The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-08-07

2 day session this week. They devoted much of their time to the considera tion of new highway bill which they propose to offer to meet new condi- tions which have arisen since the law was enacted in 1919. The mem bers stated that they were getting ready although they had no definite information because they do not de- sire to face the huge task at the eleventh or zero hour. They will re- turn to Montgomery August IS for the regular monthly session, and will complete the work of drafting the bill and will draft bill providing for the resubmission of the highway bond amendment.
 Placing Seats in Place
 Tn adition to this indication, many persons believe the removal of the de- partments from the chamber of the house of representatives and the plac- ing of the seats for the members again is an indication of the extra session. However, w. A. Darden, GUS todian of the capitol. announced that this was no indication, and that Governor Kilby had no information when he left Montgomery that this work would be done at this time. MT. Darden explained that as the depart ments have been placed In permanent quarters in the Jeff Davis building recently taken over by the state he Intends to keep the house of rep Iresentatives in the future for special meetings of the state boards and com missions and for hearings and eXami- nations.
 The crowded condition Of the capi- tol has been greatly relieved in re- cent weeks by the erection of the l Jefferson Davis building on the lot near the capitol which was purchased with an appropriation of the legisla- ture hnd by the purchase of perma- nent quarters for the state health department. At the Jefferson Davis home two departments may be quar- tered after allowing ample space for the First White House association which is preserving the relics of the Confederate States of America. The state child welfare department has already been given offices on the second floor and one room is being used for many exhibits of bird life of Alabama collected by the depart ment of archives and history. Rooms to be Vacated By Ahe purchase of the building on Dexter avenue as the permanent home of the state health system three large offices on the third floor of the main capitol building will be vacated soon and will be assigned to other de- partments.
 Mir. Darden proposes to move back to the capitol as fast as possible the state hignway department which has been quartered in a down town office building for year.
 Even with these explanations of the various movements and acfiVifiP4 about the capitol, no persons can be found about Montgomery who do not believe that the law makers will be here before many, weeks.
 Speculation is general about the subjects which will be included in the governors call, but the governor has l remained silent on the subject. He has declined to say what subjects will be included if he decided to call the session except in one instance. He has already announced that If he finds a session cannot be avoided he will include in his call a provision for the action of the legislature on the resubmission of the amendment giving ex-service men the right to participate in elections in this state for certain period of time without the payment of a poll tax. It is probable the time limit will be placed at October l, 1923, thus following the amendment which was held to be invalid by the supreme court because the legislature did not set the date for the election but delegated this duty to the governor.
 The amendment putting the state of Alabama back of the port of Mo- bile also is expected to be included in the call. Governor Kilby has de- elined to make a statement on this | subject but he has shown such a solicitude for the port since he has been governor and only recently gave such strong assurance to the people of Mobile that he still felt the same interest in the port that the inclu- sion of this subject is almost re- garded as a foregone conclusion Gossip at an End
 Thus far does gossip, go, but no further. After these three subjects have been mentioned the remainder Is speculation. Chief among the other subjects in public mind Is the amendment of the prohibition laws so as to permit the sale of near beer. otherwise known as cereal beverages. Governor Kilby is favorable to the sale of this beverage, believing it will be an aid rather than him drance to the enforcement of the pro-
 
 support in the past of c. w. Austin. former law enforcement cihef. who told the legislators at the special ses- sion in 1920 that he believed the sale of near beer would aid law enforce ment.
 Many persons are interested in the proposal to submit this subject to the legislature and the story has been general that canvass of the mem- bers has been made and that a large number of those who are regarded among the strongest prohibition members are favorable to the pro- posal. But the organization of the Anti-Saloon league is opposed to any change in the prohibition laws and has already announced that it will fight any bill which Is intended to make any change. pr, Brooks Law renee, superintendent of the Anti-Sa loon league, and Dr. w. B. Crumpton, who has been the leader of the fight against alcoholic drinks since the