The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-12-18

new license Schedule to come into ef-
feet in January, 1907.
The saloon question was a live topic,
and was a subject Of much discussion.
The saloon license at present is 5000. Al
derman Moore proposed that the license
be raised to $1,000 which motion was sec
onded by the Mayor. Alderman Heidi pro-
posed as a substitute that the license be
made $500. which was seconded by Al
derman Parker. On vote being taken
the substitute was carried, Aldermen
Parker, Klotz, ONeill, Forney, Fulghum
and Height voting for the $500 license,
municipal code would give no immedi-
ate relief as it could only supplant ex-
listing city charters and that its pro-
visions would work a complete revolution
in municipal government. The machinery
provided in the proposed law is cumber-
some and entirely different to existing
methods He said 1.-THE Walker bill is a
very fine legal production, but it does
not meet the needs of the cities of this
state as they now exist. The credit of the
cities must be maintained, and any radi-
cal change in the method of government
may result in materially Gripping the
credit of the towns
1.-The main proposition that you are to
consider is the one of finance and more
power in local self government. To Sc
cure these you must have a general mu-
nlcipal bill. Under the new constitution
you cannot secure the passage of local
municipal Legislation. Most of the cities of
North Alabama have comparatively new
charters and you do not want to do
away with them for any general munich
pal code. What you want, In my opinion.
is added privileges and powers under
your present charters"
Mr.. Weakley explained the provisions of
the proposed Walker bill at length, and
closed by stating that the machinery of
the bill is too big for any city in Ala
bama He told the city officials present
that a general local Improvement law for
ali the second class cities of the state is
the thing needed, and advised them
against any change in the method of gov
eminent as provided for in the Walker
bill.
Need "Bil of Rights"
Mayor Slxeggs of Decatur suggested
that, according to the argument of Mr..
that the cities of Alabama need is a bill
of rights" He said that law is needed
under which streets may be improved and
the cost assessed against the abuttinS
property, which law as local measure
cannot be secured under the present con-
stitution of the state.
Mayor Walker Of Florence explained
that his city had the most elastic char
ter of any city in the state. why our
charter is so elastic" declared Mr.
Walker, that we have been able to have
high license low license, prohibition and
a dispensary within one year and day"
Mr.. Walker stated further that his char
ter was weak on the question of tax
alton, and that the city is hampered in
,i,o Of lilo nv a
inability to increase the tax rate
Mayor Kilby of Admission made an ad-
dress along the same lines that the other
speakers had taken and stressed the need
of more power of local self government.
Secretary Smith offered a motion that
a committee of five be appointed by the
chairman to confer with the heads of
cities interested on legislation desired, and
report at a meeting to be called by the
chairman. The motion was carried and
the chairman announced that he would
name the committee In few days.
To increase Tax Rate.
MAYOR Kilby of Admission made a mo-
ton that committee of three be ap-
pointed to take up the matter of secur-
ing the passage of general bill in
creasing the city tax rate to l per cent.
This motion was also carried and the
chairman stated that he would announce
the committee after his return home.
Judge n. b Feagn of the Birmingham
police court, who was present during the
meeting, was introduced and he explained
the provisions of the juvenile court bill
that he had prepared and had sent to the
legislature for passage. Those present
seemed to be very much interested in
the experiences the judge related Of his
work in trying to reform youthful crini-
inals of Birmingham, and before adjourn
ment a resolution was adopted endorsing
Judge Feagin's Juvenile court bill.
Mayor Walker made a motion that the
organization be made permanent, and that
when adjournment was taken Ii be sub
iect to the call of the chairman. The
motion was adopted.
AT the suggestion of Mayor Skeggs of
Decatur j. b. Weakley was added to the
legislative committee to be named by the
chairman.
Chairman Smith stated just before adj
iournment at O'Clock, that he would call
another meeting to hear reports from
committees early in January.