The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-11-27
Licenses Are to Be Cancelled and No Others Allowed
 to Operate Here
CARRYING HUNDREDS
 OF LABORERS AWAY
Exum Explains Situation to Com missioners and They at Once Take Favorable Action to Remedy
 the Situation

What is considered a Solar Plexus blow was given labor agents yesterday by the commissioners. In accordance with a mo- ton of President Culpepper Exum their licenses are to be cancelled, further H. censes are not to be granted and re- funds will be made by Ar. Exum to those who have secured licenses here recently to export labor from this com munity
 The action of the commission followed complaint made by the corporation heads that something be done to prevent labor agents from other points taking away the worxmen of Birmingham. 1t appears that agents from Virginia and other states, by paying the city small fee have been legally authorized to ship carloads of workmen from the Birming- ham district The inclination of negroes to ride free was a strong point in favor of the agents, and it is said they have secured hundreds and carried them far from home.
 Explains the Situation President Exum stated these facts to the commission yesterday: T have been importuned by industrial men to give them relief from the activities of the labor emissaries. l am told that they have been exporting hundreds of men from this community and the industrial corporations need that labor as badly as any district
 ''As a sample of their efforts I recall that late Saturday afternoon one of the agents wanted a license and I refused to give 1t to him because the offices were closed and MT. Boggan was at home That agent went to Boggan's home and the collector not knowing my position on the natter for l had informed the agent he would not get the license, is- sued one for $250. the regular fee. He
 went straight to work getting men out of here and l have not seen him since that time.
 l q would be pleased if the commission will authorize the city attorney to pre- pare a resolution repeating that section af the city revenue bill relative to labor agents. That should be done immedi- ately. I would also be pleased if you will | authorize me to cancel the licenses all ready issued and make proportionate re- l funds on the amount paid so the agents will not lose their money. Then l am
 in favor of never allowing a labor agent | license in this city.
 The question Is a very serious one,
 and I believe action should be taken
 at once"
 Exum's Request Granted | The requests of MT. Exum in every par | ticular were acted upon favorably by the commissioners and the city attorney will have his part of the work completed this morning. MT. Exum said he had the names of six of the agents that have been operating in Birmingham. Those men will get their money back in pro- portion to the time they have been op- eratIng in the Birmingham district, ac- cording to MT. Exum.
 He added by way of explanation that 9 report from Chief of Police George II. Bodelxer was to the effect that six of the agents had been arrested and re- uuired to give bond. It was said their bonds were rather steep as the city is determined to rid the municipality of the agents if there Is any law to cover the case.
 The labor agents have now allied against them the industrial corporations of the district the Coal Operators as- sociation, the police of this city. the pri- vate investigation of the various com panies here and the commissioners
 The commissioners instructed the police yesterday to keep sharp lookout for the agents that are said to be here now and take such action as has been authorized by the commissioners in session yester- day.