The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-10-25

Aldermen vary. Here are some express sions made yesterday:
 Alderman M J. Gregg: q indorse the movement started by Walker Percy, and I think it is the proper thing to do The commission idea is the best form of government for any city, and especially for Birmingham, with her varied inter- ests, and coming enlargement.
 You know the municipal code bill pro- vides a commission to be appointed to look after the expenses and departments of the city, if the city so wills How ever, it provides for five men, including the Mayor, which is too many, and the salary is only $500. The code does not go far enough.
 .'I think that the special call of the governor for the session of the legisla- ture as it includes the consideration of the formation of governing bodies of mu- inequalities, would allow the passage of a bill, or an amendment to some other bill, esta blishing the commission form of gov ernment, or making it subject to a refer endum. I would be glad to see it done. Birmingham must come to it sooner or later, and I think just now Is the proper time"
 Alderman John Forney: 'I do not see that Birmingham needs at present a spe- cial commission to conduct the municipal affairs. It is best to preserve to the peo- pie interested a voice in the government. The people need only take care at each election to select both Mayor and Alder men. Then such as the previous form of government would be the best for Br- mingham, for in that way many and diff ferent interests of our people will be di- rectly represented.
 "I think we should preserve the dem ocratic form of government in it's best sense. city government should be dem ocratic. and not centralized in form, eX- cept when the city is in distress finan- cially otherwise"
 Alderman J. R. Copeland q think the commission might be the best form of government for the future. If three men would be good for Birmingham, it would be good for me property owner. However I would have to be convinced. I don't think we are going to the bow vows on account of the charges recently made. In my opinion the 40 aldermen of Greater Birmingham could be easily handled, and would not be unwieldy.'
 Alderman Harry Jones' From my point of view the conditions do not call for a commission for Birmingham. Under the able management of George Ward the city is getting along all right and there is no necessity in the world for change to a commission for Birmingham My idea of a commission is that 1t be used when we haven't a Mayor with enough backbone to run the city,
 Alderman Klotz: "I have noticed that wherever the commission has been tried 1t has worked all right. It would depend entirely upon whether good honest men acted in the capacity. There would not be as much dispute, and there are other advantages, but am not positive whether it is the best thing to make a change in Birmingham at the present time"
 Alderman D. R. Copeland: q think MT. Percy's idea is very uncalled for. The city Is not in any condition to require such a strenuous change. It is not nec- essary at all. The present Mayor and Board of Aldermen can continue to run the citys affairs as in the past, and | see nothing serious in the situation. In view of the prohibition campaign I do not see any use of mixing things too much at this time.''
 Alderman Fulghum: '"The idea seemed to work well in Galveston, but do not know enough of the workings to Express an opinion. It seems that the 70 alder men of Greater Birmingham will be very unwieldy.'
 Alderman Walter Moore: 'I do not favor the commission plan as I under stand 1t. I do not know how Percy gets around it as I haven't read his card, but do not favor too much capitalization of government"