The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-09-04
.GOV, JELKS VETOES
 THE PENSION BILL
Action Causes Heated Debate
 in the House
MIR. WALDEN VERY BITTER
Harshiy Arraigns State Executive Amid Dead siIence--ln Special Mes sage Governor Gives Ills Rea-
 sons for Vetoinq Measure

Montgomery, September S.--(Special.)- There was another flood of bills intro- duced into the house tilis morning. many of them local in their nature The ses- sion was convened at 10 o'clock, the Rev A. L. Andrews offering prayer. Ninety calls were taken up and something like seventy-fve bills were introduced.
 On motion of MT. Walden of Morgan, the rules of the house were suspended and his resolution eulogizng organized labor and calling for adjournment on next Monday out of respect to Labor day. was passed.
 When the roll was finished Chairman w. A. Handley of the committee on ap- propriations gained unanimous consent for consideration of H. 254, to enable the Alabama Girls Industrial school to pay for necessary buildings and other im- provements The bill carries an appropria- ton of s50o00 to pay for necessary build ings and improvements that have already been made. The bill was passed by the close vote of A nays to 45 ayes.
 The unfinished business of the house was taken up, being consideration of S. 150, to provide for the recovery to the state of lands not legally patented, and to settle disputed titles. The bill provides for the appointment of an agent who shall be charged with the duty of recovering state school lands accruing under the sixteenth section, and indemnity, where clear titles to such lands cannot be shown. The bill calls for settlement of disputed claims by arbitration
 Land Bill Discussed.
 Mir Wood of Macon said that while from the reading of the bill he did not fully understand it. he thought the pres- ent state land agent should be charged with this work without extra cost to the state. MT. McCrary of Lee said he was in the anne boat with the gsatlenan from Macon.
 MT. Bankhead of Walker explained the bill and endorsed its provisions. He said that the bill was necessary for the reason that the present land agent was without authority and power to act in the prem ises. He said It was left with the governor to fix the compensation of the agent at not more than s125 per month while act ually engaged in the work
 MT Tusk thought 1t was the duty of the superintendent of education to look after and adjust the titles. MT. Calla- han also opposed the measure, saying that the courts were the proper place for the settlement of all questions of dis puted titles.
 MT Kelly of Choctaw said he was "agin" the bill. for the reason that it's evident purpose was merely to give somebody a job.
 Mr Benners moved to recommit the bill for the purpose of amendment. MT. Lusk offered In lieu that the bill be in definitely postponed, which carried with out division.
 governor vetoing H. 3S6 which seeks to increase the appropriation for the pen sion fund by s100,0O0. The bill had been passed in the last days of the early term by practically a unanimous vote, but the governor held it over fearing too great a drain on the treasury. His recommen- dation for $50,000 additional appropriation prevailed after hard fight. The govern nor's message was as follows
 Governors Message.
 Montgomery. Ala. Sept. g. 1903 To the Gentlemen of the House of Rep
 resentatives.
 I return to you H. B. 3S6, calling for an additional appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars for old Confederate soldiers. l return this bill without my approval. and with regret. It does not appear to me now that this amount of money Is likely to be available, and that it's disbursement through four years would in all probability greatly and dis astrously disturb the states finances. No intermediate legislature will proba- bly, convene and it becomes, therefore, necessary to be cautious less the states warrants, as happened before. in the long intervals between your sessions, be at 8 discount in the open markets.
 I have discussed this matter with the auditor and the treasurer. and they en- certain views similar to those expressed: that 1t would be exceedingly hazardous to make so large addition for any cause, however sacred.
 I have very greatly desired to approve this bill, but my sense of duty will not permit me to do so. I have concluded. however, in respect to your wishes, to offer amendment providing for an an- nual appropriation. additional to the present one mill, of fifty thousand dol lars. assuring you that if it appeared to me that the treasury could hear the larger sum of money asked it would af- ford me very great pleasure to meet your wishes in their entirety. Most re- sepectfully,
 W. D. JELKS. Governor.
 Jelks Criticised.
 Mr. Walden asked for the passage of the bill the governor 5 veto notwithstand- Ing. MT. Walden is the author of the measure and he was rather severe on the opponents of the bill. He argued that the increase fin tax values were so rapid as to permit the treasury to stand the full amount. He said the receipts from the convict fund were largely increased. He intimated that he believed the gov ernor had not been given correct esti- mates from this fund and said the gov ernor was declining the approval of the bill simply because he wanted to make good treasury showing when he goes out of office.
 T have been told" declared Mir Wal den, that when the special committee went to the treasury last January to count the money, they were asked to lay aside s75.0O0 and not report it."
 He said that we would not much longer have the old soldiers with us. and 1t was the states duty to care for them in their declining years. They can't be here to
 (continued on Second Paae)