The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-05-05
F|VE-CENT FARE
 IS A PROBABILITY
Matter Comes Up Before
 Commission Today
THE VIADUCTHEARING
Is Passed By Judge Lane Until Next Thursday-Weather and Exum Make Inspection
 Trip

It Is probable that after today the eiti- zens of Birmingham residing in Pratt City, Ensley and Wylam will have all that ride for cents. At the meeting of the commissioners this morning that ques- tion will come up following a resolution introduced by Commissioner Lane several days ago, and held up for consideration until the meeting today. President Ford of the Birmingham Railway, Light and Power company will appear before the commissioners. He has been making a careful study of the 5cent fare proposi- tion, and would have reported to the City Council about this time had that body not been superseded by the commission CTS.
 MT. Ford has stated that if the company could reduce the fare to cents and make any profit 1t would be done. He said, however. thorough checking of the traf- flc must be made before any decision could be reached.
 It Is stated this work Is complete and MT. Ford will either grant the 5-cent fare or will not consent In the latter event it is probable that the commission will crder the reduction to be made.
 Commissioner Lane is very much in earnest about the reduction. It Is readily understood that he cannot say so much, but 1t Is the conviction of the city au- thorities that he will vote today to make the reduction It is probematical what position will be taken by President Exum and Commissioner Weatherly. It Is stated, however, that they also favor the reduction.
 In addition to this question being before the commissioners there are many others of importance.
 The commissioners will meet at 10 o'clock, at which time 1t Is expected the 5-cent fare will be entered Following this question will be others for discussion.
 Extensive Inspection Made
 Commissioners Weatherly and Exum yesterday made an extensive inspection Of the city street improvements under way, while Commissioner Lane remained at the city hall and received number of persons desiring audiences.
 Among the prominent men calling upon Commissioner Lane was Walker Percy, author of the commission bill under which the three commissioners work, and a staunch friend and admirer of Jude Lane. MT. Percy and Commissioner Lane held an extended conference upon some public questions. Neither would comment upon their discussion when it was concluded. The inspection of Commissioners Weath- erly and Exum was made in the automo- bile of MT. Exum and was of work in all parts of the city. They returned to the city hall late in the afternoon. It is expected that several surprises will be handed out by the governing body at the meeting today If not, then perhaps Tues day.
 Viaduct Hearing Passed By request of railroad attorneys Com missioner Lane has passed the viaduct question from today until next Thursday The settlement of the vaduct proposal was to have been attempted by Judge Lane today. The attorneys were to pre- sent each side of the case to the com mssioners, and thereupon he was to de- eide whether Sloss crossing was to be pro- vided with viaduct.
 He said yesterday that attorneys for the companies had requested a postponement of the question until Thursday In order to get some data prepared on the subject | Judge Lane assented to the postpone ment.