The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-02-11
A FRIENDLY SUIT
 TO BE INSTITUTED
STATUS OF GREATER WATER SUP. PLY MOVEMENT SET FORTH BY CHAlRMAI. HARDING-TO TEST REVENUE BOARDS ACT.

MT. w. P. G. Harding issued a state ment yesterday setting forth the status of the water proposition. As will be re- called, MT. Harding Is chairman of the general committee to secure more abun- dant water supply for the Birmingham district. His statement follows:
 Some weeks ago the commercial club adopted resolutions that it was the sense of the club that the county should take measures to secure a larger supply of water for manufacturing purposes and appointed committee to arrange for a conference with representatives of the towns of Ensley, Bessemer. Pratt City and North Birmingham on the subject. This conference was held at the Commer- cial club on January 2S. and resolutions were adopted providing for the appoint ment of a committee of fifteen to go be- fore the Board of Revenue requesting an appropriation of funds for making the preliminary survey. The committee was appointed with Gen. Rufus N. Rhodes as chairman, and the Board of Revenue ap- propriated the sum of s2500 for the pur- pose.
 Another resolution was passed at the conference that a general committee of seven be appointed, of which w. r. G. of the Board of Revenue should be members, to have general direction of all matters relating to the survey and to the awakening of public interest in the proposition of the county undertaking the work of bringing in water. In accordance with this resolution, MT Harding has ap- pointed the following committee: T. H. Aldrieh Frank P O'Brien. Birmingham: Mayor N. w. Scott, Ensley. and from the Board of Revenue John T. Reed, Woodlawn; H. w Crook, Bessemer, and Job Going. Pratt City.
 MT. Harding states that he was present at the meeting of the Board of Revenue when the appropriation of s2500 was made for the survey and that the members of the board stated at the time that they questioned their legal authority to appro- priate funds for that purpose. and that they had been advised that the county treasurer would be obliged to decline to honor the warrants They stated, how ever. that they appreciated the great in- portance of the movement and decided 10 make the appropriation with the under
  small amount, not to exceed s25. should be taken mp before the proper court.
 Members of the water committee ap- preciate thoroughly the position O. the Board of Revenue and fully endorse the attitude of the county treasurer, recog- nizing the importance of acting strictly within the limit of the law.
 If 1t should be held that the Board or Revenue has not the right to appropriate money for the purpose of the survey It is clear that they would have no au- thority to engage in the construction or canals and reservoirs. and 1t Is therefore very important to ascertain just what the legal status is in order that the necessary legislation may be secured al the next meeting of the legislature or Alabama.
 The general committee will, at suit able time. incur an expense of not ex, ceeding s25, certifying same to the boaro of Revenue. who will be requested to is- sue a warrant on the county treasurer TOT the amount. The treasurer will, Of course. decline to honor the warrant ana then the matter will be tested or its merits IT the proper court.