The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-11-06
NINE DIRECTORS OF
 COUNTY TAX LEAGUE CHOSEN YESTERDAY
Much Enthusiasm Mani fested at Meeting-Mem- bers of Incoming Legis-
 lature to Support

Following the large attendance at the Jefferson County Tax league meeting yesterday morning there will be organ ized in Cullman, Huntsville and Decatur today branches of the league designed to correct, with the aid of the forthcom- ing legislature, the tax evils of this state. At the meeting held yesterday morning in the assembly hall of the Chamber of Commerce majority of the members of the county legislative delega- ton were present besides a very large number of influential men who are fight ing to reform the tax laws of the state. Nine directors of the Jefferson county league we're chosen as follows: w. S. Brown, J. D. Moore, E. J. Smyer, Dr. J. c. Curry of Bessemer. D. N. Talley of Trussville, Col. T. o. Smith. P. c. Shook, W. B. Leedy and c. c. Burke of Ensley.
 The election of the directors of the tax league was left over until yesterday for the purpose of getting the work launched and then selecting the directors from among the representative men of this county members of the league.
 P. G. Shook, president of the Chamber of Commerce. called the meeting to order yesterday morning. He expressed grati- fication over the fact that so many busy men had come to the meeting and then relinguished the chair to Eugene L.. Brown, president of the Jefferson county league MT. Brown emphasized the fact that the work at hand was not particu- larly that of Birmingham. but was of interest and vital importance to all the state, For that reason he said the whole state should rally to the support of the movement.
 Legislators-elect Speak
 In addition to MT. Shook and MT. Brown other speakers were E. ]. Smyer, Dr. E. r. Hogan, John D. Weakley. D.. J Copeland and Dr. Felix Tarrant The latter four speakers are members of the Jefferson county legislative delegation.
 Mr. Symer said that the present laws as now in operation were fast sapping and rendering nonoperative the development Of this state, and that some reforms should be made in the tax system. He paid particular attention to the solvent credit tax which created widespread ris- satisfaction when it was first suggested in this county. Mir. Smyer said that in- stead of increasing taxes an effort should be made tu lower them in order that proper encouragement might be given income producing investments in this state. MT. Smyer said there was no equal ization of taxes in Jefferson county. He said that conditions were well nigh in tolerable, as four different officials col lect the taxes, and he commented upon tho excessive fees paid out.
 B. Asbury Thompson said that thespeo- pie wanted to know when they are taxed equally and why they are annoyed con stantly He reported that at every point where he had assisted in organizing leagues that the people were enthusias- tic and had received the emisaries from Birmingham cordially. He reported that a widespread interest was being aroused and that while some work was needed at the same time he believed that the forthcoming legislature would be inn pressed with the dissatisfaction over the state in regard to the tax situation.
 Favors Equal Taxes
 "T am Tn favor of equal taxes" said Jchn B. Weakley, a member of the lower house. People generally, l am informed, uO not ODJSCl to DeaflflB lIlelF Just Dur- den of taxation if they are able to see some return from the money they pay out. l believe that the number of ex- pensive offices should be materially re- duced and l am of the opinion that the forthcoming legislature may be trusted tc reduce the number of office holders very materially. They are often times useless and they are costly That is one proposition that results in our burden some taxation. Again there should be reformation i'll the salaries paid these of ficials that are not cut off and are con- sidered necessary. We pay entirely too much for the officers in the courthouse" '"
 Dr. Felix Tarrant pledged his help in the reforms under advlsement and indi- cated his thorough sympathy with the movement to reduce the taxes of this county and to equalize them.
 Dr. E. P. Hogan, also a member of the law making body said that every man who believed in the tax reforms, should let 1t be known before the legislature meets as it was imperative that the ser wants of the people should be informed along that line. He added: Adjustments of taxes will pull Alabama out of the financial quicksand in which this state has been since 1907"
 D. J. Copeland and S. J. Bowie conclud- ed the speakers. They both expressed in- terest and enthusiasm over the plans and pledged their support to the movement WALKER GOES EAST