The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-02-21
To GET
COMMISSIONS SCALP
Belief That it Will Be Abolished
Is General
SOME MEMBERS FAVOR IT
Continued Efforts Will Also Be Made
to Get Rid of Aged and lnfrm
Policemen Now on the
Force.
SOME MEMBERS FAVOR 1T

The present city administration grows
more determined with every passing day
to scalp the police commission.
Mayor Wards statement that the eX-
istence of the commission ties his hands
in making the reforms In the depart
ment that he would desire, is not the only
indication that the determined fight is
pending.
The city takes the stand that the man
who sees that the patrolmen are re-
munerated and who is held responsible
and accountable for the efficiency of the
force. should have the active superin-
tendenee of that force. The administra-
ton points out that during the last cam
paign, when the police force, or any
member of the force was criticised, moth
ing in reference to the police commits
sion was said. Mayor Ward was held
accountable, and Blamed for whatever
lack of discipline might have occurred.
All On the Warpath.
Every department of the city govern
ment is on the warpath after the conf
missions scalp, and it is pointed out
that the prospect is bright Walter Moore,
alderman from the Fourth ward, stated
his belief yesterday that the bill abolish
ing the commission would be passed in
July.
The Mayor the City Council. and even
some members of the commission are
in favor of it's abolition. This would in
dictate that the passing of that body as
It stands today is well nigh assured
C. II. Estes, newly elected alderman
from the Ninth ward, stated yesterday
his ardent antipathy to the commission,
and boldly declared that he would enter
the fight against its continued existence.
While this is true, there is quite
difference of opinion as to the substt-
tute for the commission. The administra-
ton thinks that the department should be
brought under the surveillance of COM
mittee of the council. Others contend
that the board should be appointve and
should consist of three members This,
however, is claimed to be secondary.
shake-Up Seems Assured.
There can be no doubt but that there
will be a shaking up III the police de-
partment or rather an attempt to bring
about the shaking up. Chief Wier Is
IN favor of wedding out TIC department.,
and in doing so, get rid of the aged, in
firm and those of bad habits. The COM
misisoned officers, Captain Johnston,
Lieutenant Hagood and Lieutenant Eagan
are heartily in accord with the chief.
Yesterday morning Lieutenant Hagood
was asked if there were not twenty
men in the present force who should
be discharged on account of age, in
trinity. or bad habits. He stated that
there were not twenty, but that he could
name ten in that many minutes. lie was
then asked why charges were not pre-
ferred. He declared that there were
many members of the police force who
should not be retained, but against whom
no specific charge of misconduct could
be brought.
As narrated i'll The Age-Herald yester-
day. Commissioner Parker has gone Oh
record as being opposed to the discharge
of the old policeman who has grown III
firm in the service of the city, and
against whom no charges of misconduct
can be brought. He argues that there
are beats whereon the age of these men
makes them especially qualified to serve.
But the fight is on There is no question
about that.