The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-03-17
O'NEAL VETOES
 THE PASS BILL Sends Back Measure With
 Amendments MESSAGE IS LENGTHY Disbars Deputy Sheriffs and Police From Receiving Passes and Pro- hibits Newspapers From
 Exchanging Space
MESSAGE IS LENGTHY

Governor 1mmet ONeal late this aft ernoon returned to the house of rep resentatives without his approval house bill 147 which sought to give to news papers of Alabama and to sheriffs passes on the railroads. That feature of the bill which seeks to grant the privilege to Confederate soldiers was approved by the chief executive and commended.
 In vetoing the bill the governor took cognizance of the fact that his step was taken against the advice of per sonal and political friends. who, he says, Considering rather my personal and political popularity than the not to be forgotten obligauons of my pub lie duty have believed that might oo well to approve the bill in the form in which it reached me"
 Immediately upon the reception of the measure in the house a fight was made to have tue representatives agree ct once to the proposed amendments, but under the leadership of Speaker Almon the measure, after a lively scrimma ge, was made a special para mount order for 1030 o'clock tomorrow
 
 provisions which are objected to by the governor will endeavor to pass the bill over the veto.
 Original Measure
 Amended as proposed by the governor, the bill would revert to its original form ss written by Representative Green of Dallas county against whose objections the old soldiers feature was burdened with the newspaper pass provisions, and the sheriffs' fees. One change was sug- gested by the chief executive in the origi- nal measure inasmuch as the governor suggested such a revision as would give franks" to all Confederate soldiers, no matter what the age MT. Green shaped the bill to read old soldiers over the age of 64 years.
 The Green measure was put in its pres ent shape upon reaching the senate. when it was amended to include newspaper men and sheriffs.
 The measure as amended was then passed in the house by a narrow margin, and after a brilliant fight, despite the fact that a bill with similar provisions had previously been killed in that body
 Today's Scrimmage
 As soon as the governors message was read in the house today, Representative Arnold moved that the amendments be adopted, to which prompt objection was found from all sections of the hall.
 Speaker Almon who was on the floor, moved that the measure be made par amount continuing order for tomorrow. He urged that the afternoon be spent in passing the revenue bill.
 Representatives Green and Mulkey spoke against pos ponement. but lost out. Representative Mulkey moved to table the Alrnon motion, which was lost.
 The motion to postpone consideration until tomorrow was then put, and pre- vailed by a vote of 51 to 42.
 The Governors Message
 March 16, 1911. To the House of Representatives:
 I herewith return house bill No. 147 without my approval and suggest the following amendments to meet my ob- jections thereto
 l. Srike from the bill the words in lines 19 and 20 as follows: ITO vet eran soldiers of the Confederate army in the civil war of the age of 65 years and over" and insert In lieu thereof the following: "To soldiers who served during the civil war and who are now on the pension rolls or the state of Alabama or the United States, or the widows of such soldiers"
 2. Strike from the bill the words in lines 34 and 35 as follows: "Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs and chiefs of police.
 3. Strike from the bill the words in lines Al, AZ and 43 as follows: Pro vided that newspapers may be allowed to exchange advertising space at cur. rent rates with common carriers for transportation"
 The suggestions of these amendments is not in accord with the advice of per sonal and political friends, who, con- sidering rather my personal and po- ]itical popularity than the not to be forgotten obligations of my public duty, have believed that I might do well to approve the bill in the form in which it reached me. How correct 1y they may apprehend the popular expectation it is not permitted me to inquire, entertaining the fixed convic- tions which I do upon this subject and mindful of the high duties to the peo- rle which the constitution and my oath of office impose upon me, l have no right to speculate upon the effect of my action upon myself and no choice a to the course which I must pursue
 The reasons which have impeled me will eventually. I trust if not now, commend to my fellow citizens the pro priety of these suggested amendments. I am in hearty accord with the senti- meat that would extend every considera- ton and lend every public aid to the needy among those noted men who gave their youth and ease and offered with uilselfish fervor their all in the service of their country. To them and to their widows every thoughtful consideration is due as a matter of highest right The pension roll discloses the names of all of these who have been willing to accept our assistance, and those who have not will