The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-11-19
CITIZENS ATTACK
 THE FEE SYSTEM
Dr. Bragg's Report Arouses ln-.
 terest in Birmingham
SAID TO BE GREAT INIQUlTY
Prominent Men Who Believe In Pun- lshment for Crime Do Not Hes Itate to Denounoe Method
 of Paying oIclals.

The report of pr. Shirley Bragg physi- o,an inspector of convicts in Alabama, in which he scores the present fee system has aroused considerable interest in BIT ningham and several public spirited citi- zens do not hesitate to agree with pr. Bragg.
 This is a question which has long wor- r,ed the various administrations in Ala hama. but as yet no definite step has baan taken to arrange a new system. Yesterday morning the report was the source of much comment on the streets of Birmingham and a majority or those who discussed 1t were in favor or change.
 MT. London Talks.
 John London, the well known attorney said:
 ..It ought to be gratifying to all citi- zans who have looked at all into this question that pr. Bragg has so Vigor- ouslv attacked the fee system. The sys- tenn ia A reproach to the state. It's work inss are inhuman as well as oppressive in the way of tax burden.
 .pThe fee brigade Is, l know, quite large in Alabama, active always in the pohtleal field and the Hobbies at Montgomery Wnen the legislature is in session, therefore Will always be apt to have It's own way uitil the people of the state open their eyes to conditions as they exist ana hiahe Wal against the iniquity.
 ,sTn Iefferson and many of the other imnortant counties of the state clerical service Is paid three and four times as much as the judges on the bench, which is manfestly wrong Sherlns, propate judges. clerks and registers are paid eN- travagantly and unreasonably, some of them at heavy cost of money to ltigants and others at the cost of the sweat and blood of the poor. 'It is high time some check should be placed upon this high carnival of gain under the fee system in this state. Judge Howze.
 Former Judge A. c. Howze, discussing | the report said: The fee system does work a terrible hardship upon the poor negroes and whites who commit misde- meanors, and even felonies. l saw It's burdensome effect some years ago when I was judge of @ court, and have always favored change in the law.
 while crime should be punished, such punishment should not be inflicted for revenue to the official. I am gratified to see that Dr. Bragg Is making a strong move toward a much needed reform.
 Samuel Ulman Condemns 1t. Dr. Samuel UIlman, asked for an ex- precision. said;
 "Dr. Bragg Is to be highly commended for the vigorous wording of his report and I do hope his investigation and offi- cial statement will be productive Of much needed reform in this state.
 "Without being extravagant in lan- J guage 1t can be said truthfully that the fee system as 1t is operated in Alabama is the progenitor of the star-chamber wherein the justice of the (perverted) peace with the constable as his special partner is the progenitor of peonage.
 "rhis is not the first time Dr. Bragg has called attention to the dark iniquity of the fee system in this state; and he deserves the highest commendation of all right thinking people for his persistent humane efforts in this behalf. I know he has a powerful army of feed officials to war against, but the cormorants can be overcome by popular sentiment. and this sentiment can be established by Dr. Bragg and through the press.
 The great state of Alabama with It's Christian citizenship should not bear this | stigma"
 Capt. w. c. Ward.
 Captain w. c. Ward said:
 "I read the extract from the report Of pr. Bragg with much interest. The fee system has been in vogue since this state government was founded Of course it is not perfect system, and l would like to see a remedy for its defects. l be- leve 1t is an outrage that under any circumstances the fees should exceed the fine imposed by the courts. The matter is one which deserves the deepest con- sideration."
 Judge Houahton.
 w. R. Houghton, Esq: "I am strongly in favor of a reform in the penal fee system of the state; and I am glad to note that a reform has been started by the establishment of reform schools for young criminals.
 "I am in favor of any measure that means lifting up of the lower class, whether they be white or black"
 Former Mayor A. o. Lane.
 A. o. Lane, ex-mayor: "The present fee system in this state is an abomina- ton. There ought to be reform. Ii is oppressive to the poor and quite an oppression upon the poor and the igno- rant of both races. Dr. Bragg Is on the right line, and he should be sustained by the good people of the state.
 'I am in favor of any plane that looks to a relief along this line, and l am sure that this question will receive prominent consideration in the election of the next Legislature"
 Gen. c. M. Shelley.
 General Charles M. Shelley, who wor |