The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1905-01-24
JUDGE FEAelN AND HIS SALARY.
The Rev. Mr.. Bamber Writes of the
Judge as BIrminaham's Benefactor.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
1.-THE Constitutional Microbe" that is
seeking to, reduce Judge Feagin's salary
Is about as much appreciated in Birming-
ham as the boil weevil in the cotton dis
trict Reason may ask why should Judge
Feagin's salary be reduced. Does he do
less than the other judges? 1t appears
not, when we remember that the other
judges have three months vacation out
of the twelve, and Judge Feagin does
not have one day. Every day he is at his
post of duty.
We contend that what man does is a
test of what he is. What a man does for
his city is test of what the man is worth
to his city. While the others are out on
their three months vacation Judge Fea-
gin tolls with the worst GLASS of GRIM
inals under heaven.
Then as to the quality of his work. Is
it in any wise inferior to that rendered
by the other judges? While we honor
them and appreciate their work, why
should we not appreciate the work of
Judge Feagin? Judge Feagin is a model
officer and ideal judge. 1t is only neces-
sary to visit his court to learn this. He
Is doing more to diminish crime In our
city than anyone else. The influence of
his court Is felt throughout this entire
district. His court reminds one more OF
reform school of the highest grade tnan
the rink where friendless criminals are
unreasonably fined, to appease the wrath
of the offended public. The earnest,
fatherly talks and tender warnings, and
loving admonitions that he gives to his
criminals before fineing them is doing
more to save the young men of this city
than anything else.
Judge Feagin makes the criminal feel
that the courts do not enjoy Furnishing
criminals. He makes the criminal feel
that he Is his friend, and ready to assist
him and makes a tax producer instead of
tax consumer out OF him.
Between the hours of his court his pri-
vate office is often crowded with the
helpless and the friendless, seeking his
advice. Many men and women whose
feet have taken hold of the ways of sin
and shame have been led back to a true
and pure and noble life by the efforts of
Judge Feagin He seems to be thoroughly
familiar with the law, and administers
Justice to everyone, and Is no respector
of persons. No young man goes through
his court room without being reminded of
his old father and mother, his brothers
and sisters, and above all the relation
ship to his Almighty God.
Therefore, we contend that a reduction
in the salary of Judge Feagin would be
as much out of place as the reduction In
the salary OF any of our other judges.
Twenty-four hundred dollars per year is
not too much to pay an efficient man to
deal with the great multitude of our worst
criminals. 1t would not be good wisdom
to place an inferior man in Judge Fea-
gins position, and any man who would
leave his practice Of law to occupy the
bench of the police judge for less than
$1,000 would hardly be an efficient man.
We do not believe in cheap service;
hence we do not believe in cheap men,
And II we intend to keep a strong and
competent judge in the police court we
must pay him for his services.
o. A. BAMBER.
Birmingham. January %, 1906