The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1915-04-20

Important developments in the jitney
Question are to be expected at the city
hall today
The frigidity of the atmosphere in the
con mission offices yesterday on account
OF the scrap between George Ward and
"Jitney jim Weatherly on the question
was such as to almost leave frost on the
windows. Office attaches were to be seen
stending close to the steam radiators and
Secretary Scudder Ryall, in spite of all
his rotundity, repeatedly gave way to the
"shivers.'
The doors opening between the offices
of "Jitney Jim and Gentle George
We're closed throughout the day Mr..
Weatherly entered his office through the
side door and admitted all callers by the
same entrance. He was at the office all
morning, but yesterday afternoon about
o'clock left for an inspection of some
of the city's streets. Mr.. Ward was in
his office all day.
Although nothing actually happened
there was to be noticed yesterday lining
up of the different phases of the jitney
question. Contrary to previous reports,
Commissioner A. o. Lane is not opposed
to regulation of the jitney cars. He gave
out a statement upon request yesterday
in which he says he realizes there is "a
certain regulation of the jitney necessary
and while he refused to go into details.
indica tons are that Commissioners Lane
and Ward will get together on the propo-
sition.
Weatherly Writing Statement
Commissioner Weatherly declined flatly
to be interviewed on the subject. He
stated he was preparing written state
ment, and would have nothing to say
until that was ready.
II will say this, however," he stated
and that is that the laws of the state
absolutely forbid the city imposing any
license tax upon the jitney."
He referred the reporter to a part of
section II of the general revenue bill
passed by the last legislature and to be
found on page 1863 of the general laws of
Alabama. 1911, as follows: 1.-The following
license tax or registration fee shall be
charged on automobiles used for hire:
On each automobile used for public hire
in transporting passengers or freight,
$25''
This section. he stated placed the
whole thing ih the hands of the state,
and left the city without authority in the
matter He would not admit that under
section 220 of the state constitution, as
quoted in yesterday mornings Age-Her-
aid. this construction of this passage
would be unconstitutional, but such is
said to be the opinion of lawyers who
have Investigated the case.
At the commission conference at 10
O'Clock this morning it is probable that
the real status of the jitney question will
be ascertained and some line on what will
be done, If anything, will be secured by
the public
Judge Lanes Views
Judge Lanes statement on the matter
is as follows:
81 am in favor of reasonable and just
regulation of the jitney. 1 would not for
moment be party, however, to ans
move that would tend to put the jitney
cars out of business, and I do not believe
any such thing is intended.
"The jitney and other automobiles
should be regulated, however, from a po-
lice standpoint and for the purpose of
proper protection offhe public with which
it deals. If it is shown that the owner of
and would not be responsible for any in
jury which might befall a passenger in
his car, then I would consider the matter
of putting him under a proper indemnity
bond in order to secure the protection of
his passengers to which they are entitled.
Il do not care to express myself as to
how much the bond should be or how
much license the jitney should pay, be-
cause the commissioners will have con-
ference tomorrow morning and should
first discuss these things among them.
selves before giving out public statement
on the matter.
1.-THE public and the jitney owners may
rest assured, however, that l, and / be-
lieve the same is true of the other COM
missioners also, do not intend or even de
sire to do anything that will be unfair t.,
the jitney or will put them out of bust .
ness. Personally, I shall never do any
thing to create a monopoly, If l can
help it,"