The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-02-17

Montgomery, February 1e.-(special) ) The Birmingham commission govern ment bill won out this afternoon by q score of 90 to o.,
 The result followed an agreement on a compromise reached by the members of the Jefferson delegation this morning at 8 o'clock.
 Following the announcement by Rep resentative Percy that the Jefferson delegation had agreed and would vote unanimously for the first time on big proposition love feast ensued. Fig uratively, the members of the delega- tion fell into the arms of each other, and other representatives applauded the action.
 Representative Greene of Dallas, fol- lowing the disposition of the prelimi- naries before the vote on the final pas sage of the bill, paid Jefferson county and Birmingham glowing tribute. in which he declared the two the crown ing jewel in the crest of Alabama. He declared that instead of being jealous of the Imperial county. the other coun- ties are proud of Jefferson.
 The vote was then taken with the result indicated above. The announce ment of the ballot was followed by cheering from every section of the house.
 Percy Makes Explanation 7
 MT. Percy as soon as the bill was called from the calender spoke. He said; 5s..5 ,ss.ss.... ,.s ..
 For some years there has been a sentiment in Birmingham favorable to government of cities by commission. Recently this sentiment crystallzed and the expression of the people In an elec- tion was practically unanimous
 ''The delegation from Jefferson coun ty favors and have always favored the idea of commission government. But there was a difference of opinion among us as to how the idea should be ap- piled. But I am happy to state that we have agreed. and with the amenu- ments to be offered we will support the pending bill unanimously. l am happy because of the agreement on ac- count of the embarrassment which would be the portion of other members had we continued to differ. And am happy, too, because continued diner- ences might have led to consequences which we could not have anticipated Continued differences. too. might nave resulted in the crippling of the bill, end might have caused great trouble to the city, m the service of which we are heartily interested.
 "In order that we might reach an agreement there was conference be- tween the members of the delegation and the senator from the county Of Jefferson.
 Each of us sacrificed individual opin- ions, and have agreed on every detail of the bill AS a result amendments will be offered whereby the number of com missioners will be three, one of whom shall be the present mayor and two or whom shall be named by the governor The governor was kind enough to indi- cate the two men whom he will appoint, although he has retained the right to re- feet either or both of the men If charges are preferred against them and sustained. This was proper course. as we see 1t.
 q wish to thank the members of this house for the interest that they have taken and shown in Birmingham and Jefferson county and think 1t truely re- markable that there is practically a total absence of all spirit of jealousy on the part of representatives of smaller coun- ties"
 The Vote Taken
 Mir Percy was warmly applauded as he took his seat. Representative O'Neill then addressed the house, concurring in the remarks of MT. Percy concerning the agreement which had been reached, and which precluded the necessity of a warm debate and heated battle
 Following Mir O'Neill's remarks the clerk read the amendment of the commit tee, which amendment is not of great i'm portance, referring simply to the method which the probate judge must employ in determining whether or not petitions Tor recall are signed by the requisite number of qualified voters. The amendment was unanimously adopted.
 Then followed the reading of the amendments agreed upon by the members of the delegation, the agreement which cbviated the big fight that was imminent. These amendments were unanimously adopted.
 Then followed the reading of the bill. and the final vote
 The measure will immediately go to the senate and will eventually reach the desk of the governor. Excluding the pos- sibility of some sections of the bill being found unconstitutional. and tha. possi- bility is not seriously considered. there Is nothing which can prevent Birmingham teing governed in the near future by a commission. This means. of course, the abolition of the present aldermanic sys- tenn, against which so much criticism has in recent years been directed.
 The Three Commissioners
 If the bill is enacted Into law-and it will be-and If no charges are preferred and sustained against each or all-and such contingency Is not to be consid- ered-the following win serve an the first commissioners of Birmingham: Mayor Exum. A. o. Lane and Harry Jones.
 In the opinion of many, people of the state, to whom the members of the com mission are well known, Birmingham ss most fortunate in the selection of the above named trio. ss.t
 Each of the members has served as