The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-07-27


 The attitude of Senator Miller alone 5eopardized the prospects Of the biii. If his opposition were removed, the bill would be passed as quickly as the roll could be called. The time-hon- ored custom in the Senate is to let each Senator legislate in all local matters for his district. It is a courtesy which all Senators for years have extended one to the other.
 The Greater Birmingham bill IS therefore largely dependent upon the smile or frown of Senator Miller it the statements of the Senators who ex- plained their votes yesterday h,ean anything. One thing Is certain if Sem made a personal appeal to his fellow Senators, the bill would be instantly beaten.
 But the Senator has not done this. and announced that he was pledged against any bill which did not have a referendum to 1t. He was pledged to vote against any bill that did not re- fer the question of annexation back to the people who are directly interested in 1t.
 commercial bodies of Birmingham In the campaign committed me to the would refer the question back for a vote and yet they are here lobbying for bill which has no referendum Iroa vision," said Senator Miller. After me to change front on the bill and Tn doing that they are setting very loose moral standard.
 There are ss.ooo people on the cut, ssetsd sas ter the by ssis es assston 1 pledged them that ] will only vote for bill that will give them the right to vote on She question at the polls. tion?" asked Senator Hammer of Eto-
 T am." replied Senator Miller. land ask the Senate to help me stand by that pledge"
 waive Senatorial courtesy?" asked Sen. ator Miller.
 q regard that question as in6elicate.' ' responded the Birmingham Senator An Alabama Question.
 the motion to take the bill from the adverse calendar and opened the dis cussiOn by a speech in favor of his motion, He appreciated the views of Her the position oi he natof from Birmingham. It was with regret that he took issue with him. The question was more than Iccal and affected the whole State. $ Birm- | ingham was the principal city If Ala. hama. the metropolis of the Sta'e. and its interest and welfare was he con cern of all of Alabama. Chicago and New York as great cities had contrib uted to the welfare and prosperity oi the whole country. And Birmingham would contribute to the prosperity oi Alabama He stood for the bill not. withstanding the opposition of any mar or set of men.
 The vote was then called and two l thirds of the Senators rose to explain | their votes. Senator Reynolds took the view that the question was not only a Jefferson county question, but a State question as well. Birmingham. he said. had lost the sub-treasury because of her population. The rest of Alabama should stand by and help Birming ham | become even greater.
 The same view was taken by Senator | McWhorter in explaining his vote Ii was a State question and notwithstand- | ing any local issues. the bill should be | passed.
 | Senator Reese said the situation was | painful. All Alabama Lld like to sec | Birmingham thrive and prosper, but the | attitude of the senator from Jefferson | complicated the situation. for he was | genel ally admired among his collea- gues and no senator would care to i take part in any movement that could
 humiliate him.