The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-01-14
ELECTRICAL MEN
 OPPOSE NEW LAW Want Birmingham Man for
 Inspector of Wiring WILL PETITION COUNCIL
Meeting Last Night of Local Union Of Brotherhood of Electrical Work CTS Adopts Resolutions for
 City Council.

At a meeting of local union 136 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical workers, held last night, resolution was ndopted asking the mayor and board or aldermen to appoint a Birmingham man as inspector of wiring, in accordance with an ordinance adopted at the last meet ing of the council creating the office, and at which time the council elected 10. D. Ball of North Carolina to the position. The electrical workers say that man from distance would not have the in- terest of the city at heart as would a man who had lived in Birmingham, had worked in the city and was citizen
 It is also said that the inspector has drawn up a list of charges for permits for electrical work, and that the ordl- nance had no provision for such charges being made, only a section saying that before electrical work was done permit must be issued by the inspector for its performance. The union takes the stand that these charges for permits must be paid by the people, as the workmen will add it to their bills.
 The resolution.
 Following is the resolution, as adopted: Resolved, That we tender to the mayor and board of aldermen, a request as fol- lows: We the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workmen hereby ask your honorable support by making an amend ment to the ordinance enacted by your body in regard to city inspection Of cleo trical work by making it awful to elect a citizen of Birmingham, who is or good moral character, and competent to OK anime work that will not only be pro- tho 10 ct Tariff ciation but to the citizens In general and to the welfare of all citizens causing electrical work to be done-said man to be elected by the board of aldermen, to be required to pass an examination by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and also to be member In good standing of the union."
 The ordinance passed by the council says that all electrical wiring be required to be done in conformity to the rules of the national board of fire underwriters; that permits for all work must be is- sued by the inspector; that no connec- tions can be made without written per mission after the inspection has been ade.
 Hunts Views.
 A number of persons engaged in the electrical business in Birmingham have discussed the matter since the ordinance was passed. D. A. Hunt, who is in the electrical business, saidslast night:
 T consider the appointment of a wiring inspector from the Southeastern Tariff association, who has no interest at heart except the association he represents, very wrong. This ordinance has been taken up and passed without hearing from the construction men of Birmingham and be- fore getting their views on the question, and I think they are in a position to know what is to the interest of the peo- pie of Birmingham on this line more than anyone else"
 Inspector Ball was appointed at the last meeting of the council, when it was stated he would be paid by the insurance com panies, and not by the city, but the insur- ance companies desired the city to elect him so he would have authority.
 Committee Issues Address.
 A special committee was named to place the matter before the public and the committee has issued the following: To the Citizens of Birmingham
 We, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, beg to announce to yOu lue COHullluDS Ol tlSClliCdl WOTk III this city, which is to your interest to know as well ours. The Southeastern Tariff association has obtained an ordi- nance from the city council prohibiting any one from doing electrical work of any kind without first obtaining license from the city which part of said ordi- nance we heartily approve.
 Second. the appointment by the South eastern association and confirmation by the city council of an inspector of inside wiring, we do not think is just. We are decidedly in favor of a rigid inspection of both inside and outside electrical wiring and for that reason will use our utmost endeavor to have a competent man of Birmingham appointed as city electrician, who shall have control of all classes of electrical wiring.
 We further more do not think that the system of fees proposed is fair to our employees, the contractors, and through them the public generally
 W. H. COTTON,
 D. D. FITZGERELD, Special Committee.