The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-03-07
CITIZENS REJOICE
OVER ABOLITION
OF COMMISSION
Birmingham May Soon Have TO
Go Through Another DEM
ocratic Primary
MUCH SPECULATION AS
TO PROBABLE CANDIDATES
Parker, Copeland and McGavock Sure
to Make Race-Jackson, Nelson
and Shelby Mentioned for
Appointments.

When the news arrived in Birmingham
that the bill abolishing the police COM
mission had passed the house by an over
whelming majority, there was a great
deal of rejoicing.
There was especial delight among the
members of the official family, and Act
ing Mayor D. r. Copeland instantly wired
his congratulations to Mayor Ward, who
led the fight against the commission. Be
fore the telegram was received announc.'
ing the result, some dozen members of
the city government congregated in the
Mayors office awaiting the news. When
the telegram was received, there was u
shout of approval.
Mayor Ward did not return from Mont
gomery last night, but Is expected this
morning. There was a delegation at the
station last night to meet the Mayor
There were many congratulations await
ing him.
The fight against the commission
aroused the greatest interest throughout
the entire city. This interest, during the
time the fight in the house was IN pro-
gress, was displayed everywhere.
Weed Out Police Force.
It is understood that Immediately after
the bill becomes effective, the new com,
mission will begin eeding out the pres
ent police department, and building up a
more effective force. The members of the
department as was natural inasmuch as
the fight effected them primarily, after
learning the result, were seen gathered
together in little crowds, all discussing.
Some of them feared for their official
heads Others are Indifferent, stating that
they can serve the city as well under one
commission as another. It Is understood
that the governor will sign the bill at
once and that it will be effective at once.
II is also understood that as soon as the
new commission is seated plans for rid
ding the department of its heavy weights
and instillng new life and esprit de
corps, will be given consideration.
1t is rumored in Birmingham that the
governor will appoint +. M. Jackson as
one of the commissioners. Mr.. Jackson
has been closely identified with both Gov
ernor Corners and Mayor Wards political
interests. Gossip has it that either A. w.
Nelson or J. Il. Shelby may be named
for the other. 1t is expected that these
appointments will be made today.
Three Sure to Make Race.
In connection with the commission, 1t
is reported. too, that three of the four re-
Gently nominated commissioners, Messrs.
Parker. Copeland and McGavock will
make the race for the two seats on the
new commission. The fact that these COM
missioners will have to be chosen in May
will probably necesstate another session
of the city executive committee, and the
calling of a new primary. 1t is thus seen
that Birmingham may soon have to I'M
dergo another political campaign. 1t will
be a race between several strong men,
and a race in which there will probably
be an issue There will be two candidates
elected in May, the one receiving the
largest number of votes holding office
for four. and the one receiving the Sec
ond largest number, holding office for
two years. Mayor Ward will be chairman
of the commission.
Return From Montgomery.
Capt Frank p. O'Brien and Capt.
| lnOnldS 4. MtDOHdll, TIC lNO
ham citizens who were actively opposed
to the bill, returned from Montgomery
last night. Captain OBrien stated that at
one time he had forty-dye votes pledged
against the bill, and attributes its de-
feat to two causes: the circulating of
certain reports concerning Mayor Ward
by some too enthusiastic opponents of the
bill, and the fact that Governor Conner
brought his influence to bear In favor
of the bill. Captain OBrien attributes to
these causes the fact that the bill re-
ceived but five opposing votes. With Cap
tain O'Brien and Captain Mcdonald,
James j. Boggan, city license inspector,
and Alderman C. c. Heidi returned On
the late train came Representative John
Glover and James +. Hawkins assistant
clerk Of the criminal court, both of whom
were opposed TO the bill. Mr.. Hawkins
talked interestingly of the fight against
the bill, and spoke particularly concern.
ing the causes of it's success. He agreed
with Captain O'Brien. Representative
Glover appeared glad that the grind was
over. He did not discuss the proposition
in any phase.