The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-28
State Employees Resume Tasks With Renewed Fest
 and Enthusiasm
ALL UNEASY WHEN
 SOLONS GOT BUSY
Fish and Game Department and High way and Prison Inspection Were Seriously Threatened at
 One Time
By l.. s. RETTY

Montgomery, September 27.--(Spe- cial. )-For the first time in nine months the historic state capitol to- Gay presented a normal appearance. Officials and clerks entered upon the CT hearts and with more enthusiasm than they had eyinced in many weary months and a new and changed at mosphere prevailed throughout the en- tire building.
 The secret of the great change was the fact that the legislature was no longer in session. The legislature had become thing of the past and as a result, joy and happiness prevailed throughout the ancient state house For once in nine lone, nerve-racking months officials and clerks had found relief. had shifted from their shoulders the burden of apprehension and doubt that had found lodging there since the assembly convened in January. and as consequence, were prepared to en- ter upon their duties with degree of nope and courage and assurance they had not felt at any time during the long legislative session.
 To say that the long session was a weary ordeal to officials, would be put ting 1t mildly. For, as Is we'll known i'C Siit~ioiS, save tlOSc WHO nelQ Ine1r office under authority of the constf- tuition, were immune from attacks of the legislature, and even they were in constant danger of having their Of lice force cut down by legislative en- actment.
 Those who held offices created by the legislature were always in dan ger of having some radical abolition ist or obstructionist seek to repeal the StatlIfa crpatinpr indeed. as is well known, several at- tempts were made to abolish some of the most useful offices at the state capitol.
 Game and Fish Department Safe
 Perhaps the most notable attempt was made to abolish state office was directed at the department of game and fish, an office that has been self sustaining since the day of it's crea- ton. Two separate efforts were made to abolish this office and each attempt met with failure. the senate each time refusing to ratify efforts of extreme abolitionists of the house
 It IS safe to say. however, that the nght on the game and fish department Was directed solely against John H. Wallace. Jr., the commissioner of the department Commissioner Wallace, as will be remembered, had incurred the
 
 of the legislature through his efforts In behalf of the administration Yet. In the fierce fight waged against his of1lce, Mir. Wallace. did not approach friend to fntercede in his behalf. He was not seen on the floor of either house during the entire session of the legislature and during the debate in the house and senate on the question of abolishing his department Commits sioner Wallace sat calmly and quietly in his office
 FolloWing the unsuccessful efforts of the abolitionists to destroy his depart ment Commissioner Wallace received letters and telegrams of congratulation from friends and supporters from all parts Of the state, and today it is safe to say, he is stronger and more popular than at any time since he began his public career. Commissioner Wallace also Is enforcing the game and fish laws as vigorously as at any time since he assumed charge of the department.
 Highway and Prison Departments
 But the legislature not only sought to abolish the game and fish depart ment. but it made several unsuccessful and ridiculous attempts to cut off the and prison inspection depart ments. Yet, neither department was touched by the legislature. The high way department will receive the same appropriation during the next four years that it received during the pre- ceding administration, and the prison inspection department will enjoy the same authority and privileges 1t for merly had. Neither of these departments was touched. though the latter office was given additional duties to perform in the matter of child labor enforce ment.
 One state office only was abolished by the legislature. This was the de- partment of cotton statistics. The immi- grafton department was not abolished in the strictest sense, for the duties of this office were transferred to the i'm migration and markets bureau, a newly created office for the department of agriculture and industries.
 Other state departments were suh- iected to legislative attacks during the session. The abolition of the court of appeals was sought by Sentor Lusk and others The state tax commission, early in the session, was attacked, and other offices were discussed with a view to their repeal.
 Hence, the state capitol force breathed freely today for the first time In months, and entered upon their work with new zest and with new enthusiasm. And it is safe to say officials and cap Itol clerks have no desire to see the legislature return-certainly at no time