The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-11
Special Committee Will Meet This Afternoon and Launch
 An Active Campaign
CITIZENS GIVE REASONS
 FOR FAVORING TIE ISSUE
Judge Howze, Colonel Pearson, Colonel Bush, Doctor Stagg All Join in Testfying to importance of
 Campaign.

The committee which urged the Board of Revenue to call the bond election for a new courthouse and jail is still en- Enthusiastically in favor of the project and will launch an active campaign for the adoption of the bonds at the meeting this afternoon.
 Judge A. c. Howze who was one of the earliest movers for the new building said yesterday: Sure, I am in favor of the proposition. It is preposterous to believe that the voters of this county will vote down the bond issue. The disgrace of the present condition is too plain for the most careless to overlook.
 q do not like to see the importance of getting rid of the old jail minimized. No one argues in it's favor, for it Is out of date in every manner. The state in- spector has condemned it and intends to force Jefferson county to spend at least $100,O fixing it up even should the bond issue fail.
 "The condition of the interior is awful, and will result in sickness, winter and summer. It is insanitary and unsafe. The exterior would be disgraceful for any de- cent community and much more so for the best business section of the city.
 q am in favor of anything that will get rid of the jail.'
 Colonel Pearson's Views.
 Said R. H. Pearson, another member of the committee: q intend to do all in my power to help this bond issue pass. It is the most important matter that has presented itself this year and all the voters should go out to see that narrow minded, selfish people who have no part in paying the taxes anyway do not get a chance to check a movement which means far more in this county's progress than anyone thinks.
 "rhere is absolutely nothing in the ru- nor that the bond issue will cost the taxpayers more. It could not possibly do so and the business men of this city know it too well to doubt it one minute
 "Bessemer should get her courthouse We should not forget that every year the county is paying $15O0 rent and re- pairs on courthouse in Bessemer which is entirely inadequate for the business. Bessemer will pay more than her share of the interest while she is yet part of the county and should she become separate the new county would assume its share of the bonds. l hope to see the election carry with a big majority
 Colonel Bush Enthusiastic.
 Col. T. G. Bush, still another member of the committee said: Yes, I think 1t is high time we are 1inaugurating an enthusiastic roundup campaign for the bond issue While every right minded man will have to recognize the vast inn portance of this matter we must take steps to get out big crowds for this election and give the bond issue legal majority that will be indisputable.
 q believe that in few days we can put all opposition out of the field, and can induce the most skeptical that Jeff ferson county needs a new courthouse and jail worse than any other progress sive city in the whole country"
 Everyone is invited to the meeting in the interest of the bond issue which will immediately follow the meeting of the Chamber of Commerce this afternoon. Special steps will be taken to put the important facts before the public and get out big vote on June 1s
 Doctor Stagg Glad of Activity.
 'Nothing gives me more pleasure than to see the citizens becoming aroused on the necessity for the skyscraper court house and jail said Dr. J. w. Stagg last night. "It seems that everyone real izes the need for more room for the courts and I think the men who are saying that if we abolish the fee sys- tenn we will need less jail room are shortsighted in failing to realize that the natural growth of Birmingham and Jef- ferson county are such that a large jail will always be necessary We must not get the idea that we will become so good that we will not need jail room We are trying to drive sin from the county, but we must remember what Sam Jones used to say on the subject.
 'TIe compared the fight to dog which was driving pig out of the yard. The pig started in straight line on the run and was being given a great chase when he began to veer to the left. He kept veering until they were running in a circle and pretty soon it appeared to those looking on as though the pig was chasing the dog around the house."