The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-04-24

Montgomery, April 23-(Special. )-While
there is great deal of talk around the
capitol about the troubles of the Equit-
able Life Insurance company there is no
disposition to take sides, it being recog-
nized that there is equity on both sides
of the contention. Insurance Commission
er Harry r. Shorter said today that he
was vc.y anxious for the sake of the
policy holders and the general cause of
life insurance in the whole country, that
the differences be settled as quickly as
possible.
The bad thing about the squabble is
that there is a big expense attached to
it and that In the end the policy holders
have to pay it. 1t Is also lining up the
agents on one side or the other and there
by making great deal of contention in
side the family so to speak that will
carry with it trouble for some time to
come. Mr.. Shorter will. therefore, be
quite glad to see the end of the row and
hopes that 1t VII end up in a very few
days. There are a number of big policy
holders in the Equitable in the state and
they are also becoming uneasy The
company had at the end of last December
In the state policies in force of $12, 4O2. 42S,
upon which it collected 1891. 951. 3S premiums
last year. and paid losses during the same
time of sos, 294. 1t had in 1903, S11, 1S2, 256.
There has come upon the state season
of practical business methods that prom
ises to result In the greatest good and
marked advancement for the people of
every class and calling. This Is APPLY IL
Illustrated in the reports of the state de-
partment of education, the work of the
Convict Board, and the recent inspection
of the Alabama National Guard. At the
meeting of the state Medical association
last week there was movement urged
to have school teachers better equipped
with knowledge of ear and eye defec-
tions and 1t was also regarded impor-
tant that there be a more general DISPOSE
ton to teach hygiene in the schools so
that not only teachers but the growing
public may be informed upon 1t and
better equipped to take care of its own
health. 1t is notable that the efforts
of State Superintendent of Education I.
w. Hill to have better and more sanitary
school houses was highly commended by
the doctors, who wished him all success
in the good work he was doing.
The good business methods now being
employed by the state officials Is not con-
fined to one office by any means. Every
department Is getting the progressive idea
and Is taking on and using new methods
all the time. This Is evidenced in the
enormous amount of increase in the re-
the handling of big business questions
In the Office of the governor. the getting
up and handling of immense interests in
the Office of the aud tor as shown by
the report just issue, the care of the
money and the oversight of state banks
I'm the treasurers office: the detailing of
numerous cases by the clerk of the SUI
preme court and the successful care of
large interest in other parts of the build
ing.
The showing made at the last inspec-
tfon of the State Guard Is one that every
man from the commander in chief down
to the lowest officer may feel a pride
In. Especially Is this so Of Adjutant
General William W. Brandon, who has
been hard worker for the service and
has been busy all the year to build up
the weak places wherever they are found
An evidence of this is found in the fact
that three companies have been mustered
out and all the others made to get busy
and become efficient To an outsider 1t
would seem that this is a result largely
of the inspections that are now held once
year and the enforcement of the law
which makes It necessary for the officers
to know their business
The fasco at Huntsville, followed at
orce by court-martial and summary
dismissal from the service convinces all
that hereafter the citizen soldiers mean
something more than bunch of fellows
wearing pretty clothes and going on dress
parade. This was demonstrated almost
at once after the unfortunate Huntsville
incident by the discipline and good con-
duct of the men sent there by acting
Governor Cunningham under the care of
Capt. L. c. Brown and his associates of
Birmingham.
Last year the United States officers who
helped in the inspections were pretty Sc
we're in some of their criticisms and Gem
eral Brandon rl4je up his mind then that
he would rce have the Same thing possi-
BILE this year. Cre CT the shortcomings
pointed cur Yves the lack of interest.
showing up In the poor attendance and
the failure to keep equipment in good
shape. 1t was also contended in a re-
port made by the United States war de-
partmeut that the men of the Alabama
Guard as a whole were too light. In
other words. 1t was the opinion of the
officers that the percentage of young
boys was too great. This followed the
Manassas campaign. however. Since then
the captains OF the state have been try
ing to work in heavier men. and the re-
suit is there has been a decided weight
ening UP of the whole force.
General Brandon has been greatly
strengthened in his work by the services
O.. his chief clerk. Capt. d. W. McIver.
who has been untiring in his efforts to
give the various companies the best of
equipment and see that they have all
the laws and regulations at hand. When
he made his report to the Governor on
tn. recent inspections General Brandon
felt that he had gotten the guard up to
a very efficient basis.
Mr. Albert Campbell Sexton. chief clerk
to the secretary of state. will spend the
whole Of this week and part of
next at his old home In Ma
rfo.l. va attending to some mat
tiers of private business. While he is
away Insurance Commissioner Harry r.
Shorter will help Secretary Of State Nc