The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-06-01
EXTRA SESSION IN AS MUCH DOUBT AS FOR MONTHS PAST But Word Comes From the Capital That Governor
 Is Preparing Call POLITICAL GOSSIP
 OF WIDE INTEREST Some Probable Appointees Under Henderson Administration-Jobs
 to Be Filled in Various
 Departments
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

By HUGH w. ROBERTS
 The governor has succeeded admirably in creating an atmosphere of uncertainty in regard to the extra session of the legislature of winch there has been so much talk.
 Sometime ago there seemed excellent reason to believe that the extra session would be called. The governor had caused a renewal of gossip in view of his statement that there might be an extra session. And in the second place, it was known that there should be an extra session. In the third place, 1t was known that the governor would like to round out his administration by re- forming the Judiciary, redistrictng the state, putting the Jefferson county anti fee amendment into effect and the state of Alabama and certain municipalities on better financial foundations. And to the general belief that there would be an extra session, there was added new pos !. .sibility when the governor told newspa- per reporters at Montevallo that he would call the legislature together.
 
 And then without apparent reason everybody reached the conclusion that there would be no extra session. Certain members of the legislature who have dis tinguished themselves in the cause of prohibition. got to smihng. They declared openly with marvellous assurance that the governor would not call the legislature together. They declared that they had never believed that there would be an extra session. As a matter of fact, they scoffed
 And now without apparent reason, the idea prevails again that the governor Is now performing the arduous task of writing his call, his message to the leg islature, and his proclamation tbat spe- cial elections must be held for the purpose of filling the vacancies which exist in the legislature. There are several can- didates grooming themselves.
 So there is nothins but speculation If the governor intended to create an atmosphere of doubt, 70 precipitate spec ulation out of which comes neither heads nor tails, he has succeeded most emi- nently.
 One of the most significant statements regarding the extra session was made yesterday through the columns of the Age-Herald by the First National bank which has financed the state for con- siderable period of time. ,The institution believes that an extra session is impera- tive.
 The first National bank has always desired an extra session. In view of the fact that there will be new presi- dent at the desk today, the declaration yesterday regarding the inability of the state to pay interest on loans, is judged doubly significant and important.
 Tn regard to an extra session, there mas been gossip in certain quarters to the end that the governor might call the newly elected members of the legislature together in special session following the general election in No, ember. This gos- sip, however, Is considered in we'll in- formed circles absurd. 1t is the general opinion that unless the anti-fee amend ment of Jefferson county is made effec- tive prior to the election of the sheriff of this county in November, it cannot be made effective until the lapse of a period of four years. The governor would hardly go to the extent of calling an extra session without lifting burden which has for ages lain heavily on the shoulders of this coun,y
 As it is taken for granted that the governor would do nothing which would react unfavorably on the administration of his successor. Should he call the members with whom Charles Henderson VIII have to work into a special session, as result of their action taken either at the instance of the governor or be- cause of their antagonism to the gov ernor, precedent would be established from which it would be difficult for them to depart next year.
 It is confidently believed that MT Hen Jensen, were he asked, would interpose objection. for it is generally believed that ne Is very anxious to work in harmony with the lawmakers. to work with them In such manner that their friendship VIII result in untold good for the state and the people of the state
 The best opinion is that if the governor noes call an extra session, it will be an extra session in which the legislators with whom he has had to deal will per- form the labor at hand.
 An interesting political story was brought to Birmingham yesterday-it may be true, it may be merely gossip-which tends to suggest reason why Brooks smith so suddenly retired from the race for state treasurer. As is known. in the primary of April 6. w. l.. Lancaster led m the race for the post of treasurer and MT. Smith ran second The uncover cam m paign was at its white heat point and the issue was one of unusual doubt When MT Smith. without warming announced his retirement. MT. Lancaster finished without opposition.
 According to the story told Mir Lancas- ter will appoint Mir. Smith chief clerk of the treasury department. and will so ar range the salary of the chief clerk that ne will receive a sum equal to S2OO per month a sum greater than he state has tnrough Its law agreed to pay Mir Smith at the time the offer of a compromise was made-if 1t was made-was on the verge of embarkng on the sea of matrimony. HIS friends say that the offer come as great relief. For with his race and his other venture, the popular state official was considerably worried
 IT this story is more than mere gossip, It means that there will be two good men m the treasury department. whereas had the race been run to its ultimate conclu- sion, only one of the two would have re- mained. With MT. Lancaster and Mir. Smith at the helm it is anticipated that the onice will be run very smoothly and to the satisfaction o6all the people
 It IS said on very good authority that Charles Henderson has not handica pned