The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-20
SAYS SOLONS NEED
 TO BE PUT ON STAND
Shapiro Says Jefferson Delegation Has Been Unfaithful to Pledges
 Made When Elected
Editor of The Age.Herald. :

To the Editor of The Age- -Herald.f
 Citizens appearing before the recess judiciary committee criticised the Jeifer- son delegation for having failed to carry out the expressed will of the people" rel ative to the fee system, and suggested that a mass meting be held to make this expressed will effective
 l believe that the criticisms are well taken, that mass meeting should be held, and that each member of the Jeffer- sen county delegation should be re- quested to appear thereat and give ex- pression of his views as to this and other matters pending before the legislature.
 Speaking for myself I will be glad to appear, take the stand, answer questions, and be put through any sort of grilling. The people have right to know what their representatives think, and what they intend doing. As a representative of the people, I invite their views, criticims and suggestions. am in the legislature to represent the public. Citizens have Teen interrogated. Now, let's take a turn about and interrogate the legislators
 The investigation by the recess judiciary committee into conditions in this county is a glaring reflection upon the Jefferson county delegation The recess committee is now doing not only what the Jefferson delegation ought to have done before the legislature met, but what they were elected to do, and what they swore to do. For a committee composed wholly of Eon- residents to come to this county and dig into our affairs reflects disparagingly upon the courage, independence and sin cerity of the Jefferson delegation.
 The failure of the delegation to enact the antfee bills at the first session of rhe legislature will cost this county at least $50,000. l regard the delay as inexcusable. but did not do it.
 The sheriff of this county was paid s37,- 6Ss. for the fiscal year 1914 for feeding prisoners The hectic extravagance con- tinues this year. If the delegation was so inclined, it could have taken this heavy item from the sheriff.
 I do not wish to be put in, the attitude of unnecessarily criticising my col leagues, but I want the public to know that exerted every effort to correct con- ditions in this county. and fought for the rectif1cation of prevalent evils. I could not get others enthusiastic. Not being a member of the majority faction in the legislature, my efforts were not as fruit ful as they might have been had borne a majority label.>
 I introduced three bills providing for continuous terms of the city, circuit and criminal courts. Their passage would have enabled the courts to have been in session all of this summer. They would have materially assisted in clearing the dockets and unloading the jail.
 My municipal court bill save the Sir n.ingham court of common pleas jurisdic- tion over misdemeanors. Its passage would have given a prisoner a trial in a few days, and saved fees that are now sucked by fee nourishers.
 am going back in Suly and continue fighting. I have been delayed, but not submerged: temporarily licked, but not killed. I'll be on the job.
 ISADORE SHAPIROsr ' Birmingham, March 19, 1915.