The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-10-19
Extra Session Needed
Admits GODernOr O'Nedl


and may not do so for several days. But
there is no doubt that he believes he has
the power to fill the vacancy by appoint
ment, and there is thought TO be a strong
Likelihood that he will follow that course.
As to an Extra Session
Many prominent people throughout the
state are urging the governor to call to-
gether the legislature. He may do so,
but he Judiciously refrains from express
ing an opinion in the matter He admits
the need of legislative session. and does
not hesitate to express his views as to the
Importance of certain new laws but he
declines to say whether or not he will
assemble the state solons
To The Age-Herald correspondent the
governor said:
1T is true that have been asked
TO call the legislature into special ses-
sion. I realize the almost imperative
need of many new laws, and were l to
issue the call l should most certainly
ask the legislature to consider cer-
tain important measures. L should ask
for legislation providing for a scheme
of judicial reform: a revised method
of taxation, and would recommend an
amendment to the constitution pro-
viding for local taxation for public
school purposes. These and other i'm
portant measures | should recon-
mend, but have not decided whether
I shall assemble the legislature
Governor O'Neal' Will probably not de-
eide that question for several weeks
Should he call for an extra session, he
would unquestionably ask for short
session. and would wish it understood
that only measures would be considered
that would prove of a beneficial nature
to the entire state. He admits the need Of
new laws for Jefferson county abolishing
the fee system. and that important re-
form would be incorporated in his call
but would the legislature stop at the con-
sideration of such salutory measures as
might appear to the governor and promi-
nent members of the two houses as the
most necessary?
Were the governor able to decide that
question there is scarcely any doubt that
he would delay many days before issuing
the call Ten or 10 days would be suf-
fcient." said the governor, for the legis-
lature to enact such laws as are really
necessary. But is 1t not probable that
the state might be put to the expense of
so days session, with little or no real
results?" Echo does not answer
Plan of Certain Members
There are some members OF the legisla-
ture who would respond to the COVER
hor's call for a special session with tha
purpose in view of benefting the state
and their immediate counties Several in
fuential leaders Of the house and senate
have given the executive this assurance.
Their idea is that the state should be re-
districted that local taxation for the sup
port of the schools should be provided for
by q constitutional amendment. that the
governor should be authorized to borrow
enough money to tide the state over its
financial difficulties; that the federal
amendment to the constitution providing
for the election of United States senator's
should be ratified. and that many local
laws should be enacted.
The governor may act upon the advice
OF these members and call the legislature
together, depending upon them to keep
the attention OF the solons fixed upon the
business in hand during the short session.
But that is question he has not decided.
and he does not yet know how he will
decide It,