The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-12-05
Executive Unable to An
nOunce Decision About
Extra Sessi0n-TO Give
1t Careful Thought
SPEAKERS CLAIM
EXTRA SESSION
is ONLY METHOD
Governor States That There Is Feel
ing That an Extra Session
Would Cause Busi-
ness Unrest and
Disaster

The extra session question remains
undecided.
The governor of Alabama declared last
night that there was feeling in all parts
of the state that an extra session would
cause business unrest and disaster, that
1t might even be a calamity, and that,
therefore, he must hesitate long and con-
slider carefully decision in the matter.
Stating that he was fully aware Of
the Importance of a reform in the tax
alton methods of the state. the gov
ernor of Alabama told the committee
of Birmingham citizens last night that
he would reopen the question for an
extraordinary session of the state leg
islature and would render a decision
for or against the proposition Just as
speedily as possible"
Expressed by Earnestness
Il confess / have been impressed
with the earnestness with which you
have presented the financial condition
of this city" the governor told the
committee, but 1 cannot decide this
important question tonight 1t is my
duty to consider the welfare of the
entire state. l desire to give the mat
ter my earnest consideration, after
which L promise to do what, in my
opinion, is best for the state as a
whole"
In large room at the Morris hotel last
night was presented the unusual spectacle
of a committee composed of many of the
best known and most influential business
and professional men of the city, who rep
resented the Birmingham Chamber of
Commerce and the citizens of Birmingham
as a whole, pleading with the governor
of the state for an opportunity to raise
their own tax rates and ward off what
they considered a serious calamity in
the way of financial breakdown of the
city government.
Ringing speeches were made by several
present City Commissioner A. o. Lane,
chairman of the committee presided. A
spirit of earnestness and fun recognition
of the Importance of the issue at stake
pervaded the meeting. After the pleas
and prayers from the Jefferson county
members of the legislature and several of
the business and professional men pres
ent, the governor responded and the meet
ing broke UP with a feeling that some
thing had been accomplished.
Among Those Present
Those present included w. p. G. Hard
ing, W. Il. Barnard t. II. Motion, Wal
ker Percy, James II. Tinder NJ Edward
Linnehan. G. C. Ellis, Romaine Boyd,
Henry p. White, f. w. Averyt, w. H..
Kettig. w. w. Crawford, T. C. McDon-
aid, c. A. O'Neil, A. o. Lane, William C.
Radcliffe, r. w. Ewing, j. e. Shelby,
II. U. Sims, the governor and newspaper
men.
Judge Lane opened the meeting with a
short statement of the financial condi-
tions facing Birmingham. Anyone
knows" he said, that the city is unable
to operate upon the basis of taxation
which now exists here. Something must
be done If Birmingham is to maintain
her credit, and the state credit is at
stake as well: for if the credit of Birming-
ham is lost the state will suffer material
ly. The matter is in the hands of the
governor and / believe he will do his
duty as he sees it.
In addition to our financial predca-
ment, we also have the fee system at
stake. I believe all here admit that the
fee system is ruinous and that we need
the extra session also to secure its abol-
ishment."
Mr.. Harding Speaks
"I am a recent convert to the extra
session movement" said w. P. G. Hard
ing, president Of the First National bank
and Chamber of Commerce, but like all
new converts / am thoroughly impressed
with the need of one. We have here a
great city-and its credit is in jeopardy
I know our assessments are not up to
the average of so per cent, but the other
counties are not up to it either.
THE principle of taxation should be
business and and fairness. And raising
the assessment all over the state would
be a laborious task and consume much
time. The tax rate Is now / per cent for
the city, and there is a sacred pledge
by which half of that l per cent must
go for the interest upon the city's indebt-
edness. Birmingham Is the dumping
ground for the convicts of the state She
is called bad Birmingham but she does
not merit the charge.
THE city commission has recently used
the pruning knife. They have lowered
----~--~>---~---->-~------~