The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-12
PLAN TO OVERRIDE
PEOPLES DECISION
Officials Names May Not Be
Put On Ticket
FLAW IN THE PROVISIONS
When Questioned Members of City
Committee Smile and Intimate
That Surprise Is In Store
for Voters of City.

If at the next municipal election the
names of aspirants for the heads of the
several departments of the city govern
ment are not voted for directly by the
people those favoring this eminently dem
ocratc idea will have suffered a defeat
after strenuous fight
1t other words, It is known throughouS
the city that a fight will be made by
members of the city executive committee
to carry out the DEGREES of the people as
expressed at the polls at the last cleo
lion. 1t win be remembered that this
question was submitted to the people, and
that the votes favoring the schemes great
" outnumbered those opposed
In spite of this fact 1t is generally
known that the movement is being strenu-
ousy opposed from several quarters. 1t
! Is said that the measure was defeated
by a coup d etat before its submission to
the people. It is claimed that the provis-
ions were that this matter should receive
the majority of all votes east in the cleo
! ton, not simply the majority of all votes
cast on this single question.
However, as stated, there will be a fight
to have the names of city officials placed
on the ticket for direct vote of the people.
No Deposition Planned.
1t is not the intention of those favor
ing the mesaure to depose the present
city officials as soon as others are chosen
by the people at the next election. 1t is
the intention to elect men who will as
sumo office next January, when the terms
of the present officeholders elected by
the council last December will have ex
PRED
! 1t is known that if the names are placed
on the ticket several of the present office
holders will not ask for endorsement.
While the municipal primary was held
in the fall two years ago, the city execu-
tive committee has not even held a pre-
liminary meeting as yet Members of this
! committee questioned yesterday had little
TO say. intimating by a wise shake of
the head and broad smile, that a sur
prise is in store for the people. However,
of necessity the primary will be late It
| is said that it will be called for the first
week in March, and every member seen
stated positively that he knew the fight
to place the city officials ON the open
ing. When last seen Chairman Metcalf
stated that he could not say when the
first meeting of the committee would be
| held.
The province of the city executive COM
| mittee it to set a date for the primary
and to formulate plan for the governing
! of same; TO count officially the ballots
cast, and declare the nominees; and TO as
sumo charge of the subsequent election.
No Opposition Known.
So far no opposition to Mayor Ward has
! been heard of. The several men who were
| discussed probable candidates stated
| positively that they We're not thinking of
running. This was true as concerned for
! mer Mayor w. Melville Drennen, b. NJ.
| Allen. the well known attorney, and
| others. However, the formation of po-
litical clubs, the purpose of which, 1t is
said, is the grooming of candidate to
| defeat the present mayor, has created
some interest As yet. however, TIE men,
bers of any of these clubs have not made
| their names known. and their existence
| is therefore. considered not seriously.
AS was published several days ago. the
recently rumored intimation that Mayor
Ward would not stand for reelection is
| disregarded In official circles.