The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-04-24


agricultural education for the farming
w. s. Mudd
Mr. Percy introduced W. 8. Mudd, who
made the frank statement that he wanted
to go to the legislature. He felt that he
could do something for the general good
OF the people of his county and state in
the passage of beneficial laws. He favors
better conditions for the working men,
better schools and roads. He said that
he came from an old family Of the dis
frict, was born here, and has lived in the
county all his life. His interests are here
and he feels that he wants to do some
thing for the advancement of the county
and state. He was brief and was APP
plauded generously.
b. A. Thompson
Mr.. Mudd introduced B. A. Thompson,
who made a short talk He declared that
he had the Endorsement Of no faction or
Interest in the county for the legislaa
ture but he was running on his own mer-
its and individually for the best interests
of the people, whom he would serve II
elected. He declared that Alabama had
been torn with contention for q number
of years and advised moderation and
peace, He reviewed the bad effects of
the fee system in Jefferson county and
PROMISED Ludt IL clcCtcu lie WOuiQ 40 oil III
his power to correct the Objectionable sys-
tenn that is doing great harm in Birirning-
ham and Jefferson county He declared
that the fee system is not only bad In IT.
self, but that 1t has debauched the cleo
lions of the county. He said that not less
than $45 600 was spent by the various can
didates for sheriff at the recent pri-
mary. He advocated better schools and
good roads.
w. e. Urauhnrt
Mr. Thompson introduced w. e. Urqu-
hart. Mr.. Urquhart said that while he
was a member of the last legislature he
began work that he would like to be
given an opportunity to complete. One Of
the main things was a commission form
of government for Birmingham, which,
while local in way would affect indi-
rectly every citizen of the county and
state as all are Interested in clean, hon.
est government. He advocated some re-
form in the school text book system. He
said that patrons of schools should be
allowed to buy the books adopted by the
commission from any dealer at any price
they could and not be compelled to buy
through one distributing channel at set
price. He said that It was his under
standing that books must bear the stamp
Of the distributing dealer before 1t would
be accepted in the schools. He also adj
proves unworthy through any cause or
act the people should have the right to
call an election to name his successor at
any time He opposes all states for can
didates and attacked the method Of nam
Ing a slate OF candidates for the legisa-
ture or any other offices by a few people
to represent 10000 votoers.
John A. Lusk
Mr.. Urquhart introduced John A. Lusk
who briefly reviewed the duties Of the fed
eral and state railroad commissions and
the important duties of the Office of rail-
road commissioner. He made his argu-
ment very plain and his hearers seemed
to be favorably Impressed with his state
ments. He showed how the office of the
railroad commission affects the people
and how the office can be made to safe
guard the interests of those who have to
deal with public service corporations He
also showed how It Is the duty Of the
commission to also protect the interests
Of tine corporations. He declared that no
commissioner should be oppressive to
either side. The commission Is q media
tor between the people and the corpora
tons. and the men who hold the OFFICES
should be conservative men who would
deal with conditions and questions Impair