The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-01-11
Want Lane to Know of Con-
fidence in Him as Man
and Officer
COMMISSIONER GLAD
TO HEAR BOTH SIDES
Stream of Callers at City Hall Prac-
ticalIy All Day to Speak Good
Word for Suspended
Police Chief
by CLYDE w. ENNIS

Without design, but moved by an ap-
parently common impulse in the interest
of Chief George H. Bodeker. large num-
Der of prominent citizens visited Com
missioner A. o. Lane of the department
of Justice yesterday. Practically all day
there was a stream of callers but it was
about noon that the largest number hap
pened in at the same time.
Webb w. Crawford, president of the
American Trust bank. made, 1t is said.
a talk of exceptional strength to Judge
Lane. while Eugene l.. Brown said that
he considered the alleged clamor for the
head of George Bodel<er manufactured.
The talk of William II. kettig. manager
of Crane company. than whom there Is no
better Informed business man in Bir-
mingham, was of private nature, He
was uncommunicative about what was
said and refused to say anything for pub
LEGATION.
Among others who went before Judge
Lane were Frank b. Fowlkes, warm
personal friend of Chief Bodeker; E. G.
Chandler, Basil Manly Allen, w. II. STAN
lev. John B. Rosenstih, Marcus We'll,
Professor Davidson, George w. Pratt,
George Stone of North Birmingham Capt.
j.. V. Allen and T. II. Motion.
Visitors Cordially Received
The visitors were cordially received by
Judge Lane, whose every action indicated
his entire willingness to have the opinion
of citizens as to the puzzlins case that
confronts him in the suspension of Chief
Bodeker He heard with marked atten-
ton the statements of Mr.. Crawford, Mr..
Brown and others of the visitors. He did
not make any announcement to the gen.
tlemen who spoke in behalf of Chief
Bodeker, but indicated that he intended to
go into the whole situation very thor
oughly.
While most of the interviews with Judge
Lane were of a semi-priyate nature 1t
was learned that several points were
stressed by those who spoke in Bodeker' $
behalf. Among other things they claimed
that he had been punished enough, that
he had done nothing dishonorable, that
he was thoroughly efficient officer, that
the suspension order was sufficient dis
cipline for his offense, that the business
men of Birmingham trusted Bodeker and
long record as a good and honorable Of
fioer.
In addition to the personal calls from
well known men of the city and district,
the office of Judge Lane is being deluged
by letters, messages and other written
communications in behalf of the tenn
porarily deposed chief. His telephone is
kept busy by those who are either for or
against the chief.
That he was glad the business men
called upon him and intended to give
what they said careful consideration even
as he would the opposition, was the COM
ment of Judge Lane about yesterday $
visitors.
II am being given information on both
Sides" said Judge Lane. my mind is
absolutely open for the expression of pub
lie opinion, and | am free to say that
| will hear either side. ] received calls
today from large number of warm
friends of Chief Bodeker. I have also
received delegations and individuals on
the opposition side. My office is con-
| stantly crowded with them. | have formed
no conclusion as to what my recommen-
dations to the commissioners will be
| about this matter, but want to get all the
| in formation that | can upon which to
base my recommendations to my asso-
lciatee -