The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-24
Vast Majority of Legisla- tors Claim Right of Declaration" Is Momen- tarily Denied
SENATE PASSED
 RESOLUTION BY
 UNANIMOUS VOTE
Second Resolution Requir-
 ing Senators to Declare
 Themselves Has Been
 Sent to Committee
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Montgomery, January 23.-(Spe- cial.)-While there is absolutely no question but that all members of the legislature are willing that the people know whether or not they are in the service of corporations, it is true, nevertheless, that a joint resolution requiring them ''to stand up and de- liver" is still buried in the rules com- mittee of the house.
 It is evident that time is required for the disposition of this important matter, and 1t is claimed that the fretting of a vast majority of members of the house that their right of declaration is momen- tarily denied is entirely out of reason. In this connection. it might be stated that it is remarkable what a large proportion or the members have displayed by ac- ton and word keen anxiety to "come clean with the people, determination in fact, to mount the housetops and cry aloud, q am of this corpora tion." or ..I am of that
 History of Resolution
 It will be recalled that some days ago probably 10. Senator Lewis introduced a joint resolution requiring every member or the legislature to write in book his utilization with corporate interests. Sen ator Lewis declared that it was very important that immediate action be had in order that when important legislation is attempted, the legislature might know those interested deeply and those inter- ested less deep. The senate was thrown into practical panic. but calmed itseii with remarkable skill. It was necessary that the senate act and the senate acted vote.
 The clerk of the senate immedia tely dispatched the resolution to the clerk of the house. The clerk read the resolu- tion. Speaker Carmichael sent it to the rules committee. of which he is chair man. No man cried aloud from the floor demanding that the house consider that resolution at once-even as had done the senate. An explanation has been given to the effect that this cry was not forth coming because the members knew that in the hands of the rules committee and its chairman it would be dealt with as document of it's importance deserved.
 Lewis Smells ChlOrOfOrm
 Up to the present time the resolution has not come forth. Senator Lewis has become pessimist. He believes that his pet measure has been chloroformed As a matter of fact, he has said as much. For yesterday, he made another little speech. And |. this little speech he ex- pressed the fear which lies upon and makes chill his heart. But he rallied nobly and introduced another resolution-not a joint resolution this time, but senate resolution-providing that every member of the senate declare himself fin respect to his connection with a corporation or corporations. He desired immediate ac- tion on this resolution, but it went to the rules committee of which Senator Jones of Barbour. considered by many one of the ablest senators, is chairman. It is the consensus of opinion that in view of the fact that the senate has already Senator Jones will not apply the chloro- form.
 While the legislators are anxious to declare themselves and will do so-in the long run, 1t Is probable-it is said never theless that in the legislature are one or more lawyers who in other than their present capacities, represent corporations It is natural. it is said here that these gentlemen should be so resentful of the necessary delay.