The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-31
WALKER COUNTY FARMERS PROSPER  Three Factors Contribute to
 Better Conditions SMALL DEMAND FOR COAL Some Political Gossip In Old Walker. Bryan Will Lecture at Jasper To-
 morrow-News Notes of
 Interest.
By FRANK V. EVANS.

By FRANK V. EVANS.
 Jasper, January s0.-(special 1.-The in- terest manifested in scientific and inten- sive agriculture by the farmers of Walk CT county augurs well for the future of this section. These valleys, and even the hills, which were once considered the poorest in the state, have been made to yield abundanty the past few years under the influence of scientific direction The production of 50 bushels of corn to the acre in Walker is quite common the past two or three years and one farmer made over 1500 pounds (more than three bales) of cotton on an acre last year, while number of them produced two bales to the acre. This promising condition has been brought about by three known fac tors-the Walker County Farmers union, the United States agricultural department expert lecturers and demonstrators and the state agricultural department.
 The present condition of coal mining in Walker county is not satisfactory-the trouble being that there is not sufficient demand for coal to keep busy the mines, and this was caused by loss of contracts incident to the miners strike last summer. There is no trouble now between the miners and the operators. All is peace between them, therefore the low state of the market bears upon both sides mu- tually. There is a general expression of hope that the skies will soon brighten and the coal mining industry will resume it's normal condition.
 Politics in Walker is now unusually quiet for this particular county, which bears the reputation of being exceedingly fond of that line of activity in due sea- son Walker Is one of the green spots in Alabama when 1t comes to an express sion of individual choice in politics and religion. It will be remembered that Mir Bryan, for president, led MT Taft in this county by only 27O votes in a total vote of over 5000, and nearly every one white, and that the country democratic slate was broken by the election of a republican county treasurer. This result has encour- aged the republicans of Walker with the idea that they have fighting chance to win with clean sweep in 1910. However, democracy is strong in Walker and if it will only keep itself together 1t will safely hold the fort.
 Speaking of politics, Williams Jennings Bryan is to reach Jasper Monday and at 10 a. m. will deliver his famous lecture "The Prince of Peace" The proceeds go to the Confederate monument fund, and MT. Bryan comes under the auspices of Jasper chapter Daughters of the Confed- Sc. 1arr 4e, ATr in section and so worthy the cause for which he is to do service that it is confidently expected that the largest auditorium in Jasper, which is the Baptist church, will hardly seat the audience which will seek admission. MT. Bryan will be cordially received by a large committee of citizens composed not only of democrats but of some of the most active leading repub- lcans of Walker.
 The circuit court, Judge Ray presiding will begin work on the regular docket for the spring term Monday next. There are 69 civil cases to be tried be- sides the criminal docket. The grand jury of this court has been in session for two weeks, but judging from the records of file in the sheriff's office, it does not ap- pear that the inquisitorial body has been able to ferret out very numerous offenseS against the law. By the way the courts are now occupying Walkers magnificent new courthouse which is model of comfort. convenience and attractive de- sign. It is elegantly furnished and the circuit court room will seat 600 people.
 Anent this courthouse, the county com missioners have had quite a stormy time in their efforts to make final settlement with the contractors. Several prominent citizens and big taxpayers, together with the county auditor, conceived the idea that there were some overcharges and straightway the aforesaid citizens en- joined the commissioners from issuing warrants for full payment. The case was heard before Chancellor Benners, the in junction was refused and the plaintiffs appealed to the supreme court. The case is now pending before that august body. The law firm of Banlxhead X Bankhead was employed by the commissioners to represent them In the action. They pre- sented a fee bill of $400 in the cause. The county auditor refused to approve the ac- count holding that it was not proper charge against the county. The commis- sioners, however issued the warrant in favor of the law firm, and the county treasurer refused to honor it without the approval of the auditor, i3ankhead x Bankhead have filed a writ of man damuS against Ine tTedSuTeT, SetklnB lo compel him to pay the warrant, and the case is to be heard before Judge Ray.
 The people of Walker are much inter- ested in the resolution introduced by Congressman Hobson providing for a sur vey of the Mulberry and Locust Forks of the Warrior river. As heretofore stated the resolution provides for a survey of the. Locust Fork from the junction of the Locust and Mulberry up the Locust Fork to the mouth of the Five Mile creek in northwest Jefferson county, and mp the Mulberry to its junction with the Sipsey in Walker county. This would mean much for improvement, development and en- richment of Walker, Jefferson and Tus- caloosa counties.
 State Examiner John Purifoy has been engaged for some days in making an ex- animation of the books and accounts of the Walker county officials He has con-