ib gaA fifty days. but MT. Spraggins thought II h was enough A long time gave room ybr fraud in issuing receipts and dating em back MT. Powell seemed to think obme leeway for collectors to allow b&ated voters to pay up was a good thin1 but pending the discussion over the point the bill went over as continuing Especial order.
 Craig Bill Passes.
 The Craig bill. requiring the publfsation of municipal ordinances. court and other legal notices was passed. as wasi the bill providing for the incorporation of li- |