The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-12
Declines to Discuss Object of Visit to Montgomery
 Last Night
"ONLY SOCIAL VISIT"
 WAS SOLE COMMENT
O'Neal Has Until Next Wednesday to Take Action on Bill Which Is Now Awaiting His
 Signature

Montgomery, March 11.--(Special.)- Somewhat of a crimp was put into the Birmingham commission government situation tonight when ex-Mayo: George B. Ward of the Magic City put in an appearance at the hotel lobby and at 1925 o'clock visited Gov. Emmet O'Neal In the latter's quarters at the Exchange hotel. What was talked about could not be ascertained despite the fact that MT. Ward maintains that he merely shook the governor s hand"
 MT. Ward was In conference with the governor until nearly II o'clock, during which time it is believed that the commission government bill now in the hands of the governor was re- viewed at length. Significance, however. Is attached to the ex-mayor's visit in asmuch as it Is known that a strong backing in Birmingham Is being given to his candidacy for one of the com missionershps. The race Is looked upon as altogether between him and Harry B. Jones. Judge A. o. Lane, being prac- tically agreed upon by all sides as %'he@' cA i<A uiiA OtiiCA aSSOSi6to.
 MT. Ward was seen at his room to- night and asked for an interview re- garding his talk with the governor.
 There Is nothing to say" he an nounced cheerfully. We merely shook hands. The visit was a social one Further insistence failed to secure any satisfaction.
 The governor retired immediately upon the completion of hls interview with MT. Ward, hence no statement could be secured from that quarter
 Whether or not any untoward fate will beset the Birmingham commis- sion government. bill Is conjectural though the impression that prevails Is that 1t will be signed by the governor as 1t now stands. Indications at the present time are, that nothing of q f1nal nature pertaining to the measure will be made known until the last day of grace allowed the measure to re- main on the chief executives desk which will be Wednesday of next week The constitution Is interpreted ir Montgomery to mean that bill car remain In the hands of the governor TOT nNe days without losing its Identity but that it must either be returned tc the legislature on the sixth day. lr which event 1t is vetoed, or signed by the governor. by which 1t is approved or remain dormant on the table in the chief executives office. in which event the measure becomes law of It's own accord
 The commission government bill as amended according to the suggestions of Governor ONeal was returned to the chief executive on Tuesday after noon. The last day of grace allowed if accordingly. would expire on Monday, but fnasmuch as the legislature will not be In session on that day. advan tage will be taken of a further sec tfon in the constitution which pro vides that measures can be returned on the second day following re-conven- ton of the legislature after recess.
 This means that the Birmingham bill may be in the balance until the mid : dle of next week, hough there is all ways the chance that the governor might approve the measure in the in : terim.
 1t Is recognized that the chief exec utive is endeavoring hard to give to the people of Birmingham such a measure will stand the test of time and withstand all opposition His ds- lay Is believed to be occa stoned by a deep study into the merits of the bEl