The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-08-31
COMMITTEE HOLDS 4 STORMY SESSION After Warm Discussion EnsIey
 Politicians Adjourn CAPTAIN BOYD UNDER FIRE Ills Eligibility for Membership Is Questioned and He Makes a
 Spirited Defense-Two
 FaetIons Developed.
CAPTAIN BOYD UNDER FIRE

 short and stormy session tonight the city democratic executive committee adjourned to meet again on September 30. Consider able feeling was exhibited and move ment was made by the minority to contest the election of Capt. Romaine Boyd as member of the committee.
 The minority members of the commit tee, reinforced by Alderman Patton, who held Alderman Graham's proxy, whom he held a short conference after the meet ing was adjourned by the chairman and decided to have a meeting tomorrow night.
 The Ensley democratic committee was called to order in the city hall tonight at o'clock by Judge Charles H. Mandy chairman. All the members of the com- mittee, comprising Judge Mandy, Capt. Romalne Boyd. George w. Welch, F. M. Slye, T. L. Sugg, D. B. Bird and E. w. Wood, were present. Notwithstanding the fact that 1t had been announced that the session would be an informal one, about thirty citizens. friends of the various can didates, were present. The absence of the minutes of the previous meeting caused the squabble tonight.
 Alderman Patton was recognized by the chair and announced that he held the proxy of Alderman Graham. who has removed to Gadsden. "I claim" said MT Patton, that MT. Grahams resignation has never been accepted and that Captain Boyd was not regularly elected as his successor
 Captain Boyd then arose and said: "The day after the last meeting of the executive committee l was notified by Chairman Mandy that Alderman Graham had resigned and that l had been elected as his successor 1 have always eonsid- cred myself a member of the committee, and so far as l know the question of my eligibility has never been officially questioned heretofore by anyone
 Royd's Election Questioned.
 Captain D. B. Bird was then recog- nized and stated that the resignation of MT. Graham had never been accepted, and, therefore it would have been i'-l- possible to elect his successor. Then It follows" he continued, "that Captain Boyd is not member Of this commit tee"
 Captain Boyd arose and, with much feeling, said: .If l was not regularly elected a member of this committee don't care to serve on it. but do intend to represent the people until it is proven that 1 wassnot duly elected Then, MT. Chairman, as we haven't the minutes be- fore us l move, sir, that we adjourn un- til September 15 so that the minutes and the records of the meeting can be exam ined. On this record l am willing to f.1 Ina fp adjourn was seconded by Dr. T. l.. Sugg. By this time the excitement in the hall had become intense. Every member of the committee and most of the citizens were on their feet.
 Seevral times did Chairman Mandy rap for order so that he could put the mo- tion. The vote was three for adjourn menet and three against it. The chair man then cast his vote to adjourn and immediately declared the meeting ad- journed.
 A member of the minority rushed for ward and called to those voting against adjournment to stay and have meeting. The chairman, with three members of the committee and number of citizens, walked out of the hall.
 Committeeman Bird Welch, Sly and Alderman Patton, holding the proxy of Alderman Graham, rer1ained. After some discussion, however, they decided not ta take any action but to meet tomorrow night.
 Mandy Makes Explanation.
 Chairman Mandy in speaking of the meeting said, T am not in favor of either of the factions. It was plainly my duty as I saw it, to hold that Captain Boyd was a member of the committee in the absence of the records which it is q -l.. d tl, to me that it Is eminently fair for both sides to wait until the minutes are ex- amined. 1 am sure that all the members of the committee are eager to get at the bottom of the facts in the case and let them decide the questions at stake. The meeting tonight was not for the pur- pose of fixing the date for a primary as has already been announced. We met to discuss other matters. There are no press ing needs for the date of the primary to be named at this time"
 Captain Boyd was seen by an Age Herald reporter shortly after the meet ing and made the following statement: If the records show that I was not regularly elected as a member of the committee l am perfectly willing to re- sign. I don't see, however, how Mir. Ora ham could be legally a member of the executive committee and a member of the council at the same time. I am per fectly willing" he stated. Ito step down an dout and allow the committee to name man who is known to be inn partial to the interests of any of the candidates for mayor I was formally notified by the chairman of the commit tee that l was elected and 1t seems strange that certain ones who are claim ing that l was not elected have not pro- tested the matter before."