The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-11-18

board of revenue that the work would be completed within one year. The following year the same assurance | was given, and so on until today, when the work remains unfinished Since this tick eradication was be- gun In Jefferson county to the pres ent time more than s230 per day have been expended by the taxpayers of this county for such work. Or over one-half million dollars have been appropriated for this particular cam paign. During the same period, less than $30,000 have been appropriated for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in human beings. No money whatever has as yet been ap- propriated by the board of revenue for the establishment of rural libra ries, an obligation that should be se- riously considered.
 Says Cost Too High.
 Tt would be difficult to estimate the advantage that has accrued to the county in return for the enor- nous expense of $500,o00 spent for tick eradication. Relatively, how ever, we could imagine what half million dollars would accomplish along other lines of progr ress. It would build nearly 20 miles of per manent highways. Twice the amount would be sufficient to construct a new courthouse and jail A mag nificent sanitarium for the treatment of the dread disease could be erect ed with an equivalent amount. Thus we may view comparisons.
 Although a Iayman, I do not be- lieve the supreme court will con- strue the act herein mentioned as depriving the boards of revenue of all discretionary power in appropriat- ing funds of the county. There are many obligations that face the coun- ty, and it is manifestly unfair to en- act mandatory laws for the benefit of one, to the disadvantage and prob able preclusion of the performances of other obligations as vitally neces- sary.
 "Therefore, when learned that the board of revenue of Mobile coun- ty had discontinued their appropria- tion that a writ of mandamus had been issued requiring that they show cause appropriations should not be continued upon demand of the state live stock sanitary board; that the local court in Mobile had held that it was mandatory that they should comply with the requirements of the herein mentioned act. Iwrote let ter to them asking if they intended to appeal 1t to the supreme court and urging them to do so. This evident ly Is the Interview Mir. Cameron had in mind.
 Tt Is a question that should be definitely determined; whether the governing boards of the counties of Alabama shall have any discretion in providing funds under the operation of such an act. Some group of men might decide that all houseflys should be exterminated and secure the en actment of laws requiring boards of revenue to appropriate amounts for such extermination, such amounts to be determined by someone who is not at all familiar with the finances and obligations of the county.
 Prom MT. Cameron's statement 1t appears that he thinks l undertook to criticise him as the official in charge of tick eradication work in this county. Such Is not the case. Mfr. Cameron has been untiring in his efforts and has rendered eff cient service during the short timel he has been here. However, the ticks, though somwhat diminished, are still an ever present and expensive real ity"