The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-19

After attending a meeting of the board of directors of the state business league, President J. B. Babb of that association, who is secretary of the local Chamber of Commerce, returned from Montgomery last night. He presided at a meeting af the board yesterday, subsequent to which he mingled with the lawmakers now in session and sounded them upon some legislation of vital concern to Birming- ham. He said the indications pointed strongly to Birmingham getting relief of the fee system and other reforms.
 He said:
 While my trip to Montgomery was primarily to attend the meeting of our lawmakers. The people all through the state have a fine grasp on our Birming- ham affairs and their representatives at Montgomery are wonderfully we'll in formed on our local needs. The prevail ing sentiment seems to be that we will get commission form of government here without any serious trouble. The bill of MT. Percy, which was introduced yesterday. was received with great deal ioOiA>~@
 champion of the commission form of gov ernment and a leader on that issue. There is no serious question in the minds or the lawmakers but what the commission form is best for larger cities. They Know pretty well of affairs up here and are willing to give this city almost anything that is requested.
 "The lawmakers are down to buslhess TOW and rapid work will be the result.
 
 well received by the legislators ana cre- ated a profound impression.
 That the police department would secure a civil service for the members and that the lawmakers were fine lot were the concessions of John Wren. one Of the local detectives who attended the inau- suration ceremonies to protect the great hosts from depredations of '1ight-nngsred gentry" He returned last night With Detective Sigsbee, his partner in the secret service work, both of whom have been assisting Chief George H. Bodeker
 MT. Wren said: "Chief Bodeker will be in Montgomery working for the department for few days longer. He has been given the positive assurances or many Ia wmakers that the civil service system for the department is progressive ana highly to be desired. He Is working like Trojan to get the civil service TOT us and think he will be successful. s.When all Is said and done, the argu- ments for civil service are all on one side We policemen work all of our lives to protect a city and it's people from harm, and when we get old and decrepit we are forced to leave the service and make a living for ourselves and those dependant upon us the best way we can- You know we should not be compelled to rely upon the whims of politician for our Jobs nor should we be unprovided for when the days of our old age come. That is the logic and meat of our petition to the lawmakers of this greae big progressive state and surely they cannot refuse us such a morsel of satisfaction. In addf, ton. the longer a man is in the service | the better he can discharge the duties of the office Wisdom only comes with age | and when we secure the former we should not be put out of a job"
 pr. w. S. Ro,lntree of wylam re- | turned last night from Montgomery where he has been for the past few | days.
 | He was accompanied by several | friends who remained at the capital to see the lawmakers in session and to | mingie with them. Dr. Rountree Is in I terested in some medical legislation and | m1nSied Ifeely Wltll tne dSseiipieu icSiS- 1 lalors.
 "rhe only thing that can be said is | that the present legislature are fine set of men. able. well balanced and per l fectly capable and willing to lend their aid to Alabama's development and prog ress,' said Dr. Rountree. 1.-The prevailing sentiment seems to be | that Birmingham will get commission | form of government, local option VII l prevail ii the smaller counties and the larger cities will be given such lesisla- | tion and restriction as is consistent with wise desc1eet legislation"
 i E. S. Brazelton, who visited friends m | Montgomery during the inaugural cere' l monies returned last night. He was there several days and was frequent l visitor to the visitors gallery. | "I was very much interested in the | debates and activities of the legislators, | said MT. Brazelton yesterday. .. | ",rhey are hard at work and will grind 1 out some legislation that will help Ala. | bama.
 ..,rhe message of Governor O'Neal which sent a thrust or two at the abom. inable fee system created favorable com. | rent and will result favorably, accord. | ir / to the freest expression"
 For the purpose of conferring witt State Superintendent of Education VII linsham on some legislation anent edu cational work. Dr. J.. H Phillips, su
 perintendent of the Birmingham schoois