The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-10
NEW PLAN DEVISED l. FOR ELECTION ON 5 COMMISSIONERS Candidates Running for Tentative Jobs Succeed
 Only With Bill HOUSE WILL AGREE; SENATE IS DOUBTFUL Everyone Comedies That Politics Is Cutting Prominent Figure in
 Consideration of the
 Measure
By HUGH W. ROBERTS

1 Montgomery, September S.-(Special,) } The "five-commissioner' bill, for which certain interested people made a vigorous though futile campaign in Birmingham m ! some months ago, is in such unfortunate shape at present that it reminds of a patient not yet recovered from the cruel results of the knife.
 As is remembered, the city authorities, whe. the Birmingham campaign was at fever heat agreed to call off the refer endum election in which this bill was des- tined to be destroyed provided the au- thcrs of the bill. Senator Judge and Rep rescntative Weakley, would so amend it that before its operation 1t would be sub mitted to the people for their approval. | Some weeks ago the bill was amended in accordance with the above agreement, and 1t was then the plan to submit 1t to the voters October H. the date of the an- nual municipal election in Birmingham. 1nasmuch as the bill provides for two additional commissioners, and inasmuch as there were several candidates tearing their shirts to acquire the one vacancy alres dy provided for. there was every reason to believe that through the exer- ton of these candidates and their friends the bill would score a success that under other circumstances 1t could not possibly 8 ohieye.
 Naturally, a protest from Birmingham went up protest so vigorous against what appeared to be the playing of poli- cs that it had It's natural effect. And as result the bill is again amended. The Tentative" Hopes Under the present arrangement. the bill will be submitted to the voters October II. It will provide however that no man shall acquire a commissionership undcr the provisions of this bill who does not run before the people as a tentative" candidate.
 The candidates for the vacancy, in other words, cannot through any exigency achieve any other position than that which will be vacant and for which they will ask. On the other hand. no "tenta- tive candidate. through any chance. can acquire the co,nmissionership which will be vacant when the term of Judge Lane has expired.
 ing n majority of votes will be declared commissioners provided the people indorse the ''Iive coniin ssisier' bill It is rca sonably certain that very few people will run as tentative candidates, and mere certain that none of the pre- sent cands- dates VII switch their course which would lead to the vacancy for the chance of running for an office which does not and may not exist.
 A Conference" Probable
 It would cause little surprise were the "five-com mi lissioner' bill as amend cd be called up and put through the house tomorrow night. It would then go to the senate. Tehre 1t will encoun- ter the opposition of Senator Judge.
 It Is understood that Representative Weakley has displayed willingness to hrbitratc any differences which might be developed respecting this bili and 'hat if Senator Judge should ask for. the appointment of conference com
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