The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-11-13
IN THE HOUSE.

people have demanded that the work put upon the legislature be carried out
 IN THE HOUSE.
 The house decided today that the tWo-thirds required by the constitu- tion to take up a measure outside the call of the governor means two-thirds of those voting for passage.
 There were favorabk reports on the Ballard bill for constitutional prohibi- tion and the bill of Speaker Carmich ael for statutory prohibition the first day of October. Also to regulate the sale of poisons.
 Bills presented provide for transfer of county funds to general funds in special cases, to amend the Confeder- ate veterans acts and provide for eX- pense of the session.
 The rules committee refused to ap- prove the resolution to take up and dispose of measures in the call first and MT. Goodwin gave notice that he would try to have 1t taken up anyway.
 MT. John had the bill to allow suits on actions arising in other states amended to include only resident cit izens, and in this way the bill passed. This is one of the administration meas ures and is intended to be a part of the plan to prevent taking cases to the federal court.
 First of Rate Bills.
 The first of the rate bills was called today in the house and 1t made lots of talk. 1t provides against too high rates, provides for adequate service and prohibits relating.
 Like the others, this bill has in mind the federal court injunction. It would make punish ment for every man, em- ploye or employer, who violates the provisions. MT. Lacy of Dallas thought the employe should be exempted, as he is working under orders and it would be an injustice to subject him to this penalty.
 MT. Pitts of Dallas hoped this would be done. He deplored the fact that corporations could not test cases in the federal courts without being held up to scorn and dscredit. The legislature had been very loyal to the governor, giving him $50,000 to make the court fights and he did not tn ink 1t right to make such other demands upon them.
 Long to the Rescue.
 MT. Long of Butler made appeal for the bill. He thought it no more than just and did not fear that any judge would make the burden heavy on in nocent parties. This bill does not ap- ply to any man who obeys the law" he said
 A number of members made speeches. Tn ose for the governor stood with MT. Long, those against him on the other side. There were personalities and number of uncomplimentary remarks. Because of much confusion in the gal leres following sallies in the house, one member proposed to have the gal leries cleared.
 MT. Bulger, MT. Rushton and MT. Kirby and others spoke for the bill. MT. Lacy of Walker Joined the forces against it. Finally the amendment to exempt employees from the penalties was tabled by a large vote.
 MT. Pitts of Dallas wanted to amend by making the bill effective 30 days after being signed.
 Gunter Grew Caustic.
 Mir. Gunter said he had no platform when he took the oath of office but the constitutions of the state and the nation. He said the fight was nothing more nor less than an attempt to de- prive men of their rights in the courts, denying citizens of other states privi- lege to test state laws. Such action is immoral and un-American, he said.
 How can the proposed legislation be immoral?' asked MT. Bulger.
 "The laws would take away constitu- tional rights and prevent men from go- ing into courts for equitable adjust ments of disputed matters"
 Mir. Gunter was so intense in his re- marks that there were many interrup- lions and questions. The galleries be- came very much excited and there was a movement made to clear them. MT. sunter was yet speaking when the hour of adjournment arrived.
 Afternoon Session.
 After the recess MT. Gunter re- sumed Addressing the legislators whose minds are not made up, he said
 q think I can substantiate all the charges I have made. Our honored executive made compact with the southern road attorney not to charge 2 different rate than that established by our law.
 .sThe bills passed at the last legis- leture permit the railroads to protect tn cir rights and I charge that the ob- feet of these bills is to prevent them from going into courts and protecting their rights.
 "This legislature was called together 50 days ago. Was 1t with the object of informing the members of the ob- feet? Were these bills kept in secret?
 "Why not have given the members all the time they wanted to study this?
 "Did the gentleman from Lee who introduced this bill, prepare itY Has he explained to us what is the nature of itY 1 stayed up till o'clock to study it and l would drop dead Tn my tracks before I would voc for 1t.
 MT. Pitts then spoke as to ms amehu- ment that the bill does not go into effect for 30 days. He thought this tme was necessary for the railroads to pre- pare their schedules.
 If the members wanted to pass the bill without his amendment, then let them mass if as a lash to the 25,000 families in Alabama. whom they would wrong.
 The bill was amended to make it go in- in effect December l, and passed ayes, 12; nays, b.
 The bill to deprive the railroad com mission of the right to enforce laws was called next.
 Mir. Scale of Sumter county was the first to gain the floor. He said ne knew it was useless for him to talk , painst these railroad bills, but he was going to let 1t be known where he stood He spoke at length against the pas sage of the bill and said he had been old the lawyers knew more about these hills than he did. What kind or white ratie legislation is this? he asked. He believed the people sent them here to 10 what they thought was right and net "a take the opinion of lawyers He was not going to vote on any such theory ,e said The United States constitution. le said is our constitution. It was made DIV our fathers and has been our bulwark