The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-12
If the Bond Issue Carries Legislature Must Spend Money, if Not Solons Must Raise It
OTHER INTERESTS
 WITH THEIR AXES
 WILL URGE ACTION
Arrangements for the Extra Session Are Said to Have Been Agreed Upon AL ready by Leaders
px HUGH ". ROBERTS

Montgomery, September 11.-(Spe- ciaI.)-The fact that the legislature is preparing to submit constitutional amendments under the provisions of which the legislature could convene in regular session every two years and in extraordinary session whenever n ma 1ority of its members should so desire thus in part substantiating the opin- ion that the lawmakers are passion ateiy enamored of their acquired pro- fession-is probably responsible for the general belief prevailing today that there will be a special session early next spring.
 So general was the report to the above effect some days ago, that it was whis- pered on the street that Governor Hen derson had entered into a compact with the prohibition majority to the effect that If they would continue the present ses- sion to its logical conclusion, he would call an extra session next year.
 This report was immediately and em- phatically denied by the governor. To- day, however. the report is again cur rent-not that the governor has entered into an agreement-but that the special session will be hard irrespective of the executives position thereupon. That ar- engagements have been made or agreed upon by majority members. Is without exception denied. But more than one well informed member has stated his conviction that an extraordinary session cannot be obviated.
 NEED SPECIAL SESSION
 EVEN IF ISSUE CARRIES
 Lleut.-Gov. Thomas E. Kilby holds that reason Will be developed in the future which will impel the governor again to convene the solons
 According to my impression" said he this morning. Before the s1,5oo00O which will come to the state from the sale of bonds, if the bond issue carries, can be expended in the payment of existing debts, 1t will be necessary for the legis- iature to legalize existing debts"
 Representative Fite of Marion, regard ed as very thorough lawyer, in speak ing of the subject said: "Of course, I would not attempt to express a legal opinion before more carefully studying the problem. However. I am convinced at present that before the governor or the state can expend any money which might be obtained through the sale of bonds, the legislature would have to pro- vide machinery, and 1t has not done so up to the present time. The constitu- tion. as Is known, limits the amount of debt which @ state may accumulate. and any debt in excess of constitutional limitations would of necessity be subject for legislative treatment"
 WINKLER SEES NO
 WAY TO AVOID IT
 Senator Winkler of Butler admits that he can see no plan by means of which the governor can avoid calling the leg islature together in the spring.
 .If the bond issue falls, the governor will require aid from the legislature in providing a method for procuring funds with which to operate the state,'' he said, 'and if the bond issue carries. 1t seems to me that the legislature will have to pass a special act by means of which obligations in excess of consti- tutional limitations may be discharged However, I do not see the wisdom of speculating on the possible success of tho bond issue. I hold that 1t Is foredoomed to failure despite the fact that the leg islature acted wisely in submitting the question to the people. And with the failure of the issue, the legislature will have to devise new sources of revenue. The new revenue bill, in my opinion, will prove terrible disappointment both in equalizing taxation and in increasing the statv's income