The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-07
]. ). COLLINS AND ]. W, TOMLINSON NAMED BY COUNCIL 6ambiII Resolution Asks lnveS- tigation of Irregularities
 In Mayors Office TRADING STAMP LICENSE RAISED TO $2500 YEARLY Other Changes Made In License Sched- uIe-Gambil Resolution Goes To
 Judiciary and Finance
 Committees.

vacancy caused by the resignation of John c. Forney
 John w Tomlinson was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy on the Board of Education caused by the resignation of Mayor George B. Ward. While MT. Tomlinsons election was unanimous but for a statement by Alderman Gregg, All derman Estes would have nominated Capt. Frank P. Brien, mayor-elect. The session of the council last night, the first of the new year, incidentally, was short and peaceful until its very end. Just prior to adjournment A. A. Gam bill, who was recently elected alderman of the Third ward over Asa l.. Hoyt, after a memorable contest, introduced resolution asking for an investigation of certain alleged irregularities said to exist or to have existed in the office of Mayor during the incumbency of Mayor George l B. Ward On motion of Alderman Moore this resolution was referred to the judic-
 ary and finance committees.
 The cambill Resolution.
 Here follows the resolution offered by
 MT. Gambill:
 1 "Whereas, it has become senerahy known that serious irregularities have 1 occurred from time to time in the per
 formance of certain duties connected with
 the Mayors office and whereas Mayor I George B. Ward knows or ought to Know
 of same. and whereas said George B.
 ward Mayor has failed to disclose same to the City Council.
 1 Be it resolved, That the president or the City Council appoint committee ot five to investigate the records, books, re- ceipts and all matters they may deem necessary connected with or in the May l or's office, and said committee by it's chairman is hereby empowered to sum mon any and all witnesses necessary to cause to be produced before said commit tee all testimony pertaining to said in- vestigation and necessary for complete
 discovery of the work and conduct or said office of Mayor. and said committee l shall report its findings to this council ! at it's most convenient speed l In support of the resolution Alderman l Gambill made speech in which he de- ] clared the duty that confronted him and which he had just discharged was a most unnlea sant one, but one which he deemed 1 if necessary to discharge, n view of his | oath of office He intimated that the alleged irregularities dated back for two wears and expressed himself as ignorant as to why such charges as his own had not been previously made.
 GambiIl Was Reticent. l MI Cor ouested to give a statement concerning
 the specific nature of his charges. He l declined to do so, declaring that such mat
 ters, in his opinion, should be reserved 1 for the committee.
 1 After the reading of the resolution AL derman Moore moved that the matter be referred to the judiciary and finance com
 mittees for investigation. This course
 was taken. Alderman Hedt. in explain l ing his vote, which was negative, ex- 1 claimed, T vote mol"
 | While l believe that George Ward Is crank I know that he is as honest as the day is long,"
 l In explaining his vote Alderman Estes said:
 'I vote in favor of a complete investi- l gation do not believe the alderman 1 of the Third ward would have made such l charges unless there existed ground for l same Inasmuch, therefore, as charges 1 have been preferred against the Mayor, | or his office, over which he has juris- dction, I believe thorough investga- ton should be had
 l After this statement Alderman Moore said
 q do not desire that 1t be understood that in moving that the resolutions go to the finance and judiciary committees had any idea that there had occurred anything wrong. I, also. desire a full investigation, but feel that we should be certain of our ground before appoint ing a committee to carry out same. When the committees make their investigation if it is found that there is ground for a practical investigation of the charges, then the president of the council can ap- point his committee
 Offices Are Filled. Shortly after the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting of the council Alderman Cooper moved that the rules be suspended for the purpose of filling the aldermanic vacancy of the Sixth ward.
 Alderman Fulghum nominated J. D. Collins who subsequently, was unanimous ly elected He was escorted to the ros- trum by MT Cooper and MT. Fulghum, and there received the oath President Jones congratulated the city and the Sixth ward on acquiring such an able man as MT. Collins as member of the council. Alderman Gregg, after MT. Collins had taken his seat, nominated John w Tom linson to fill the vacancy which existed on the Board of Education, caused by the resignation of Mayor Ward Alderman Estes was then granted the floor, and he was preparing to nominate Capt. Frank P. O'Brien when Alderman Gregg checked him. 'I have had recent conversation with Captain O'Brien." stated Mir Gregg. "and he doesn't desire the office" When MT. Estes persisted, stating that some representative of the city should hold membership on the board, and pointing out that under the municipal code the mayor protem Is not an ex-officio mem- Der of the board, Alderman Gregg stated that Captain OBrien had requested him to make an effort to prevent his name from being placed in nomination.
 With that Alderman Estes desisted from his determination.
 Aldermen Who Passed.
 A significant fact. which vas feature of the meeting, was that Aldermen Mar tin, Mcdonald and Causey, representa- tives of the territory concerning which there is doubt as to whether or not 1t Is constitutionally part of Birmingham, passed their votes. Alderman starbuck.