The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-06-03
ALDERMEN HAVE
 FUN AT MEETING Make Merry Over Commission Government Proposal DIVISION WAS THREATENED Burnett introduces Resolution to AL low Licenses For Nine Months.
 oanbll Would Restrict the
 chlckenyard District.
DIVISION WAS THREAT FINED

Like the recess hour in a kindergarten was last nights session of the City Council. Important matters were made light of while lengthy debates were held on trivial things. The amount of business indulged in carried the meeting to twice the length of time usually required.
 The aldermen illustrated their desire to remain as governors of the citys affairs by making merry of Alderman Barnes Morgan's resolution to call an election of the people in regard to the establish ing of a commission form of government for Birmingham. After MT. Morgan had concluded the reading of the ordinance he asked for unanimous consent, whlch was immediately blocked by Alderman Gambill, who asked that it be referred to the Judiciary committee. Aldermen Estes and Cooper asked that it be sent to the Greater Birmingham committee. Alder man Klotz moved that it be referred to both. Morgan then agreed to accept Klotz' suggestion but Cooper refused 10 accept This brought on more talk and more suggestions. Each alderman took 1t upon himself to suggest that 1t be re- ferred to some committee, Alderman Heidt winding up with the cemetery com- mttee.
 Alderman Gregg presided over the meet ing, assuming the chair on account or President Harry Jones now being act ing Mayor during Captain OBriens ab- sence from the city. MT. Jones was pres ent at the meeting. however, and ever and anon arose with words of advice.
 pr. H. l.. Martin was again sworn in as alderman from the Eleventh ward and took his place.
 The judiciary committee presented re- port recommending that the name of the ways and means committee be changed to that of '1egislative'' committee, which was adopted. Under the name of ways and means the report stated that the work of the committee interfered with the work of the finance committee.
 Division Threatened.
 It looked for a few moments as if the council would divide itself in two factions again when Alderman Burnett presented the miscellaneous committee report rec ommendng the allowing of nine months license to the Metropolitan Cigar company and to the Merchants and Me chanics' Trust company. Alderman Gra- ham Perdue entered an objection stating that 1t could not be legally done. Bur nett replied that the council had granted such things before, which brought back Perdues reply that even that could not make the allowing of a nine-months H. cense legal. He then read from the city code which stated that all licenses must run from January 1 to December 31, un- l less taken out after July 1, when a six months license would be granted. Cooper asked to disallow the report and Gambiil moved to table. Several aldermen put in objections and suggestions, which finally resulted in Acting President Gregg ruling everything out of order and sending the report to the finance and judiciary com- mittee.
 Over half an hour was spent by the council in discussing the condemning of an old, untenanted negro house on No Ian avenue Fountain Heights. Gambill read a report from Fire Chief Bennett, Street Commissioner McCartin and Mayor O'Brien recommending that the building be condemned Gambill asked for unan-
 
 imous adoption, which Estes held up by asking that it be referred to the 5u- dietary committee, stating that he wanted the matter to be legally handled. The matter had previously been referred to the chief, commissioner and Mayor by the board.
 After everybody had spoken from three to six times on the subject the sugges- ton was made that the owners of the building be requested to tear 1t down and if they refused then to refer the matter to the committee and city attor- ney and take steps toward removing the house. This was put to vote and car ried, Estes being the only one to vote no"
 Would Isolate Fowls.
 Gambill again stirred up the aldermen by introducing a resolution providing that no building for the keeping of ducks, geese, chickens or other fowls shall be