The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-25
Right of People to Be Heard Will Be Established by
 Referendum
ANSWERS CHARGE
 OF UNFAIRNESS
Says Commission Will Hear Objec- tions to Election Officers-Op- position May Fill Places
 Now Vacant

George B. Ward, president of the city commission issued a statement yester- day declaring that the one big result of the referendum of next Monday will be the establishment of the right of the people to be heard in matters as impor- tant as the proposed change in the form of municipal government.
 The president of the commission has1 evidently heard the rumors of the oppo- sition to the end that the election would not be fair, for in his statement he de- clares that the election officers are among the best known and most repu- table citizens of Birmingham, and that now is the time for anyone to prefer against either of them charges. He offers the opposition the right to fill the places of several officers named by the comms- sion to serve but who, for various req sons will be unable to take part in the election.
 MT. Ward calls for a representative vote and declares that the issue Is one of "home rule the establishment of the principle that the people on all matters of importance to them must be con suited.
 Home Rule" Issue
 Mir Ward authorized the following:
 'The question involved in the referen- dunn next Monday, June 2s, has simmered down to one of home rule. That Is the principle that all communities have been struggling for.
 'srhey are fighting for 1t harder and with more enthusiasm today than ever befora i'm tha vvorldtq history
 'I feel sure that a majority of the Jefferson delegation Is in favor of that principle, and will not object to being advised by their constituents as to their judgment in this matter. What they wish is confirmation straight from the peo- pie.
 What the people Of Birmingham should do now is to go out in sufficient numbers on next Monday and confirm in a definite way their well-known desire to be consulted on changes in their form of government.
 Fairness of Election
 "The election will be as fair and as regular as any election ever held in this city.
 "No higher class of managers and clerks were ever appointed to serve in any election They were named on account of their high standing In their respective and without knowledge on :he part of the eomm sslon as to their views on the question at issue.
 ''The regular poll lists from the pro- bate office will be furnished, as usual. and no person who Is not qualified at regular elections will be allowed to vote in this election.
 out of the list appointed for man gers and clerks, as usual. several have advised that they would not be able to serve account of business reasons and absence from the city. If the commissioner campaign com mittee wishes to fill these vacancies. It will be given the privilege of doing so
 | Time to Protest l "The list of election officers has I been published. If anyone has any cause to believe any of these election 1 officers are not fitted to serve or that 1 the commissioners are not capable or are not willing to conduct an honest election, now Is the time for them to come forward openly and present his charges.
 t'If there are any other points thai
 lContinued on Page Thirteen.)