The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-09-03
Kills All Efforts to Make State Pension Roll a
 Roll of Honor
RESTORES SYSTEM
 OF MANY YEARS AGO
Probate Judges Are Once More Given Duty of Recommending Names of Pensioners in Vari-
 ous Counties
By HUGH w. ROBERTS

Montgomery, September 2.-tSpecial) The three members of the state board of pensions and 1s4 pension examiners ia> the 67 counties of the state were or dered to the block in the house yester- day, and neatly and expeditiously decap- itated. And all of the former pensioners who in recent years were dropped for cause from the rolls were in effect re- stored-for they can regain their old po- sitions simply through an unsupported affidavit.
 There was no debate on the passage of the bill, and on the part of many Of information as to the contents and effect of the bill. There was no argument sub- mitted to the end that the pension roll might be maintained a roll of honor, source of aid and comfort only to those who barred their breasts and fought man. fully and faithfully for the Confederate cause. And it Is a noteworthy fact thai within the space of five or 10 minutes the laborious work of the late H. Y. Brooke, who, after an extensive exam ina tion of the records in Washington, at- tempted to purge the roll, the patient efforts of Gen. F. s. Ferguson and the state pension board during the last four years, was set aside-and an "open roll once more instituted.
 The bill of the house which. inciden- tally, was prepared by the recess com- mittee on investigation, is regarded al a pork barrel'' pension bill. The action of the senate is awaited with interest.
 The Bills Provisions
 In place of the state and county pen- sion examiners. the new bill provides that the state auditor shall be at the head of the pension system and the various pro- bate judges will recommend whose name shall be put on the roll, and whose elim- mated This system obtained in Ala bama 20 years ago, and was abolished be- cause of the pressure of political na- ture brought to bear against county offi- cials almost precluded the possibility or their performing their duty irrespective of person and consequences. There was a general knowledge that because or the influence of the old veterans, the probate judges generally indorsed the application of all who applied.
 The pension problem has always been regarded as one to be handled by politi- clans with gloves. Despite this fact 1t is regarded with more or less interest that the probe committee which was so dilllgent In uneartnlnS STdlt' peIty dho significant, so assiduous in discovering leaks and stopping them, should have fos- tered measure which will result 1t Is thought, in many men who did not serve their country faithfully. acquiring a DO sition on the pension rolls, will result, Y is considered more than probable in everg man stricken through the investigation of MT. Brooke being restored to honor
 Senate Pension Bills
 This bill is now en route to the senate Up to the present time the upper branch has displayed an apparent unwillingness to legisate regarding pensions-to disturb the present situation. in fact.
 As has heretofore been reported. the senate committee has adversed the com panion bill to the house bill which the house has indorsed and has also ad- versed pension bill which originated II the senate.
 In view of the fact that the old sol diers who faithfully served are urging that the pension roll be maintained roll of honor, and those who have beer stricken are urging that means be of fered for their restoration. the reception by the senate of the house bill will be awaited with statewide interest.