The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-25
ORDINANCE TAXING LIQUOR SHIPMENTS ID BE INTRODUCED Weatherly States There Is No Doubt as to COnstitu- tiOnality of Measure WILL SOLVE REVENUE PROBLEMS OF CITY Measure Not a Prohibition One Says Originator of the Idea, But
 for Purpose of Aiding
 Schools

Assistant City Attorney Jenkins was instructed by Commissioner Weatherly last night to draw up an ordinance re- qulr1ng an inspection fee to be placed on each package of liquor or beer that came into the city of Birmin gham. This ordinance will be introduced this morning and indications point that it will be passed without any opposition
 Commissioner Weatherly stated yes- terday that the ordinance would be presented to the ommisisoners to vote upon and that he thought it would be passed. There will be no provision for the forcing of the express companies to employ extra help.'' He said "The city will appoint these inspectors and their duty will be to inspect all pack ages and collect a fee for his serv- ices The amount of this fee will be decided on at the meeting. It may be placed at 50 cents or 20 cents. The more I think of the proposition the more I am in favor of it. As to the constitutionality of the ordinance or its interference with interstate com merce laws, there can be no doubt but what it will be constitutional.
 There will be no interference with
 
 son that we will not have anything to do with the package until it is deliv- cred to the conSignee. The minute a man goes to the express office and asks for his package and it is de- nvered to him, our inspector will see that the right man received the pack age, that the contents are no more than allowed by law and that the ar ticle ordered is the same brand as specified by the purchaser when he sent the money for it. The inspectors S fee will accrue to the benefit of all concerned inasmuch as it will help de- tect anyone who might be getting an excessive number of packages or an illegal amount when he orders it. I consider the idea an excellent one and in all probability it will become law within a short time.'
 ELIMINATES TROUBLES
 The originator of the scheme which bids fair to eliminate the majority of the commissioners troubles was found out yesterday The writer of the let ter addressed to Commissioner Ward, outlining his plan to obtain this rev enue, when seen by an Age-Herald reporter yesterday said that he did not object to the letter being published. He is P. l.. Walker, proprietor of a drug store at Avondale.
 "I noticed that this mornings Age Herald referred to the proposition in a manner that led the people to be- lieve the scheme was relative to pro- hibition, said Mr. Walker.
 T suppose you are a local option ist, are you not?" said the reporter.s
 Not on your life; I am a prohi- bitionist through and through, but the measure is not prohibition one. It is for the purpose of raising revenue for the schools just as my letter stated, he said
 The letter, dated January 12, 1916, follows:
 MT George Ward. Birmin gham, Ala.
 Dear Sir-I notice where you com missioners seem to be much pestered on the subject of continuing the schools. I would suggest that you in- vestigate the legality and advisability of a 25-cent license on each package (shipment) of whisky and beer. Uncle Sam taxes you on bills of ladinSs, pa pers, etc. You may have the same au- thority. If you have and will exercise it I firmly believe your problem will be solved. Respectfully,
 "P L. WALKER.