The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-02
By CLYDE W. ENNIS

Montgomery. March 1.-(Special) )-That he would appoint Harry Jones and Judg' A. O. Lane. heretofore agreed upon. as associate commissioners, with Mayor Txum. was the practical assurance given the Birmingham delegation today by Gov. Emmet O'Neal.
 His only qualifying passage was that this would be the commission unless charges were filed and sustained against these men. He hastily added that nc charges had been filed with him and un- less they were signed and written he would disregard all wild rumors. Gov srnor ONeal said he has heard many rumors as to alleged charges but no oral sort would be considered for a moment by him.
 As result of the statement by Gov ernor O'Neal the Birmingham delegation was very much encouraged to believe that their errand to Montgomery was not in vain.
 The assurance as to the men and as tc the alleged charges were two strong points given by Gov. Emmet O'Neal wher he made a short speech today before the delegation of about 75 business men oi Birmiy ,ham who called en masse to in dorse larry Jones, Cuipepper Exum and Judge \. O. Lane as the first three com mission ITS of Birmingham.
 In Supreme Court Room
 Standing in the dignifed room of the supreme court of Alabama Governor o'Neal faced and heard addresses from a half dozen of Birminghams leading business men, which lauded the three proposed commissioners and which were the reflection of the sentiment of the remainder of the delega ation
 Governor O'Neal, in his speech made it plain that he was thoroughly in touch with the Birmingham commission situa. ton and said his ambition was to pro- vide Birmingham with three men whe would tend to make the city model oi civic uprightness and tnis not only te Alabama but of the entire United States.
 The arrival of6tae delegation here and visit to Governf Meal was one of the most interestinj >nts. according tc Montgomery fy which has taker place since thy x ure has been ir session. They Eaw over the fact that such men Ge ' in the delega- tion should leave their business and al their own expense come to Montgomery to indorse commissioners. And in his ad- dress to the delegation Governor O'Neal pointed out that he was more than pleased that such a truly representative gath ering had called upon him.
 Governor O'Neals Speech
 The speech of Governor O'Neal. made in reply to a half dozen by the Bir- mngham men, follows:
 "I appreciate very much the visit of this delegation of Birmingham men. fully realize that you represent the best thought and progressiveness of Birmng- ham. I know you have been prompted by unselfish motives in coming to me and giving light upon this subject, which is very serious to both you and me.
 "A public office Is a public trust and want to say that 1t is a grave respon sibility for the governor to be vested with appointive power. I do not think this great power Is given to him t( further personal ends or to subseyve sel- fish interests or to perpetuate any selfs policies.
 T wish to say to you that will not appoint any man to any office whom do not believe is worthy and a good straightforward citizen. You of Birming- ham desire change of your city gov ernment because the present system Is inefficient in meeting and solving your problems. We may learn lesson from the system of the past but the commis- sion form of government Is truly one oi experiment. If you get good men in as commissioners you will have good sys- tenn; if you get bad men in you vii have to suffer the consequences of the selection.
 "When the Jefferson county delega tion came to me and said they had agreed upon three men for the places of commissioners of Birmingham I said If they came to me and were united that agreed I would look upon their requests as equal to a command. and would give 1t grave and serious con alteration. And that l would appoint whomsoevcr they recommended pro- vided no charges were filed agains, them and sustained. I will appoint the men agreed upon unless my provisu Is violated.
 Right here I desire to say that ab- solutely no charges have been filed in my office by any persons against the men in Birmingham. And further. be- fore I will take cognizance of any charges they must be in writing. signed and delivered into my hands, And will not hold the question open very much longer for charges.
 Tremendous applause greeted this ut- terance of Governor O'Neal. as 1t means practically that the errand of the Exum