The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-01-14
NOMINEES ISSUE
 APPEAL ID VOTERS Ensley Merchants Trying to
 Keep Trade at Home
WANT PRICES COMPARED
Board of Education Meets Tonight. Prof. Walker Makes Some ExpIa- nations for Benefit of Par
 ents-Other News.

Ensley, January 13.-(3pecial.)-A meet Ing of the democratic nominees, headed by F. c. Fonville, and their friends, was held at their headquarters last night, and the following platform was read and Rdopted
 Believing that you should know what we propose to do, in the event of our elec- ton, we herein set forth our views upon some of the questions which will con- front us in the administration of our city's affairst hereby solemnly promising to carry out these pledges, insofar as lies in pur power.
 We favor the appointment of competent tax commissioners, for the better equali- kation of the burdens of taxation, which the present city administration has failed to do, although authorized by law. We propose that the man who owns an acre of land shall pay four times as much taxes as his neighbor who owns one-quar- ter of an acre of equal valuation. We will provide the necessary facilities Tor pur rapidly increasing school population; md further, that if the Fifth ward re- mains a part of our city, we will afford tkem more convenient means for school irg their children by locating a school nearer them.
 We will introduce such methods as Will improve the standard of our schools and place them in a class in every respect as high as those of any city in the state
 We promise that every dollar available for the purpose shall be used judiciously for the improvements of our streets and sidewalks, where most urgently needed TO build suitable street crossing on every street and alley in the business and resi- dence sections of the city, thereby 1nsur- ing the ladies and children against the mud puddles which now exist in every part of the city. We will not eXpend the money of the taxpayers in making lm- provements for the benefit of any partic- Ilar class or interest.
 We regard the present system of street fax as odious and oppressive, and as an 1Iniust discrimination against the poor man. and we pledge ourselves to abolish the same as early as practicable, as was uone in Birmingham.
 We promise a proper inspection Of light and water meters, and will do all In our power to correct present evils relating thereto.
 We will afford equal protection to poth corporations and individuals and will en- force the law without favoritism or par tiality.
 We will immediately remove all monkey tonl<s and dives from in or over sa- looms. whether in administration buildings or not.
 We proclaim that the police depart ment shall be the protectors Of the pup lie and not disturbers of the public peace and vioators of the law, as has been re- gently done in our city.
 We earnestly protest, and go upon rec ord. against city officials owning saloon property, or being interested as part own CTS in the saloon business.
 We will endeavor by every means Tn our power to secure a 5-cent fare rom FnsIey to Birmingham from the Birmlng- ham Railway, Light and Power company, and will see to it that passengers are received and discharged at points where they will not be compelled to wade through mud and water.
 We pledge that none of us will accept a free pass from any street car company during our term of office.
 We promise perfect sanitation and col