The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-04-16

VhioittHiCit Ol lilt PiOillDlliOh ioWo.
 Numerous citizens were asked yes terday by sAge-Herald reporters for their opinions on the first week oi commission government. Here is what some of them had to say:
 Arthur Abbott of H. c. Abbott & Bro. T am greatly pleased with the work ol the commission during the past week ano I think that it could hardly be improved on. If the commission keeps up it's good work, and see no reason why 1t should rot, Birmingham will have better gov ernment than ever before"
 Vassar L. Allen, attorney: The work of the commissioners is to be much com mended. The large reduction of expenses which they have made without appdr. ent detriment to the city would seem tc indicate that there was needless expense before. It now looks as If the govern ment of the city was getting down on 2 business basis l am heartily pleased with the first weeks work of the com mission"
 Arle Barber, of the Barber Drug and Seed company "The first weeks work of the commission Is very fine and I am greatly gratifed to see things turning out so fine. l believe that we will have in short time a better city govern ment than ever before in the history of the city of Birmingham I see no req son whatever to fear for the future
 Hill Ferguson, real estate: "The work of the commission during the first week has met my entire approval and l am greatly encouraged at the outlook for the future under the guidance of the com missioners All three are business men of the highest ability and I believe that the city will develop much more in the next four years than it has in the past four"
 James T Gaudin: While I do not ap- prove of every act of the commission during the past week I realize that they must establish a basis of government where they can carry out their plans by former conditions. On the whole. I believe that their work has been good and I expect much more from thern.'
 w V. M. Robertson, Jr., building and loans: However much I may lament certain acts of the commissioners which have affected some of my friends. still I feel that the details of the commis- sioners' work will ultimately lose them selves in the general welfare of all.'
 Sam Blach of J. Blach & Sons: ''The commissioners are doing splendid work and I expect Birmingham to derive great good from their efforts. I am indeed pleased with their first weeks work ana expect to see many more like them
 Job Going. Board of Revenue: 'I have unbounded faith in the success of the 1f ay,f 1d have utmost confidence in our three com missioners The Board of Revenue will uphold the hands of the commissioner and cooperate with them for the eoo' of the city and the county, whose wei fare are so closely inter-related.'
 Dr. E. Hogan, superintendent Hill man hospital: "The commission form n' government is the right thing exactly because it lays the responsibility in mll- ncipal affairs on definite persons. l dc not believe we could have secured more capable or more competent men to in augurate the system in Birmingham.
 Judge Zell Gaston: "The commission form of government Is the best thing that ever happened and I am sure that the men who have been brought forth fortuitously by the citys call are mons the less prepared to make the system york;
 Erie Pettus: "The commissioners have started out in the right direction if they will only keep 1t up. and l am sure that they will keep it up. I am glad that we are in the beginning of what has proven such a successful ex- pertinent in other cities"
 Dr. R. F. Lovelady Board of Revenue q believe that we have three men at the head of our city's affairs who are as capable and just as could have been found. They will make a. success oi the commission form of government as they have already demonstrated by their policy of retrenchment."
 John B. Bethea. real estate: "I have always been in favor of commission government and l am glad that the system has been inaugurated in our city I believe we have three honest conscientious men in charge of af- fairs, and l think we have no cause to fear for the future
 A. M Williamson, cashier American Trust bank: The work of the commis- sion has been all right have nc fault to point out.'
 w c. Hamilton,f assistant cashier American Trust bank: T only wish we had a commission for the state to work so admirably as the Birmingham commissioners
 J. H. Montgomery, postmaster: The commissioners have earned the ap- probation of the people of our city. We should accord them our unhesitatins support"
 Burr Ferguson, manufacturers agent: T am keen for the commission. They are working fine.'
 P. M Shannon. '"Their work suits me fine. yhe personnel is splendid
 w Mudd Martin, capitalist: "I sym pathize for the men who have lost their work throughs the retrenchment of the commissioners. However, the commun- ity at large cannot be expected to lend their support to a top-heavy organiza