The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-07-06


 the people are demanding in the matter of abolishing some of these schools.
 "The legislature Of 1911 was in lib- eral mood when the subject of agricul- tural and normal schools was up for con- sideration. A glance at the acts of 1911 show some rather liberal amounts. For instance:
 southeast Alabama Agricultural school received an appropriation, for dormitories, of S10.000.
 eRlountsvile school. for dormitories. s10. GOO.
 southwest Alabama school. for dor mitories, S10.0O0
 Fifth District school for dermitories, s750o
 seventh District Agricultural school for dormitories. S1ooo0.
 Northeast Alabama Agricultural school, for dormitories $SO00
 'The Troy normal. s4O,ooo, contingent upon $l0,0o0 being raised from other sources.
 "The Daphne normal. quadrenniaI ap- propriation beginning October 1, 1911, s2500 and totaling s1oOoo.
 Page 416 of the acts of 1911 amends section 1761 of the code and make ap- propriation of S20,000 for normal schools and $5000 for two other nors.,sa s.
 "Moundville normal was given s25,000.
 '1ivingston normal had appropria- tion of s4oooo, payable in four annual in stallments
 Negro normal. Montgomery. s15,Oco for cancelling debts. etc. and S500 annually.
 Florence normal $50.O0O.
 Jacksonville normal s6o.ooo to aid in paving balance due. etc., and making per manent improvements.' All of the above and foregoing appro- prations were contingent upon the gov ernor's approval and could only become available when the condition of the treas ury, in the opinion of the governor, would warrant.
 In addition to these appropriations. the university, Auburn. Montevallo School for Blind. East Lake and various other schools were recipients of the legislatures liberal mind
 Two Normal Schools Needed Tt is generally admitted that two nor mals should ne maintained for whites and one for negroes. If this sentiment prevails and the legislatures should abol- ish all but this number the Troy nor maj and Florence normal will be re- tained for whites and the negro normal at Normal will stand the best chance of being retained. However the past leg lslative history has demonstrated that there will be lots of talk and no abol- ishment.
 Common Schools Appropriation The common schools. the school of the woefully abused CD 'barefooted boy and girl, will be taken care of regardless of what is done with the argireultural and normal schools
 IL would indeed be a sad day for the legislature to fail to provide additional appropriations for the common schools TOT the common pee-puP if you please for all hope of future political prefer ment would be blasted if any member dared oppose this appropriation; and then this subject is such an excellent vehicle Tor carrying the hot air that must be gotten off the system of the members before their return home
 What Will be Done With Convicts? The subject of taking the convcts out or the mines is going to be live sub Ject. Many advocate putting the con- vlets upon the roads, and the arguments advanced are meritorious. Others are preparing bills that have for their ob- ject the support of dependents in the con- vets family. and these measures would give portion of the convictis earning to his dependent family The advocates of the lease system are not in the mi nority by any means. The present con- dition of the states finances will be the strongest argument in favor of the lease system. The revenue derived at present from the hire of convicts is the largest of any of the states departments and 1t is argued by the friends of the lease system that to abolish the sys- tenn would cause not only the loss of net revenue now being received but would also require maintenance fund of practically $1,000,000 for the initial change from lease to road system. It Is admitted that the actual cost of main taining the convicts on the roads would be greater than at present necessary | equipment would have to be provided further a large force of guards, over seeis, etc., would be required Jefferson and several other countit s arc using their county convicts on the roads, but it is said that the fine and | forfeiture funds of these counties are 1 falling way behind as a result. '"The Wallace plan seems to offer the | best solution of working the convicts on | the roads. Briefly this plan Is to lease | tho convicts to the counties for a small | sum, requiring the county to maintain | the convicts and pay the sum direct to the state. Under this system the states | revenue would be large enough to care | for these convicts unfit for work and | also provide funds for state supervis- l ion.
 Redistricting the State '.The most interesting fight will be | over the redistricting the state so as | give 10 congressional district. Here will
 be seen the best political talent in a | hand to hand struggle. Every congress-
 man, it is safe to assume. will oppose any change in the existing districts and again patriots will be in demand. The l only accepted plan to date Is to create | a district with the county of Jeffer- | son. After this Is done 1t will be toss
 up as to other districts, and the chances
 are even for Alabama to continue to be