The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-10-01
EXUM RETURNS IN FINE HEALTH READY FOR THE HARD WORK Greeted by Friends at Ter minal, He Hurries to City
 Hall for Conference GOES OVER BUDGET
 WITH COLLEAGUES Solving in Financial Problem Is Big Question Which Will Face Com
 missioners at Their
 Meeting Today

Whistling T Am Going Back to D-i-x-i-e," accompanied by his wife and three children appearing the picture of health and the mould of fashion, and greeted at the train by a half score of personal friends Culpepper Exum, pres ident of the city commission, returned home yesterday In bold contrast to his fatigued appearance when he left here several weeks ago, the official possessed a rugged front, his eyes gleamed and he smiled with evident qualification when he sallied forth from the Terminal and gazed down Fifth avenue, which was dotter with Yellow Jackets" His green hat was tilted to an acute angle and he wore golden "pince neg"
 MT Exum, immediately after he greeted MT. and Mrs. Alburto Martin Throckmorton, the latter sister to Mrs. Exum, Erskine Ramsay, Robert A. Brown, his Private Secretary H. Scud- der Ryall and representatives of the press. went to the city hall. He re- turned from a vacation to face the end ing the fiscal year when the budget must be prepared. President Exum after reaching his office was greeted warmly by Commissioner James Weath- erly, Judge A. O. Lane and other of- cials there. The three commissioners immediately went into an informal dis cussion of the budget which must be acted upon at the commission meeting today.
 It was considered hard luck for such guge problem to loom up before the returned official even before he went to his home, yet the president faced it without hesitation. MT. Exum and the commissioners did not have any statement to give out following the conference. It was said that estimates as to what sum of money was to be had been received for consideration and were being looked over by the commissioners. However the figures were such that Mir Exum wished to look them over last night before any final action was taken or even tentatively agreed to.
 Budget About $9O0,OOO
 From unofficial sources it was learned yesterday that something like s900,00O would be the size of the budget for the incoming year. That amount will be appropriated to operate the city government and will still leave the city in debt something like $500, ,000 or perhaps more. MT. Exum being un- acquainted with the exact situation and possessing no recent figures was not inclined to discuss financial affairs, but it is understood he will devote consid- erable thought to that question during the next day or two. Whether the city will be compelled to ask some good banker to relieve the temporary em- barrassment has not been determined. Whether that will be done is known only to the commissioners and they have not indicated to any outsiders what will be the answer.
 The deficit existing, it is said, is placed nominally at sSoo0Oo, while as a matter of fact, the deficit will be more by reason of the expense of erecting the jail and re- pairing the Ensley High school.
 After talking budget. deficit and other financial matters. President Exum went to his home on Highland avenue During the early evening a number of personal friends called to pay their respects to MT. and Mrs. Exum. He will participate in the commission meeting this morning.
 Enjoyed Rest Very Much
 'I enjoyed my rest very much,' said MT. Exum as he jauntily walked through the big terminal waiting room. Tt was needed, I asure you, flor last summer 1 left Birmingham only TOT a short time and remained here during the height of the hot season. We remained in Atlantic City several Weeks. toured through the ended in New York for week or more. l enjoyed the entire trip to the fullest. Physically l am all right now, but must exercise due care with my health. In a general way everything Is fine. I am very glad to get back to Birmingham. for. although one finds attractive places and interesting people away from home. the main place is right here. So far as l am concerned, Birmingham is the only real live place on the map.
 Tn the east everyone Is entirely optim- istic Business Is good and the outlook is exceptionally fine. From all reports this year is to be the exceptional one for pros perity. especially in view of the fact that a President is to be elected.
 Wilson will surely be elected from what everyone says. There seems to be a general wave for the governor of New Jersey which will land him in the White House,