The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-03-19
amount of Mir. Lairds bond, would scarcely cover the losses.
He Makes Criticism


 He Makes Criticism He testified that in his opinion for the fate of the company, which is now 1 in the hands of receivers, the former president A. D. Smith, and the insur- ance department were responsible. He said that he had no evidence to the effect that MT. Laid was remunerated as as result of his transaction with A. D. Smith.
 He added that the attention of the department had been called to the qnes- tionable securities of the company in 1918, but that no action was taken.
 The witness expressed the opinion that a separate insurance department was 8 necessity.
 Liquor Dealer Testifics , William Wise, a wholesale liquor dealer was the next witness. He said he was a member of the Jefferson Coun- ty Law Enforcement league. He told of the purposes of the league-the sup pression of blind tigers. He said, also that W. C. Agee, clair man of the excise commission having been consulted, agreed to hire a de- tective whose name would not be known to members. He said he couldn't state off hand how much money as a whole was turned over to MT. Agee in the
 
 He said that although considerable success had been scored, the success was not great enough to continue the arrangement with MT. Agee. He said that the league was still in existence, although only nominal dues were paid. He stated that the league was organ ized at his suggestion and that he was its first president He said that he was president also of a state organ ization, of which Nathan Greil had charge of the Montgomery headquar- ters. W. A. Connolly of Montgomery, he said, was in fact the head of the state organization
 In answer to questions of Representa- tive Welch, he said that he had not sup ported any blind tigers" but that for personal reasons he had signed bonds for one man who was charged with having violated the law
 Buying Convict Supplies
 J. H. McCary, purchasing agent of the state under Governor Conner, was called. lie told the committee how he had pur- chased for the state. His system was the competitive bidding system he said.
 He was asked by Representative Welch as to how the present system might be frightened up." He replied that he didn't know that the present system needed frightening" It NdS HIS oplnlOn that the present system was all right, provided honest men are at both ends of the line'' He thought a purchasing agent who should perform other duties also was es- sential. He testified that tasks of miners in the Conner administration were lighter than now. Health among convicts then was good, he said, and added that no cruel treatment was accorded.
 Murphy Is Silent M. H. Murphy was asked concerning a visit he made IS months ago to Governor O'Neal in the interest of she First Ma tional bank about certain interest the state owed the bank. He replied that he couldn't make an intelligent statement, and declared that he would claim his rights as an attorney and decline to an- swer. He declined to tell what took place in consultation between Governor O'Neal, Louis Farley of Montgomery, and himself.
 He said that he was in Montgomery at He was excused
 Cunningham On COnvicts
 pr. R. M. Cunningham was called. He was asked to tell something regarding the penal system of the stste He referred the committee to report of joint legis- lative committee made .)n the convict sys- tenn in 1897. He said that in his opinion a convict should be self sustaining and that if a surplus from his labor was pro- duced, that surplus should go to the state.
 He expressed the opinion that a portion 20 to 40 per cent--of the earnings of q convict should be turned over to his family.
 He said that when he was a physician to convicts from 9 to 90 per cent were diseased. These men were not allowed to enter the mines until they recuperated, he said Jails were the chief contributors to diseases, and this legislature should not terminate the inspection of iais, he added
 He described a sanitary coal mine, and added that not more than 25 per cent of convicts are fitted for coal mining. Hours should be limited to seven. he said, end the remainder of the day should be spent by convicts in the sunshine.
 Folr tons per day is a task sufficiently heavy, he said. and added that he thought the subjection of a convict to a condition which means the taking of his life, crim- iral.
 He said that he doubted the possibility Of general reformation among convicts bur thought that they should be given an opportunity flor grace, whatever that means.
 The Honor System
 He advocated the honor system, but
 
 count Of various degrees of immortality. He thought corporal punishment noces- sary, and said he opposed bread and water" dieting and other religious" modes of punishment. The indetermnate sentence is logical, he said. He said he didn't believe is taking a criminals life either by "a hempen cord, electricity or by starvation, overwork and darkness" He said he was opposed to the lease system in all of its forms. He expressed favor of the plan or steriizing convicts, and added:
 But I don't think prohibition legis- lature would provide for that plan in Ala bama." Dr. Cunningham was asked regarding the examination of applicants for licenses to practice medicine. He explained the system in vogue in Alabama
 Disgrace to Civilization
 Capt. Frank $. White was the next witness. He condemned the fee system. He declared the lease system a blot on civilization and black mark against religion. He told of horrible experiences of convicts in Alabama mines.
 'I am ashamed of the business my state is engaged in," he said. Put the convict on the public roads and let the