The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-12-06

 fearlessly and tirelessly fought the bat ties of the people,"
 MT. Percy referred to the card of Alder man Burnett and explained that the al derman had seen the handwriting on the wall. He then introduced MT. Rhodes
 MT. Rhodes Speaks Next.
 MT. Rhodes said: "The people of Bir- mingham are the noblest of the land, and we must have honest men in office.
 ''As serious as was the offense of John Forney, more serious still was that of simon Klotz. American people have an abhorrence and contempt for sneaking transactions When he received the check of an individual and not a company, he received a paper bearing the stench of public corruption.
 When the council in defiance of the will of the people elected MT. Gambill Wednesday night the council committed high-handed outrage against the city the institutions of our fathers and a crime against fair play.
 'I congratulate you on being finally aroused to the conditions as they are Your action tonight is an exhibition of the reserved power in brave people.
 Judge Weakiey Speaks.
 Judge Weakley, the next speaker, stat ed in the beginning that though he was closely in touch with the state admin istration, he did not have an idea of what Governor Conner would do in reference to the conditions as they are in Birmingham and did not desire that his remarks be construed as coming from the chief ex- ecutive.
 He then discussed from legal stand point, a municipal corporation, and ex- plained that inasmuch as it was in close touch with the people, 1t should be con- ducted on a high plane of personal in- tegrity.
 He told of being in Memphis 8 years ago, when the city, as a result of an | epidemic and ward politicians. had reached it's lowest ebb. "A commission was appointed to assume charge of the situation" he said, and the result was surprising. Later ward politicians be- coming restless, again assumed control of the government Soon a state of affairs similar to this in Birmingham today came about, and again the people resorted to a commission.
 'I attack the ward sovereignty in the government of cities because under this rule men become elected who could never be chosen by vote of the whole city. The custom is out of date, and the govern mental body is unwieldly No corpora tion governed by such an unwieldly body, could obviate bankruptcy.
 Ut is essential that we maintain our financial relations on high plane In or der that the name of the city may be pre- served. I ask if we are receiving the best possible government. I answer em- phatically no. With a commission the people would save in the matter of street improvements alone more than enough money to pay the salaries Great ap- plause.)
 I've now have 22 aldermen, and are go- ing to have more. 1 am free to confess that I look upon a governing board com- posed of 40 aldermen with great terpida- tion."
 In reference to the matter of street im- i provements Judge Weakley had much to say He was in favor of improving the streets to the highest state of perfection, but did not desire to pay more for it than was necessary. Although the city does thousands and thousands of dollars worth of improvement, the little work have given out by private contract has cost me less. This should not be the case It may be that there is a combina- ton of the bidders, as result of which all get some work, and all more money for it than they deserve" Judge Weakley then referred again to the commission form of government, and urged the people to accept the present opportunity to bring about the change. Beddow Caused Laughter.
 When you learn that I am from the Sixth ward, and am a constituent of Forney and Fulghum," stated c. P. Bed dow, in the beginning of what was prob ably the wittiest speech of the evening. q sincerely trust that you will not mob me.
 q am reminded of the story of the old ta a cent reunion in Birmingham. He found skyscrapers where formerly were duck ponds, and a million dollar station on the spot formerly known as 'Buzzard Roost' He was becoming lonesome and much aggrieved until he strayed to the city hall There, said he, I found things as they used to be. Harry Jones and Walter Moore were still in the saddle with the same old gang behind them!
 "The condition of affairs today reminds of a story told of General Sherman on his march to the sea. His troops had stolen all the horses, cows, chickens and everything else possessed by an old farm er The old gentleman, in telling his trou- bles to Sherman remarked: I have only left my hope in eternal salvation. Gen eral Sherman replied: Well, my man. am not so sure that your hope in saliva ton will long be yours, for the Tenth Maine will soon be here.
 Now, with this majority faction in charge with these men in the saddle, riding with the bit in their teeth, the eternal hope of Birmingham, along with all remaining property, might be en- dangered
 "These speeches are unnecessary. For ney has resigned. l beg leave to Illustrate the conditions of affairs by the first line of his resignation. I will read, please listen: The Hon. Harry Jones! Daughter and applause) Listen to what Forney says: I have reached the conclusion that the best interest of the city of Birming- ham will be conserved by the severance of my connection with same
 "This reminds me of another story. An old negro was heard to remark: If my boss does not take back what he said this morning I am going to quit. 2 "Someone inquired: Well, what did your boss say?'
 " He said, rejoined the old negro. that