The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-03
 Polls in Sixteen Wards Will Open at 8 O'clock and
 Close at 6 FINAL STATEMENTS
 BY COMMISSIONERS Believe Voters Will Indorse PrOposi- ton But They Hope for Large Enough Majority to Make
 It Very Decisive

At o'clock this morning voting places will be thrown open in 16 wards or Greater Birmingham and the voters will flock thither to grant or refuse the first crucial request of the Board of Commits sioners since Birmingham adopted that form of municipal management.
 The bond election for the issuance of s, ,S0O,OOO will take place today. Until 6 O clock this afternoon the ballots will pour into the various boxes and shortly thereafter the board of three commits sioners and the people of Birmingham and elsewhere will know the result.
 All Feel Optimistic
 The commissioners and business men of the city who have taken the most active lead in the fight are decidedly optimistic about the result. The only point upon which they are not at rest is the size of the majority in favor of the bond issue.
 The commissioners in making their last appeal to the voters to back them up on this request said there were six points to be borne in mind today which they hoped would not be overlooked. They were: l. Vote early.
 ?. Don't fail to vote, as every vote will mean that much greater confidence in the commission government. 8. If possible spend some time at the polls helping out the proposition. 4. Don't imagine that every vote is not needed. It is.
 5. See that each employe is permitted to vote early.
 6. Remember that any forgetful friend may add to the majority, so remind him to vote.
 Statements By Commissioners The thres>eommissioner when seen for final statements yesterday readily con- scented to talk.
 | President Culpepper Exum said: | "On the eve of the bond election I feel sure the issue will meet with approval l from the voters. We have tried, and | think succeeded, in demonstrating that the proposition is the only safe and busi- ness-lilke way of paying our municipa, debts. I am sure the voters believe in business management and in paying honest obligations.
 | operate successfully where there are out standing financial obligations unpro- tected.
 '"The people of this city, I believe, elect ed me mayor on the idea that I was a plain business man. I ann I unhesitat- ingly say to my friends that on the bond proposition have been guided as would have been in the management of any com- mercial enterprise with which I had been entrusted by any set of stockholders. Tn other words it is plain business proposi- ton, clearly and logically. I see TO relief In sight for Birmingham unless we meet these obligations and free of the city this overwhelming load now being borne.'
 Commissioner James Weatherly said
 q believe the issue has been given such clear exploitation as to warrant the opinion that our request will be voted for overwhelmingly.
 "rhe issue is one clearly logical and one in which each citizen of this city is deeply interested. am of the opinion that if the voters turn out to vote the majority for the proposition will be over- whemng.'
 Commissioner A. o. Lane said:
 ''There cannot be any doubt as to the result of the election today "The people am sure believe we are trying to get Birmingham in shape for business. We have tried to perform our work we'll and after mature deliberation and examina- ton we found the bond issue imperative It could not be evaded and believe the people understand that"