The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-02-12


Ter says he Is in favor of greater Bir-
mingham and has always been in favor
of it, but he wants such bill passed
as viii be of the greatest benefit to the
greatest number.
Discussing the recent interview In
Montgomery with certain members of the
Birmingham Commercial club and others,
Mr. Miller said.
Invited to Conference,
"Some member of the committee from
the Commercial club, about 10 o'clock
of the night they arrived in Montgomery,
iavited me to conference I'm the En-
change hotel, l went to the room sug-
gested about 1890 o'clock and found sew
eral gentlemen. some from the CONNER
oial club, some from Woodlawn and some
from other places outside of Birming-
ham and also Messrs. John b. Weakley
and Ed ID. Smith.
Soon after my arrival some questions
were asked me as to the status of the
Smyer bill | replied that the bill had
been introduced in the house. as | under
stood by request and referred to the
committee on municipal organization; that
a subcommittee of which Mr.. Urquhart
was a member had that, and several
other bills under consideration from which
they We're expected TO evolve Il bill for
the consideration of the fun committee;
that SO far as | was advised the senate
committee on municipalities and munici-
pal organizations had done very little
work along the line of enlargement of
municipalities; that | had not introduced
the Smyer bin In the senate for the
reason that | had not vet gotten my
consent to stand sponsor for the non
taxing districts feature of that bill, and
that so far as | knew no member of
our delegation was ready to stand spon-
sor for that feature of the Smyer bill;
that I had put the matter before some
members of the senate and that 1t had
met with favor.
Opposition to Nom taxation.
after some rambling talk which devel-
oped that Messrs. Weakley and Smith had
been in attendance upon the legislature
and working on municipal matters some
two weeks or more. Mr.. Weakley, in re-
Spouse to a direct question: stated In
substance, that he was personally &C
quainted with nearly every member of
the legislature. had discussed municipal
matters with most of them, and In his
Judgment there was strong sentiment
against non-taxing provisions and that
out eliminating that feature.
"He then suggested a plan by which
the portions OF proposed greater Biz
mingham. now burdened with municipal
debt might be required to continue to
pay the 90 cent tax rate for caring for
the existing bonded Indebtedness and to
pay along with those parts of proposed
greater Birmingham not 30 hurdened
with debt, the regular 80 cent tax rate
for maintenance, or general running ex-
pense.
"Nr. Ed. D. Smith. in response to
question, said in substance that
he had found the sentiment relative to
the non-taxing feature of the smyer
bill about as indicated by Mr.. Weakley
and that he coneurred with Mr., Weakley
In his opinion as to the passage of the
bill.
Claims II Is Indispensable.
"Mr. Smyer renewed his declaration that
the non taxing district feature of his bill
was indispensable and that If that fea-
ture was eliminated that we had as well
have no bill, quit and go home.
~ suggested that in Legislative matters
we frequently have to choose between
alternatives, neither of which was just
what was desired, and that ! did not
regard il wise TO take the position that
that unpopular feature was Indispensable;
tlaI lllEnl ne bibA5hA ~ 'HPf''N htS
bill with that feature. but was not
vet ready to stand sponsor for that fea-
lure; that | would oppose any bill which
undertakes TO take into the city any con-
siderable area by legfsla tive enactment,
that such plans as | support would have
to contain q provision whereby the peo-
pie of the territory to be taken III would
be allowed to determine by vote. whether
or not they would come In; that that fea-
hill Ia good
after further rambling talk, in which
no new ideas were brought forward,
withdrew at II o'clock.
Hearing Next Morning.
j. Next morning at $50 | met with the
other members of the Legislature from
Jefferson and heard the friends and OPP
moments OF bill for prohibition In War
rior. which hearing lasted until 9;2o then
the birmingham Commercial club com
mittee appeared and began TO address the
Jefferson delegation, presenting a mere
rehash of former declarations that 1t must
be the Smyer bill, including the non-tax-
ing district feature, or nothing. The hour
If e.3O arrived and ! was due at meet
ing Of a Joint committee of the house and
senate. of which committee ! was mem
her with the various executive officers
NJ the state and | excused myself ana
went to keep my engagement, stopping
long enough to say. on the side to Presi-
dent Jemison. that In my opinion the
chances of the bill would be improved
n he would work somebody in the lead
whose method of doing things was not
confined wholly to that of driving.
.'The rest of that day was completely
occ1nled with my legislative duties and
saw no more Of the committee.
Never Expressed Opposition.
'rhere is a detailed statement of what
occurred ] did not then. or at any other
time. saws that ! was opposed to Greater
birmingham, for the fact is. that am
and have for some years been In favor
Of Greater Birmingham, accomplished by
anv fair and Just method. Nor have ! at
any time said that ] would not vote
for the bill with the non-taxing feature
contained therein, but | do say that
don't like the plan and VIII not vote for
the provision unless convinced that II Is
a necessary expedient. or unless ] am
forced TO choose between that and some
thing worse ! am not stupid enough to
saw that a general bill proposed for pas
saee shall be Just like l want II. or
n shall not pass. ] am only one Of thirty
senators, and not even a member Of the
lower house.
Il will appreciate sensible cooperation
hut will not be driven by any committee
however bull-headedly aggressive 1t may
be.