The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-07-24
Convent Bill Hearing
DralUs Big Crowd To
Speak and Take Notes
Committee Defers Action After Scenes Which Are Char
acterzed as Most Interesting Since Legislature
Acknowledgements Speeches Made
on Both Sides Of Measure
BY WILLIAM L. GonMLEY

Montgomery, July 2S,-For three
, hours Wednesday afternoon the senate
committee on education heard speeches
of persons who favor and oppose the
West convent inspection bill, intro
duced in the senate several days ago
at about the time similar bills were in
troduced in the house. The senate gal
leries and the lower floor were occu-
pied by large number of Catholic
men, women and children of Birming
ham, Montgomery and Mobile, who came
to the city to enter protests against
the enactment of measure, which
they say. strikes at the very founda-
ton of liberty"
The committee hearing developed in
to scene similar to that of the wom-
ans suffrage debate in the house sew
eral days ago, when many dramatic
scenes were enacted. At times the
speeches were bitter. showing that the
West bill has created quite an inter-
esting subject for discussion in the en-
tire state.
Many protestants appeared to oppose
and speak against the measure, which
will permit the sherry of any county
to make an inspection of all private
and public hospitals. asylums, con-
vents and other Institutions The
oped at Mobile. where Catholics are
strong. and they are said to be coop
Grating with other religious organiza-
tions for the betterment of mankind"
WEST EXPLAINS BILL
Senator West author of the meas.
ure, claimed that he had no particular
institution in mind when he introduced
the bill. That it is for the betterment
of the state is his statement He be-
lieves that the state department of edu-
cation should have charge of the affairs
of institutions teaching the children
of the state, and that the schools should
use books approved by the department
Many speakers, showing they desired
to emphasize certain remarks. struck
the table heavily with their hands and
fists. On the floor of the senate were
scores of women. Catholics and nom
Catholics. who applauded vigorously
at strong points made by the speakers.
The meeting developed it.o the most
interesting held at the capitol
Following the hearing the committee
agreed to postpone action and to make
report on the measure at lats' date,
1t is reported the committee will adj
verse the bill, approving the measure
of the child welfare workers. which al
SO provides for inspection of all private
and public institutions.
During the discussion of the bill Rev,
William McDougall. Presbyterian and
minister to the state convicts. told the
committee the Mobile delegation. OPP
posed to the measure. were in the city
as a delegation from the Mobile Regis
ter, which warned the people not to
vote for Thomas f. Kilby for governor
because of his dislike for Catholics. DR..
McDougan mentioned the Register
twice during the argument
When the speaker had taken his seat
Senator John Craft. who led the OPP
position to the bill. introducing all the
speakers, arose and was preparing to
explain the Register supported Mr.. Kill
by when Mr.. HcDougal1 realized he was
in error.
II arise to point of correction" said
Mr.. McDougall. interrupting Senator
Craft "The paper was the Mobile Tri-
bune the mouthpiece OF home"
DR.. INGE OPPOSES 1T
In strong argument against the bill
DR.. Henry T. Inge OF Mobile, said that
he visited the Mobile converts at all
hours of the day and night. He used
this as argument that the converts
were open for inspection at all hours
Il would like to know why this bill?'
said DR.. Inge. who said he was not a
Catholic DO not these people recog-
nize and serve the same God we recog-
nize and serve? Why shouldn't they be
permitted to worship God as they see
fit?" He did not believe the legislature
would go on record as favoring 'Lenine
and Trotzky legislation" He pleaded
that it was wrong for the sheriff and
posse to have permission to go into the