The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-08-19
THREE IMPORTANT BILLS
 FOR GREAT IRON CITY
Greater Birmingham Passed and New County and Commission Govern ment Are EffectuaIIy Killed
 By the Lawn akers.
BY HERVEY w. LAIRD.

 Montgomery, August -fSpecial.)- In the senate this afternoon the bill for commission form of government for cities was laid away by the adop- tion of a motion to indefinitely post pone.
 With the execution of the house bill to the same effect earlier in the day the commission form of government becomes dead issue for long time at least. Lieutenant Governor Henry B. Gray made a fight among the house members and Is very grateful for the manner in which his friends on that side of the building stood by him. Tt is source of great pleasure to me that my friends gave the opposition to the measure such cordial support" said Governor Gray. They were ever ready to do what they could and I am much impressed with the feeling that was shown me in this connection. I cer- tainly thank them all"
 This, with the Greater Birmingham fight and the last sad rites over the new county, given in the senate, rounded out a day of vast interest to the great iron city
 A bill of vast importance was passed. and two of great importance killed Birmingham may stay at home now, save for a few minor things that are hanging fire.
 House Session.
 The house agreed to the change in the high school bill making the entrance fee B. 50 instead of s.
 A bill was passed to simplify the records of the tax assessors. This was request of the state auditor full set of new books must be had by each tax assessor With MT. Haley in the chair, the house at 1O;D o'clock went into committee of the whole. The commission government bill was then taken up, section by section. MT. John noted that the bill must he ap- proved by the people. The whole meas ure was then gone over, including classi- lying cities providing for authority of mayors. election machinery. Sections to 2 provide for election of commissioners. On resuming discussion of the bill MT. Gunter opposed it, though 1t would in- crease his salary as mayor of Montgomery by $500 year. He asked If that was a bait to him He said the bill is rotten in point of policy The recall feature Is against the Alabama constitution, as 1t provides the reasons for putting men ou of office. He was sure the bill was a dangerous thing.
 MT. Gunter spoke for quite while, say ing the bill is autocratic Reports that h, had favored 1t were erroneous
 MT. Urquhart urged the bill He asked that the people be allowed to express themselves on the question. He read many letters and statements to support his position. He said there would be less rates of city utility service under this form of government.
 On vote of the committee of the whole the act was definitely postponed.
 Senate Session.
 The senate judiciary committee report ed favorably bills to distribute acts and provide for paying over certain collected funds in counties.
 The revision of laws committee reported favorably the juvenile court bill.
 The Rev. MT. Phillips, senator from Marshall offered the prayer
 The Governor sent message to the sen ate, nominating men for city court judge of Montgomery. He noted that Judge
 
 to 1ll a vacancy following the promotion of Judge A D. Sayre to the supreme court. The names of Judge Thomas, Bibb Graves and Robert Arlington were pre- scented, Thomas being confirmed by unani- nous vote.
 A message from the Governor showing the condition of the treasury. was re- ceived On motion of MT. Spragins 300 copies were ordered printed.
 By close vote Tn committee the bill tO impeach sheriffs who fall to do their duty was put on the calendar
 Dr. Wimberlys motion to take from the adverse calendar the Pettus county bill was tabled by the close vote Of IS to i3 The bill to increase expense accounts of sheriffs $500 a year was again called up and passed. receiving the necessary two-thirds vote.
 The bill to exempt jaybirds, hawks and sparrows from the game laws was ad- versed by the revision of laws committee. The bill to transfer certain insurance re- ports from the office. of the auditor to that of the insurance commissioner passed.
 Mr. Blackmon offered a resolution to force the rules committee to report on the motion to make certain bills about Confederate soldier funds special orders. These bills seek to force payment of $510- 600 said to be yet due the old soldiers for the year 1907; also to make payments quarterly concurrent with receipts.
 Gag Rule Charged.
 MT Blackmon intimated that by failure to report, the rules committee is throt- ting action upon these bills.
 MT. Hammer said the effect was to throttle the bills, in his opinion.
 Mir. McWhorter intimated that Mir. Blackmon was man given too much to demanding what he desired.
 Mir. Blackmon responded to the Colbert senator's remarks vigorously
 The resolution by MT. Blackmon re- ceived the following vote: Ayes 13 nays 1s The president votes no, and the reso- luton is lost.
 The incident was a breezy one, growing out of the fight of Messrn. Blackmon, Spragins and others to prevent use of