The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-10

The advocates of the new county court court who appear to number thousands are now getting busy to inaugurate an ac- tive campaign for the adoption of the bond issue at the polls on June 19 Some opposition in various quarters has arisen because it has been suggested that the erection of a courthouse building might possibly take some of the tenants from other office buildings in the city. It is not believed that the opposition on the ground that the bond issue would result in raise of tax assessments and property valuations will have any effect, as authorities declare that there is not the least possible danger of such an in crease In fact, Birmingham's growth during the recent panic was more than sufficient to keep up bond issues of ten times the amount proposed.
 Some of the enemies of the issue declare that the abolition of the fee system will do away with the need of county jail However, the necessity of a new court house is being made the keynote of the campaign, and it Is so evident at all a sufficient argument.
 In order that the good people may not be caught sleeping, the citizens of Bir- mngham propose to get busy immediate ly and launch a campaign to last until the final day.
 Committee to Get Busy.
 Chairman Rhodes of the committee of citizens which appeared before the Board of Revenue and demanded that a bond issue election be called, yesterday called meeting of this same committee. and all persons who are interested in the pas sage of the bonds. It will be held in the Chamber of Commerce rooms, immediate ly after the Chamber of Commerce meet ing Friday afternoon.
 At this time a campaign committee will be formed, and active steps to place workers at the polls and to induce the voters to come out will be taken. Tho committee which visited the Board of Revenue Is especially urged to attend 1t being composed of Judge A. c. Howze, J. w. Mcqueen, F. H. Lathroy, F. Y. Anderson, A. H. Ford, Mack Drennen, Frank Nelson, Jr., R. H. Pearson. Col. T. G. Bush, Frank r. OBrien, Father Coyle and Dr. John w. Stagg.
 Major Anderson Talks.
 Major Anderson when seen yesterday was surprised that any opposition what ever should exist to the bond issue. T hope that the voters will realize that this is a matter of public pride and de- cency. We cannot afford to say to the world that we are satisfied with a court house that Is not large enough to attend to our civil work alone. and that is<not supplied with a single convenience for women or witnesses or Jurors attending court.
 Birmingham Is too progressive and entirely too well advertised to allow such a clog to slip into her reputation. At the rate she is now growing her taxes will be sufficient to meet interest on far greater bond issues than this. It will cost the people nothing, but will return to them comforts and advantages innumer- able.
 "We should all get together and poll great vote, sufficient to pass the bond issue by big majority
 Everyone Is Interested.
 "The fee system and county jail and courthouse propositions are such that every citizen should be interested in them," said Undertaken Lige Loy. The abolition of the fee syste n and the plac- ing of the different county officers on a legitimate salary is what l would like to see and which l can't help but believe every right thinking man desires. It would undoubtedly mean the eventual cutting down of the various fees assessed against the people and also the cutting out of the scrip buyer, as the county would soon be able to pay all of it's obligations immediately.
 While l am in favor of the erection of the skyscraper courthouse and jail, there is another proposition in connection with this. A 10-story building will fur nish all of the court and jail facilities and should also give plenty of space to rent if arranged properly, the lot being 200 by 140 feet This would allow the present building to be used for other purposes.
 with a little work 1t could be trans formed into a high school building and public library, or some similar institu-