The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-08-17
Motion Makes Address

In accepting the cane MT. Motion made the following address in which is con tainel many references of q caustic va riety.
 "Scon after I entered into this fight against my friend, Joe Allen. my wife wrote me from far away Germany that she was scanning the newspapers to see when Mr. Allen had oaned me. Yesterday little bird flew into my office to warn me that the caning Jay was close at hand, SO at once commenced a preparation of arms and ammunition used on such oc- oasions.
 This testimonial of the indorsement and approval of the part which have taken in opposing the proposed enormous in- creases in valuations of our property for taxation is most highly appreciated.
 T take it that the taxpayers of Jeffer- son county have it in their hearts to say to me and to others who have prosecuted this fight, well done, thou good and faith full servants: keep up the fight
 T have given considerable time and thought to this subject. and to my mind and way of thinking we have scored q grea, victory-a victory in more ways than one-a victory worth much to our people for the present and futurs.
 We have saved the taxpayers of Jef- ferson county at least half a million dol- lars in the matter of taxes for the year 1912: how much in the years to come cannot estimate.
 We have taught the state administra- ton that the people of this county demand a square deal and will not submit to fur ther discrimination and imposition. such as I believe was deliberately planned.
 We have taught the people to know they have legal rights which cannot be taken away from them by the powers that be- if they. the dear people, dare stand up and fight for those rights so well guaranteed by our constitution and laws, and cannot be taken away without due process of law We lave justice and the law on our side in this controversy, the governors opinion to the contrary not wthstanding.
 We have enlightened our people as to the fact that while justice demands equal ity and uniformity in taxation, under ex- sting laws. as enforced for several years such thing as equalization has not been aimed al or attempted The game Of hold up has been much easier to prac- tice.
 Local Self Government
 This fight has taught us the importance Of lccal self-government and 1 would sav that for our county no form of gov ernmcnt can be better. We fully realize the danger of having the taxing inachin- cry ir the hands of outside men. who know nothing about values, make no pre- tense at equalization. care not snap for our yeople. and feel no responsibility to us fer their acts and conductr-the chief aim and purpose being to raise the money in the easiest possible way.
 We have shown up one of the greal evils of the fee system in< having the county tax commissioner dependent for his compensation on the fees secured on all raises. and under this system the temp tation to raise all values, whether justified or not, is very great.
 "We hope we have made the office of tax commissioner of Jefferson county less remunerative. and therefore less attrac- tive. than heretofore regarded. If not we must make 1t so.
 Not Based on Speculation
 q trust we have been instrumental in showing to the tax assessors, tax commis- sioners and the taxpayers themselves that the law does not intend that valuations shall be based on sales made for specula- tion or on a gamble. Equalization iS the first principle which should gover0 and control those who assess property, and next to that values. should be ascertained, where practicable. by the income from property if improved. and if not improved. what would be it's income if improved in a reasonable way. It is we'll that our tax payers remember this. and be guided ac-