The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-25
SEVERAL CITIZENS ARE
NOW IN MONTGOMERY
House Puts In Day In Passing Game
LaW-Both Houses Will Adjourn
Today Until Monday
Next.

Montgomery, January A-(Speclal.)-
The senate took up the entire day dis
cussing whether or not it would take two
bills from the adverse calendar and adj
journed at 1:3O o'clock with only one
settled The first was the bill of Sena-
tor Lusk of Marshall, to provide for an
amendment to the constitution, to have
annual sessions of the legislature which,
on vote of eighteen to thirteen, was
left on the discredited list. The other
was that of Mr.. Gardner of Pike, to re-
duce the fertilizer tag tax from 30 to
10 cents. After an hour of discussion re-
cess was taken to Friday, without an
hour of talk yet to come.
In support of his \blll Mr. Lusk grew
very eloquent. He would have part of
the two houses elected every two years,
so that there would be half of the MEM
bership in all of the time. He said that
there was a persistent demand upon the
part of the people for legislative ses-
eions oftener than four years apart and
he was not afraid to let the people have
a vote on it to settle the question. He
made a plea for the sake of better pro-
lection for the people. If the present
governor was in the chair he did not fear
that if extra sessions were needed they
would be provided. He did not know
about other governors and wanted to
have it so the lawmakers could get here
and correct any evils that may come up.
The Opposition.
1t was we'll known that the opposition
to this measure in the committee on
constitutional relations had been led by
Mr.. Spragins and when it came time for
the chairman, Mr.. Hayes of Limestone-
to speak, he yielded his time to Mr..
Spragins. The latter said that the bill
provided for annual sessions and he did
not think anybody wanted once a year
meetings of the legislature. He had op-
posed the bill and did not think there
was any demand for the change asked
for.
Mr. Jones of Wilcox, who had a bill
for biennial sessions, adversed by the
same committee said he thought IL very
important that there be biennial sessions,
as it looks as IL this session is about to
pass legislation with respect to railroad
regulation that will have to soon be un-
done He thought that 1t might be well
to hedge in this way against probable
mistakes of the session now holding. 1t
was an easy matter to see that Mr. Jones
has not much confidence in the dominant
sentiment of the present membership.
He was in the fighting minority and
has been rising up and talking every
time he had chance against drastic
action of any kind.
Mr. Reese was in favor of biennial
sessions and wanted to see the people
have a chance to vote on the ques-
tion.
Mr.. Gardner was in favor of biennial
sessions If possible. but he did not want
to take the bill from the calendar.
Not In Platform.
Mr.. Thomas said that if the people
we're so anxious for the change why
had they not asked for It. There had
heen nothing that he could find in the
nlatfrom of the democratic party calling
'or sessions any more frequent than now.
He had never heard that the governor
desired such. Where, oh, where, he asked
Is the demand of the people heard
plainly OF the people by the senator
from the high hills.
Mr. Wilson said there was nothing In
the platform about 1t. but that did not
argue that the people did not desire it.
eThere was nothing in the platform
about the governors mansion" he said,
''but the house has passed a bill pro-
viding for one"
But the senate has not" replied Mr..
Snra Gins quickly.
"Nor will not" said two or three other
yoces
Mr.. Reid of Covington was all atten-
ton as the champion of the constitu-
lion. He thought it all right and the
people will find IT so when it has had
1 chance to vindicate itself.
Then came the vote and the bill re-
posed in the dark recesses Of the ad-
verse pigeon hole.
Tag Tax Discussion.
Having given notice that he would do
M beforehand Mr. Gardner moved to take
lis bill to reduce the tag tax to 10 cents
rom 30 cents, as at present. He said
hat the tax was levied upon class
md that there was no justice In It. No
,ther industry was loaded down with such
.harees. He argued that It was wrong
N principle but was willing to leave
he amount at 10 cents as that would
70 needed hv the agricultural department
Ind Auburn.
His county got no benefit from the
rchool at Abbe'-lle. though he did not
Iecry the agricultural schools. He wanted
hem kept up and would vote to provide
or them out of the regular funds. Tho
,tate is able to take care of its schools
Without taxing its poorest citizens to
reep them up.
Mr.. REYNOLDS spoke in favor of the
notion to take the bill up again. He
houeht II the most ininuitous of class
egislation The money was taken from
small portion of the people to keep up
ne schools of the few. He opposed the
aw and hoped to see Mr.. Gardners bill
bass.
Idea Not Popular.
It is not believed that the senate will
e in favor of bill to vote on an amend
1ent to allow biennial sessions of the
legislature. 1t was not indicated in the
odv that such was the feeling. and Mr..
.usk said. after the debate on his mo-
Ion, that he did not think such propo-
tsfon would get through So far as he
oiiid see any motion for biennial sessions
lCONTINUED ON FACE a.