The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-20

Birmingham in October. 1909, would again 8e a part of Birmingham. He replied
 We do not know whether this will be the case or not. We understand that there are flaws In the Greater Birming ham bill, and before we are again brought into Birmingham. we will test that bill"
 It developed in this conversation that Plnckney Scott of Ensley, had been re- talned as counsel by the people of East Birmingham. It was also learned that lawyers have been retained to represent other territory. From all appearances, it is indicated that the King bill will be assailed from every quarter.
 Tt is a fact stated MT. Henderson, that no lawyer In Birmingham would 80 elsewhere for legal advice"
 VIII Refund 1903 Taxes.
 Throughout yesterday, numerous people called upon Mayor Ward for information concerning the refunding of the l9gs taxes which the citizens of the suburbs have paid
 Mayor Ward informed all that these taxes would be refGnded. He stated how ever that some delay would be necessary. As is known no official information to the effect that the supreme court has rendered its decision has been given to the council. When this official and for nal notification is received, action looking towards the refund of taxes paid in by the citizens of the suburbs will be taken.
 In a conversation yesterday Mayor Ward said: 'I am convinced that the best policy will be the repayment of all these taxes without humming and haw- ing
 'As concerns the improvements that the city has made in the suburbs, these i'm provements, naturally, will stand. If the suburbs eventually come into Birming- ham, then the city will have suffered no monetary loss. If the suburbs remain out of the city, the money will not have been spent to a disadvantage after all, for improvements, it is a self-eyident fact, are of great benefit to the people directly affected"
 As Is known, there has always been a question existing as to whether or not the city had the right to collect 1908 taxes from the suburbs. There has been a belief in municipal circles for long time that these taxes would of necessity be refunded as result of some court de- cision.
 Seals Gets Busy.
 The most interesting feature of the en- tire situation Is that at the present time, Carl H. Seals, police commissioner-elect, Is not entitled to a seat at the expira- ton of the terms of the present incum- bents.
 Prior to the publication of The Age Herald yesterday morning, this matter had not been considered. MT. Seals, him. self, had not given any thought of danger to the seat to which he was elected by a handsome vote. Yesterday, however, he got busy, calling upon the mayor and several attorneys.
 In the rnayor's office MT. Seals stated that his mistake was in leaving the Sew enth ward, wherein he formerly lived, until after the election. He had. however, purchased a home, and was desirous of becoming identified with his new territory. So he moved into Mountain Terrace, and there voted.
 In case no flaws in the King bill are developed, 1t Is the general admission that MT. Seals cannot constitutionally represent the city as a member of it's police commission, and that the seat which he would have occupied, will be filled by John Matthews, a republican. While MT. Seals led the ticket in the police commission race, MT. Matthews received but 166 votes.
 Whatever the status of the King bill is proved, there will be no immediate effect on the City Council. Aldermen Causey, Starbuck, Mcdonald and Martin will retain their seats until after the determination of the quo warranto pro ceedings which it is a practical certainty will be instituted City Attorney Thach holds that the aldermen will be de facto aldermen, and as such their actions will he constitutional