The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-07-23
THREE COUNTY PLAN
SEEMS To HAVE MET
WITH MUCH FAVOR
All the Sections Concerned
Would Be Pleased by
the Change
INTERVIEWS FROM
VARIOUS CITIZENS
Prominent Bessemer Man Thinks 1t Is
Best Suggestion So Far Offered
to Meet the Entire
Situation

The idea of making Birmingham a city
and county of an area of 100 square
miles. has apparently struck popular
chord.
The people OF Jefferson county are over
whelmingly in favor of the plan, and 1t is
intimated that an amendment containing
provisions to the above effect would
sweep the state by a vote greater than
two TO one.
The citizens of the proposed territory
to be known as Birmingham are delighted
because as a result of the naturalization
of the idea, public Golfers will be filled
with money with which municipal I'M
provements can be accomplished The
people of the Bessemer territory are de-
lighted because Incorporated in the plan
is the realization of the dream of Pettus
county. The people of the Warrior terri
tory are pleased because as a result of
the effectiveness of the plan, they and
not the residents of Birmingham. as Is
now the case. will elect their public Of
ficials In other words, they will enjoy
the privileges of local disagreement
Relief for Merchants
The merchants of Birmingham are
unanimous in favor of Birmingham eoun-
ty and city with a single government.
One of the reasons is due to the fact that
they would not be compelled to pay
county tax and license as at present.
The people who would be residents of
the county of Birmingham, but not the
pif or n trOnnlpH n q
whereas they would enjoy all the benefits
of a rich treasury. they would continue
to pay taxes according to county and not
city percentages.
So popular has become the Idea in
other words. and so necessary is consid-
cred its naturalization, that an effort
will be made to have Governor ONeal
include the proposition I'm his call for
the extraordinary session of the legis-
lature which is expected to occur in
January. Should the chief executive
act on the request, a bill providing for
the submission of the amendment could
be enacted with the bill before the
people, little doubt Is entertained but
that the amendment would be success
full In its trials; for 1t has for many
years been a desire on the part of the
state to divide jefferson county and.
therefore, decrease its power in the
matter of legislation.
Ensley Favors Plan
| DR.. e. w. Averyt of Ensley is a res
ident of the suburbs of Birmingham
proper who looks with favor on the
idea of a separate county.
TT seems that the division of JEFF
ferson is the only proposition which
could win through an amendment be-
fore the people. The need of financial
relief Is the only crying need which
Birmingham admits. Ii is necessary
that the people take some action, for
the low rate of taxation and the fact
that two thirds of the eounty's revenue
accrues In Birmingham, indicate that
there is danger offs the city defaulting
In the payment on interest on It's bonds,
Birmingham county would be rich. We
would have schools and pavement and
good roads and courthouses and jails
and hospitals. The people of Ensley,
with whom I have talked favor the
idea Apparently. there is little oppo-
sition."
The sentiment of the people of Bir-
mingham who have studied the prob
lem was expressed yesterday by l. G.
Beatty, Jr., general manager OF the Biz
min CHAM Realty company.
From every angle" stated he, the
proposition looks excellent. In the first
place, there Is reason to believe that an
amendment providing for Birmingham
county would pass In the second place,
the problem when solved would result
in financial comfort to tho residents OF
Birmingham, and would give other sec
lions that which they desire [ believe
that the sooner Birmingham county is
realized the better 1t will be for every
body concerned or interested"
Bessemer Is Unanimous
That Bessemer is unanimously In favor
of the division Of the county was the
statement last night OF r. f. Smith, pres
ident of the Bessemer National bank.
"There are several reasons stated he
why I favor the proposition. With the
division OF the county, Birmingham would
be enabled to meet it's obligations and to
give the people the protection and the
service to which they are entitled. Bes-
semer is entitled TO n county OF its own
The other section which is intended for
the third county is well able to take care
of itself, and I believe will welcome the
opportunity of making good.
I'm all respects, the proposition looks
sane. The citizens of Bessemer will CO.
operate with the citizens Of Birmingham,
and | feel sure that in The near future
the necessary legislation will be accom-