The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-08-06
COUNCIL RUNS OVER THIRD WARD VOTERS IN ROUGH FASHION Petition From Over Two Thirds of Ward Asking Primary
 Is Ignored DISORDER so GREAT
 TROUBLE WAS FEARED Estes Cries Outrage" But the Steam Roller Moves On With Steam Up
 and Wheels Well
 Oiled.


 Fifteen minutes after the City Coun- ell adjourned last night the body's action with reference to the resignation of All derman R. H. Eggleston and the election of his successor was the one absorbing topic of discussion on the streets. In the face of 325 voters of the Third ward the council declined to grant the right to elect MT. Eggleston's successor.
 There has probably never been a stormier session of the Board of Alder men than was the meeting last night. Ridicule was hurled right and left and on one or two occasions the feeling was so intense that President Parker was un- able to maintain order. The question at issue was whether the council should elect A. A. Gambill or some other man as MT Eggleston's successor on the board or whether the matter should be pre- sented to the voters of the Third ward In a primary election.
 After Alderman Copeland had read MT. Eggleston's resignation and 1t had been accepted by the board, he offered a mo- ton. accompanied by a petition from over two-thirds of the voters of the Third ward asking that the voters of the ward affected be allowed to nominate in a pri- mary the man to succeed MT. Eggleston, and also read to the council letter from John D. Elliott, stating that the Com mercial State bank had been authorized to guarantee the expenses of the pri- mary which was sought.
 Excitement Begins.
 Alderman Gregg after a few remarks made a motion that Alderman Copeland's motion be tabled At this point the ex- citement began. Alderman Estes took the floor without being recognized by the chair and began to score the alderman. who he said was attempting to seat man of their own choice on the board against the wishes of the voters of the Third ward. He was first pouring shot into one corner and then into another when President Parker called:
 MT Estes, you are out of order"
 "This thing is an outrage on the peo- pie of Birmingham" shouted MT. Estes above the noise of the rapping gavel, the president being ignored. ssJ
 MT. Estes. you are out of order.' call- ed the chairman again.
 Pounding upon his desk with his fist Mir Estes shouted with much feeling: q don't care if I am out of order. These people have a right to be heard"
 MT. Estes took his seat and Alderman ONeill introduced a motion that the mo- tion of Alderman Copeland be tabled and MT. O'Neill's motion carried by vote of IS to 4. thus temporarily cutting off any further debating on the matter. After the motion had been tabled Pres- dent Parker declined to hear the voters of the Third ward who were present, claiming any discussion after the origi- nal motion had been tabled was out of order Vigorous protest was made but the president made firm his ruling.
 Subject Again Brought Up.
 The matter was again brought up when communications, resolutions and petitions were called for from the various wards. When Alderman Heidt arose he stated that he had no communication, but said: "Gentlemen, I intend two weeks from tonight to vote for Mir Gambill as MT. Eggleston's successor in the Third ward, but I think the citizens present have been done an injustice in not being all lowed to be heard, and I move that they be heard in the matter in which they are interested"
 The chair suggested that the motion be acted upon after the communications from the remaining wards were heard from.
 Alderman Estes started things moving again when he was heard from. He in- hof ha oit of the Third ward be allowed to express their choice as to MT. Eggleston's suc- cessor in a primary.
 Alderman Gregg immediately jumped on this resolution and made motion that it be tabled, claiming that the matter to which it referred had already been acted upon. MT. Estes challenged him, stating that the resolution was a new one, and demanded that he be heard. The chair recognized MT. Estes.
 Gentlemen, to deprive these people of the privilege of voting as to whom they shall have as a representative in this council Is an outrage just as much as it would be an outrage to gag a man on this floor" proclaimed MT. Estes.
 Alderman O'Neill arose to a point of order and asked what the chairs ruling was on Mir. Gregg's motion to table MT. Estes resolution.
 'I'll answer that" said Mir Estes. He told MT. Gregg that had the floor"
 "You may table this resolution" con- tinued MT. Estes, but I want the blame to rest upon those at fault" This re- mark elicited prolonged applause, Presi- dent Parker rapping on his desk vigor- ously all the while. Finally he made him self heard, stating that he would have to declare the council adjourned unless or- der was preserved. The crowd quieted itself.
 MT Estes evidently did not relish this sentiment on the part of the chair, for he addressed himself to President Park er saying:
 Don't be afraid of the truth.
 "These men here tonight, most of them registered voters in the Third ward, are part of the best people on earth, and they are being dealt with outrageously at the hands of this body. This damnabe gag law I resent"
 When MT. Estes had concluded his fiery speech the chair declared his resolution out of order. The matter was put to a vote and the council sustained the ruling of the chair by vote of 16 to 4.
 Discussion Open To Voters.
 The discussion was then opened to the voters present and R. H. Kerr spoke. He stated that the Third ward would abide bv the action of the council, but wanted to know of what offense the voters were yuilty. stating that they only wanted square deal. The representatives of the Third ward cheered him loudly upon which Alderman Heidt suggested to the chair that the cheering be stopped.
 The voters present surrendered upon this remark. No other speakers presented themselves,
 MT. Gambil will in all probability be