The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-17

the cnancery court with the other courts on the federal plan. While approving of a change in the code of procedure he did not want it simplified to the extent that any tyro could handle a case. He saw nothing improper in solicitors ac- cepting outside work if it did not in- terfere with their duties as such.
 He stated there were too many courts and expressed the hope that the Alabama legislature would abolish some of them no matter whom it might hurt
 Judge Weakley Speaks
 Judge Samuel D. Wealxley prefaced his remarks by inviting the committee to visit the Alabama Boys Industrial school and the Girls Refuge home at East Lake. At the request of the committee he gave his opinion on simpIified plead ing and practice and agreed to draw up a bill covering this matter. He approved the plan of witnesses testifying orally before the chancellor and the consolida- tion of this court with the other court. He suggested the modification of reading numerous charges to the jury. He stated he thought such an animal as an am- bulance chaser was in existence and that such men should be put in the peniten- tiary," and asked the committee to take steps to remedy the evil. He expressed a belief in the amalgamation of the county courts, but stated the nomina- tion of the judges by the bar would be undemocratio and a usurpation of the rights of the people.
 Bradley on Clerks Fees
 John G. Bradley, former clerk of the criminal court, testified as to the fees derived by the clerk of that court, mak- ing the statement that outside the fine and forfeiture fund the clerk did not make enough to pay the hire of his dep uty clerks. In speaking of the raids on crap games, he said these games were often framed up. He stated that s36o0 a year would be @ reasonable salary for the clerk if he was relieved of the lia- b1lty for damages
 Sid Cowan, Jr., former deputy sheriff, took the stand at the request of the com mittee and testified as to the operation of the fee system in the office of the sheriff. He said the Saturday night raids for crap shooters was a disgrace and that on one occasion a certain sheritr stated that the jail was getting thin and that they had got to fill 1t up. The said men had been sent out at night and paid so much a head for the negroes they brought to jail. He estimated that the sheriff of this county received during his term about $I75,OO0 for feeding pris- oners and that half of this was clear profit. He stated the coroner S office should be better equipped, as it is a big one in this county and valuable in sccur- ing information for the use of the state in the event of trial.
 Judge F. c. Crow of the circuit court gave information to the committee of the work done in the circuit court of this county, stating that both he and Judge C. B. Smith averaged three and one-third cases per day each working day of the year. He stated the court ought to be open from January to January, but that fl.1 5.,1s ,k-, L. IL. and referred to the death of the late Samuel E. Greene as being the result of oVerwork. In answer to questions re- garding the consolidated court bill, Judge Crow stated he approved several phases of it, but had not given the entire bill sufficient consideration to render an opin- ion at this time.
 Judge Garrison of the law and equity court of Clay county testified that there were no ambulance chasers IS far as he knew in his county Headings were always settled in his court, he stated, be- fore the jury was empaneled.
 In answer to the question whether he favored a consolidated court, he replied that for personal reasons he would regret to see it. in operation, but if it was for the best interest of the state he would ter and support it.
 Murphy on Juvenile Court
 Judge s. D. Murphy of the Juvenile court appeared before the committee to urge the establishment of juvenile courts in several parts of the state. He was closely questioned as to the manner in which the juvenile court in this city was operated, both as to his duties and the duties of the probation officer of the court. Judge Murphy was asked how many hours he was on the bench, how many homes of the children that came under his authority he visited and nUmer- ous other questions in reference to the care and training of the children tenn pororily under his charge
 Henry Upson Sims appeared and spoke on the consolidated court bill. Robert N. Bell condemned the present jury system and while approving the consolidated court bill entered objections to the nomi- nation of the judges by the bar associa- tion, stating they should be elected by the people,
 Judge T. M. McPhail of the Woodlawn inferior court was examined as to the ger eral conditions of the court over which he presides. He was asked as to the number of cases he tried, how long he was on the bench each day end other matters pertaining to the operation of tho court He was also questioned as to his employment at a certain drug store and the amount of salary he received.
 Thomas M. Rogers, former judge of the Woodlawn court, stated that the Wood lawn court did not sufficiently employ {. mars s time and that the court should be abolished and made part of the court of common pleas of Birmingham. He was the last witness examined yesterday afternoon. the session lasting until 6:15 o clock. The committee held short ex- ocutive session and adjourned to meet this morning at 9:3O o'clock.