The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-17

Wnlle ID regular meeting ol thc mingham Commission is slated for to- day. there will perhaps occur one to hear few special complaints.
 Chief among them, 1t Is stated Is that of the Ensley lawyers opposing re-elec- tion of Recorder Harris to his present position at Ensley.
 It was stated yesterday by Robert Dan iel, a prominent member of the Ensley bar, that there was strong opposition to Recorder Harris because of the fact that he was a furniture dealer rather than an attorney, and 1t was the opinion of the lawyers that no man should pre- side over a court without a fair knowl- edge of the law and before whom men learned in the law must practice their profession,
 Recorder Harris has been in that po- sition since D. F. Sugg was made deputy sheriff by Sheriff Walter K. Nc Adory He is a member of the firm of Harris & Lovelady, furniture merchants, and is popular in the Ensley section.
 It was stated yesterday that the com missioners had been requested In private not to reappont Recorder Harris and
 
 thereof; and in all my acts and doings I will be governed by the rules ap- plicable to the police deparement. So help me God
 Persecution of the Innocent
 q wish to especially emphasize the phra ses-'not persecute the innocent nor help to shield the guilty from pun ishment' One Is equally as bad as the other. Gentlemen that Is solemn oath So help me God
 "If member of the department is not willing and ready to subscribe to the oath it is his duty to step out and say so as a man. You not only call upon man but God to witness your oath and if you are not ready to subscribe to it 1t Is your duty as citizen and man to speak out and give way to some man who will.
 q am acquainted with few of you and without meaning to be vain I will make the statement that when l left the department there was a strong af- lection between the officers and my self, I hope that 1t will be only a snort time before the same feeling is re- e-established. I give you every as- surance that so long as you do your duty the affection will be established on my part.
 Friendship Is Valued
 when I was leaving the police de- rartment for the balance of my days as I thought, the men gave me gift which I regard the most precious token that I posses. It was beautiful watch and 1 cherish no possession more than that watch, not for its intrinsic value but for the affection that prompt ed the gift.
 Not long ago burglars were break ing into the homes in my neighborhood and stealing small trinkets. happened to think one day that a burglar might enter my home and steal that watch. I took it to my office and placed it in a safe where I keep my valuables and used a common watch that l carry. And so you know the very next night the burglar came and took the common watch.
 q have said all that I need to say. I am glad to have met you although l regret the necessity of calling you to- gether. It was with no idea of desc I say l believe that the morals of the city will be greatly benefited.
 q will further say that one main req son 1 became a commissioner was to help rescue the city from the present financial condition. One man cannot see 1t all and if you know of any way by which the city can be saved money re- port 1t to your superior officers and 1t will come to me. If there are no results come direct to me
 "When l took office 1t became neces- sary to cut off certain members of this department and others. It was the most painful duty ever performed. It is always painful to do this but it was absolutely necessary to keep the city from going down in distress.
 Every Man His Brother
 q say to one and all that you need not stand back but consider me as your brother in the service of the city. Come directly to me. So long as you do your duty you are on an equal foot ing and if you do not. no matter who you are you must leave the service of the cit of Birmingham if I can bring 1t about.
 when I took the oath of office swore never to swerve from duty for political obligations. Whether you know me personally or not come to me ard you will stand on the same footing same plane as my dearest