The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-06-21
Primary Law Is First De-
mand Upon Lawmakers
in Special Session
STATE REVENUES MUST
Be INCREASED SOME WAY
Governor Recommends an Investisa-
ton Into Corrupt and Improper
Practices in Connection With
state Legislation

tonight sent special message to the
legislature which convened in extra
ordinary session. He recommends suit
able provision for direct nominations of
ca candidates for public offices, an amend
ment to the resolution providing for an
Investigation into corrupt and improper
practices in connection with legisla-
ton so as to give the committee ample
authority and the consideration of the
financial condition of the state and
the best means to provide additional
revenue.
Governor Hughes in his message says
In part:
ct have convened you in extraor-
binary session in order that appropri-
ate action may be taken with regard
to matters which 1 believe of first i'm
portance to the interests of the peo-
pie of the state.
First, l recommend for your con-
sideration the subject of the amend
ment of the law relating to primaries.
making of suitable provision for direct
nominations of candidates for public
offices, and in connection herewith,
provisions for representative and re-
sponsible party management.
THE people are dissatisfied with ex-
listing conditions and demand Il change.
Whatever may be said of imperfec-
lions in the laws relating to this mat
ter in other jurisdictions there can be
no question but that these laws re-
fleet a wholesome sentiment which is
h. n Io.l
mentalities of party management shall
not be so arranged as to facilitate the
purposes of those who would subvert
government to their selfish advan-
tage.
I'VE must safeguard the purity of
the ballot and protect our general cleo
lions from violence and from fraud,
but to secure the admission OF govern
ment upon a sound basis, we must in
sist not only upon proper methods on
election day, but fair opportunity
within the party on primary day"
In submitting the matter of primary
form the governor includes whatever
further measures may be found advis-
able to safeguard both primaries and
general elections.
The message lays particular stress
on the governors belief that the reso-
luton for an inquiry into corrupt prac-
tees. as adopted by the Legislature, is
inadequate and unsatisfying, and says
1t is important to the public interest
that the authority of the investigating
committee be enlarged.
mo one can favor the exploiting of
baseless rumors or the subsection of the
innocent to unjust and narrowing sus-
picion,' the message says in this regard,
but, on the other hand, every effort
should be made to disclose. and If posi-
BILE, to punish those who have perpetrated
through legislative corruption the great
est wrongs from which the state can suf-
fer. 1t is due to the people of the state
that those who have betrayed their trust
or have poisoned the springs of govern
ment, should be uncovered and branded,
and that whether or not this result can
be attained, the adequacy of measures
taken to that end should be such as to
secure public confidence"
The message goes on to say that the
resolution adopted provides that the COM
mittee Is to proceed upon specified
charge. verified upon knowledge of cor
rupt practices and points out that:
There is danger that its general words
may be limited by the specific language
above mentioned with respect to corrupt
practices. In such a matter there should
be no ambiguity
II also question the limiting of the COM
mittee with respect to charges of official
misconduct against candidates for office
to those that may be received before Sep
TENDER l. 1910.
This may be questioned quite as much
in the interest of those unjustly accused
as in the interest of the people at large.
| Lastly, the governor recommends the
subject of the financial condition of the
state and best means to provide additional
revenue.
| He points out that the appropriations in
| bills passed this year total s139 sol ,224. and
| says that the demands upon the admin
istration are continually increasing with
out the slightest ground for the expecta-
ton that the people will permit any SUBJ
stantial reduction of our activities
| After citing three ways of raising rev.
enues the governor says that the pas
sage of a bill for a progressive inheritance
tax with suitable demand of graduation
which would appeal to the common sense
of fairness might solve in some degree
and perhaps altogether the question OF
procuring the needed increase in reve-
nues."
|