The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1915-01-09
Members of Legislature Uni
ted on This as Paramount
Issue Before Body
NO PLANS HAVE
BEEN SUGGESTED
Early Arrivals at Capital Discuss
Coming Session - The Race
for Speakership Grows
Interesting

oi'eiS' JANUARY o. Especial }
That the MEMBERS of the legislature
are thoroughly and whole e-heartedly
united on the proposition to provide
Immediate financial relief for the state
and that that question is the paramount
Issue which will come before the leg
islature, is clearly indicated by the
II embers who have already arrived In
Montgomery
On other issues wide diversity of
opinion is represented by the early ar
rivals for the Legislative session. there
being about an equal division OF pro-
hibitionists and local optionists. But
on the question of finances there is
complete unan,mity of sentiment. The
states financial condition should first
engage tho attention of the legisia-
tors. II is declared on all Sides
Htterances as to the imperative need
of studying first the states economic
conditions We're expressed to The Age
Herald correspondent today by Edward
d. Johnston. member from Madison,
and the local option candidates for the
apeakership; Oscar Lewis of Tuskegee,
candidate for president pro tenn Of the
senate; ii. A. Thompson of Greonville.
u. Is. Fuller of Montgomery and 9th
ors. A. II. Carmichael of Tuscumbia,
the prohibition candidate for the
sreakership, declared that the consid-
GRAFTON of tho states financial condi-
ton would be the biggest question to
come before the legislature but did not
say that he thought that issue should
first engage the attention OF tha law
II akers The Tuscumbia member ad-
Lifted that he believed prohibition
would be the first issue that will re-
oeive legislative consideration.
No Plans of Relief Suggested
Although generally agreed that tho
most remedial legislation to oe con-
sidered by the lawmakers must nee-
ossarily relate to the states revenues.
rome of the members seem to have
evolved any plan of relief. No sugges-
tions have been heard as to how the
state shall provide sufficient revenues
to take care of all its obligations and
at the same time reduce its annually
increasing debt. The annual excess Of
disbursements over receipts is some
thing like 100000 and the members
ere in thorough accord with the senti-
ment for the cancellation of this deficit
but no plans of relief have been sug-
gested.
The members believe that IL will take at
least two or three weeks of the 1esis-
latIre's time to work out and provide a
iiew revenue system, hence practically all
of the early arrivals, irrespective of fac
ton are in favor of considering that ques-
tios first.
There is certain to be strong fight on
the liquor question, and this issue may be
the first to be injected into the legislature.
although 1t is indicated that certain mem
bers will ask that the states economic
col dition be given first consideration.
Race for Speakership
Both Edward D. Johnston and A. II. |
Carmichael seem confident OF winning the !
race for the speakership Mr.. Carmichael |
arrived in Montgomery this morning and |
established headquarters in the Exchange |
hotel. The Madison county candidate ar
rived two days ago and opened headquar-
ters at the same hotel.
MI. Carmichael stated to newspaper men
upon his arrival that he believed his name
would be the only one presented to the
caucus for the position of
speaker, declaring that he has the pledges
of majority of the members of the
house.
Il am delighted with my prospects OF be-
ng elected speaker" he said, ''and have
no doubt whatever that am the choice
of the members of the house for the
place.
Mr.. Johnston expressed equal confidence.
'f feel thoroughly convinced that shall |
be elected" he said to The Age Herald
Every day I receive ad-