The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-06-23

O61
 of the attitude occupied. That is some achievement. clean. hard finish fight has many virtues A mere a;- titude, whether arising from sullen- ness, indifference, indecision or what not after abundant time and oppor- tunity for study and decision has gone. A row has none.
 Conditions Cannot Be Worse
 Whatever results, conditions can not be worse. Any change must be for the better Let's not ask why the attack on the constitutionality of the public service act has been delayed these nine months since it's passage. It may be that the approaching cleo ton was not consideration. notwith- standing that the utility question has been so serviceable to candidates for many years past. Any action even though merely obstructive is a change and any change is an improvement. Let us take hope.
 In a neighboring city the utility question was recently at white heat. A body of citizens took an active in- terest. and there was general con ference which was attended by the members of the city commission. Va rious sugg ggestions were made Final " one tiilLtH bu6k CSACa q iCllcoN dfiN pressed it. saying that he believed his remedy would assure good service and settle the problem. To this statement a member of the city com mission. as the story goes, said, sub voce We don't want good service. We don't want settlement. What we want is an issue The election was approaching in that city at that time.
 That no real desire has been shown by the city commission of BirminS- ham to ascertain the true financial condition of the Birmingham Rail way, Light and Power company, and that despite the offer on the part of the street railway company for such cooperation. the commi ssion took no advantage of it. formed the keynote of the first of the series of statements on the condition of the traction company, issued by the re- ceiver.
 Calls Attention
 The public's attention is called to the statement from Mir Johnston, fol- lowing increased fare to seven cents, which took place last December. Mir Johnston then wrote that Mir. Ross and myself will be ready to submit to the commission within the next 90 days a definite programme for consideration. We are now conclud- ing the report.Y Mir. Bradley states that this "s0-day period expired more than 90 days ago and yet no solution" has been received.
 Meanwhile, following the first raise in fare, the rehabilitation of the company's equipment and rolling stock was undertaken and the prices for necessary materials and supplies were unprecedented. Outstanding wage controversies were adjusted and the decreased salaries were extended to virtually all of the compary's em- ployes. The statement further show ed that the increased revenue from the six-cent fare was insufficient, but q took the commission at it's word l relied upon the assurances contained In the commissions letter.
 Financial Condition.
 The financial condition of the com pany became even worse with the ap- proach of last fall, says the state ment, and the critical condition could not be delayed further m the hope of assistance from the city. Then followed the petition and sub sequent grant of increased fare to the present rate. The city commission vigorously opposed the new increase. the statement further pointed out. However, following the raise In fares, MT Johnston's letter concerning the formula was received and that 90- day period has long since elapsed without further suggestions from the city government, Mir. Bradley asserts.
 Conditions have since grown more critical and during the month or May the railway department showed insetad of the s25,000 gain, effected further loss of s24,o00. All tn" while the city officials have been advised of the stressed condition an6 have not been heard from In help full attitude.