The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-09

ley at the polls. followed to the head of the court, and Dowdell, on the retirement of Tyson by resignation.
 Of the justices there have been two ap- pointments, Sayre and Evans. Dowdell of the first division was promoted to chief by Governor Conner, who at the same time took Sayre from the city court of Montgomery to make him an associate justice. Justice Haralson, who did not seek reelection the last voting time, is succeeded by J. J. Mayfield, the code maker of the last session.
 important Suits.
 Among the cases set for hearing by the supreme court this week is one, which is of many, involving the titles to millions of dollars worth of land in south Alabama known as swamp and overflowed lands. This case Is styled Jordan vs. Mcclure Lumber company and is from Washington county. Others are from the same part of the state and must be fought out in the courts.
 Many years ago, in the seventies, when Alabama was in the tolls of men who had not the good of the state at heart, rather the feathering of their own nests where they could, many thousands of acres of ,lands got away and were lost to the state. Question has long been about the rights of the trades and courts have been called upon to straighten things out. In any event the state seems to have great ly lost in the deals.
 In the case at bar it appears that titles given by the state on a later plan are combatted. In 1903 the state passed the lands, or as many of them as could be located and recovered, to the insane hos pital. This institution sold them, among others, Mcclure being publisher. Jordan and others denied the right of sale claim ing title under an old grant. This old grant was one that the state has said was illegal. No adequate returns were ever received for the lands under the alleged sales, it is said.
 The chancellor, however, ruled with the old claims. He held that while there was no record of sale nor anything else to show transfer. save the signature of supposed private secretary to the gover- nor, and certificate without established state seal, there was a showing that money was paid. even though the showing did not extend to legal sources. Hence he thought the old titles good.
 The Mobile and Ohio railroad holds many thousands of acres under the old titles, and 1t is having to fight its way to a status that will help 1t to hold on. AS a result the fight is likely to be one of the most sensational, as well as long drawn out, in the history of the state.
 Sewanee Trustees to Meet.
 At meeting of the executive commit tee of the board of trustees of the Se- vance university, to be held in the office of ri successor to Vice Chancellor B. L. W1g+ gins, deceased will likely be chosen w. B. Hall of Montgomery has been holding the place temporarily, but has no desire, 1t Is understood, to continue.
 This committee is made up as follows: The Right Rev. Thomas F. Gailor, bishop of Tennessee; the Right Rev. Fred F. Reese, bishop of Georgia the Right Rev. Edwin G. Weed. bishop of Florida; the Rev. Stuart Mcqueen, the Rev. Joseph H. Spearing of Shreveport, w Dudley Gale of Nashville and z. D. Harrison of Atlanta.
 The Alabama committee on the division of the diocese will meet Wednesday noon with the following expected The Rev. T. J. Beard, Birmingham; the Rev. W. N. C1aybrook, Birmingham; the Rev Mat thew Brewster, Mobile; the Rev. R. H. Cobbs, Greensboro, and D. M Drennen, Birmingham; A. P. Page, Anniston R. H, Mabry, Selma, and Maj w. W. Screws, Montgomery.
 Council of the Sons.
 With Dr. Clarence J. Owens, command er-in-chief, presiding, the executive coun- cil of the Sons of Confederate Veterans spent the day on programme of uues- tions up for discussion and agreement. Among other things 1t is proposed that there shall be established a periodical. that a paid organizer shall be put in the field to keep the camps keyed up and that there shall be established perma- nent headquarters. In addition there will be talk of the best plans to raise money for the Arlington monument and the memorial to the women of the south.
 Sitting with pr. Owens are the follow ing, comprising. with him, the entire personnel of the council: Thomas E. Powe. St. Louis; w. w Old, Jr.. St. Louis; F. W. Manhood Washington: E. N. Scudder. vicksburg, Miss Adjutant General N B. Forrest, Jr., was detained at his home in Memphis, but sent along all his books and papers In fine shape pr. Thomas M Owen, historian general, and past commander er-in-chief. sat with 1.-the council by special request A number of other leading men of the organization were also dropping in from time to time. taking an interest in the meeting.
 insurance Loses.
 The state department of insurance has received reports of fire losses in the state for the month of October of s4SSO on buildings and $S9,799 on contents. The contents, s2O3, ,465. Insurance of buildings. $102, ,750 contents, $64,750
 These figures are from reports made under the new fire marshal law by chiefs