The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-25
JOHN w. ALTMAN OFFERS PLAN FOR KIDDING JEFFERSON COUNTY OF
 THE FEE SYSTEM EVIL

To the People of Jefferson County:
 We have heard great deal with reference to the fee systemthe evils thereof etc. Of all know that the fee system of Jefferson County unmxed and mitgated evil We know that in the man it tends toward injustice and oppression, and often develops in the office holder avarcous disregard of the rights and liberties of those who helpless ignorant and without influence. While seriously affects the and helpless yet reaches another, every woman and child Fan this county. kx l. for one, weary of hearing the demagogc office seeker cry that he is against the fee system Have you heard of anything he has done prior to his becoming candidate for fee office indicative of his opposition to the fee ysem Does he offer any remedy? Does he give any plan of procedure (negent oherwise) by which may rid ourselves of this ev Does he show that he could be of assistance when the fight is brought on? Mo- for the most part the cry of the candidate against the fee system is but nsncere and unworthy effort to at votes should be scontenanced One of these who has been most loud in his proesatons this subject has advertised in the newspapers something to this effect that he against the fee system and 'would fight long life lasts The nsncerity of this is sickenng Up to this time have had nothing to say the sub Eject but submit the following to the people of this \ County:
 Section 96 of the Constitution of 1901 provides that, e Legislature shall not enact any law not applicable to all the counties of the Sate regulating costs and charges of cour fees commissions allowances of public off You see therefore that in order abolish the fee sy tenn in this County must amend State Constitution Our last Legislature made it possible for to psh purpose when passed Act February 18th, 1911, follows: sssesssss sss
 Be 1t enacted by the Legislature of Alabama Section That the following amendment to the Constitution of Alabama hereby proposed be submitted the qualified voters of Alabama for their consideration hereinafter set forth, namely: The Legislature of Alabama may here after from time to time by general local laws fix late and alter the costs charges of courts fees commissions allowances salaries to be charged received by any county officer of Jefferson County including the method \ basis of their compensation"
 This proposed amendment will be submitted to the vot the general election in November of this While will only affect Jefferson County will be necessary that the proposition be voted upon all the State of Alabama Section one of article IF of the Constitution of 1901 pro- vdes that proposed amendments to the Constitution be submitted the general election next succeeding the session of the Legislature at which the amendments proposed upon another day appointed by the Legislature not less than three months after the adjournment of the session of the Legislature at which the amendments proposed and in effect that if proposed amendment shall be sub mtted at special election held within three months after the dounment of the Legislature majority of the quail fled electors who voted said election upon the proposed amendment shall determine whether not the amendment shall become part of the Constitution. Section 2s5 of Article IT of the Constitution of 1901 provides in effect that in all elections whether special general no amendment shall be adopted unless it receives the affirmative of majority of all the qualified elec tors who voted at such election. w thus % be @ seen @ n Nb m ppJet 1sctn he affirmative ~o qualified electors who at such election and will counted will this constitutional amendment at election next November and we win then will be up to and to arrange all other details by Now other person has offered any plan scheme @ Tor dan %  this county: Clerk Criminal this
 
 will lead the fight looking Jefferson County believe handle this better than the because of the fact committee November 1910 counties by beats have
 
 the will
 
  of making intelligent Without
  ! fastened generations to eome4
 the carries the November will then be but matter of working the details the of the Legislature and rid of this evil forever I am this will be position all time from April to the November election \ the
 
 
 
 of my yells
 
 really rid
 
  performaneswhat they ti do win benothing defined which will result of the fee Jefferson County \ / Yours respectfully,
 JOHN w. ALTMAN