The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-09-16
Committee Is Named to Pre- pare Bill For Presentation to- Legislature Amending Public Utilities Act

Definite action in the campaign for the return of control of public utilities in Alabama to the cities was taken in the form of a resolution adopted by representatives of vari- ous cities of the state at a meeting held in the city hall yesterday.
 The meeting which was called by W. |. Harrison, commissioner of pub lie utilities of Birmingham, and Harry T. Hartwell, commissioner of public utilities of the city of Mo- bile, was the first step in an active campaign started by Commissioner Harrison sometime ago. It was at tended by delegates from several cit ies in the state and members of the city commission.
 Following the adoption of the res olntion a committee of three was appointed to present a bill to the legislature amending the public util- tiles act. This committee Is also to present copies of the bill to members of the legislature in advance in an effort to obtain their support. o. B. Hill, Jr., city attorney of Flor enee; w. J. Wynn, city attorney of Birmingham, and Harry T. Hartwell, commissioner of public utilities of Mobile, were appointed as members of the committee to draft and present the bill to the legislature
 Prior to the adoption of the reso- lution, Commissioner Harrison read a list of the cities of Alabama who have signified their intention of backing the proposed fight and two letters, one from Eufaula and one from Guntersville, who did not in- dorse the movement but expressed sympathy for it.
 Indorsed By Many
 Cities indorsing the movement were: Birmingham, Greenvilie, Gull man, Albany, Sheffield, Brewton, Sylacauga, Albertville, Decatur, Gadsden, Florence. Marion, Mobile. Troy, Hartselle and Attalla. Com missioner Harrison stated that smaller cities have signified their willingness to support the fight but have not committed themselves until further details have been worked out.
 
 ing, declared that the fight to re- gain local control over their utilities was not being done in feeling of animosity toward the corporations. but for the reason that, in his belief, the return of local control would have tendency to promote better feeling between the public and the utilities. He further stated that a cltys government should have a voice in the fixing of rates and serv- ice regulations of public utilities.
 Means Better Feeling
 City Attorney Wynn, in expressing his views of the situation. stated that he believed that the return of home rule of public utilities would promote better feeling between the people and the corporations.
 In speaking of the matter, City Attorney Duke. who assisted Mir. Wynn in drawing up the resolution declared that the entire trouble be- tween the city of Gadsden and their local car company had been caused by the one-man cars which had been put in service, thus causing con- siderable race feeling. He also spoke in favor of the proposed fight.
 Harry Hartwel1 made a strong ad- dress in favor of the fight for re- gaining control of local utilities, de- claring that the corporations win fight the amendment to the last and that the municipalities must get busy.
 Following adjournment of the meeting MT. Hartwell addressed the committee of the various cities on the Mobile port amendment, urging all to get back of it and push.