The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-01-24
# ENA OR BROWER R'i
 EXEMPTION IF TAX. BILL IS AWE ERSED.
Measure Levying License on Hydro-EIectriC Horse Pow CT Introduced by Wal
 ker SoIon
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU |
 THE AGE-HEKALD Montgomery. Ala, Jan. 23 ]

Opponents of tax exemption on the senate finance and taxation commit= tee Tuesday afternoon voted to ad- verse the bill which would have brought history to them had it been passed by the two houses. The ad- versal was a pretty play on the part of the opponents of exemption in their efforts to put the senate on record either for. or against the re- peal of the exemption before the end of the short session Through the adversal of the bill a motion to take the bill from the adverse calendar and place it on the regular calendar will put all members of the senate on record.
 The bill adverzed was introduced by Senator Brewer of Jefferson and provided the repeal of section 2069 of the code. This section pro vides for the exemption of water power companies from taxation for a period of ten years from the time of starting of a development.
 Those opposed to exemption dis covered that they did not have enough votes to make a favorable report at the time and that there was movement on foot to postpone consideration Of the bill until the lW6HJ1el1 leS SiSldllNt Ody. lhSs feared those favoring a postponement and those opposed to repeal of the exemption statue woud cause the postponement; therefore, they voted in favor of an adverse report. They succeeded and now a motion will be made to take the bill from the ad- verse calendar.
 R. A Mitchell, vice president or the Alabama Power company, was an interested spectator when the com mittee adversed the bill.
 Hydro-EIectric Power Tax
 Representative Powell of Walker county introduced a bill in the house Tuesday providing for the levying of a license tax on bydro-electric com panies based on the number of horse power developed by the water power company Mir Powell also offered joint resolution providing for the creation of a joint committee of the house and senate which would make study of the subject during the recess and would recommend fair privilege tax on hydro-electric power on the return of the law makers to the capital for the adjourned session.
 Probe of Useful Department
 Representative c. O. Thompson of Etowah introduced sin the house resolution creating a joint recess committee of five. two senators and three representatives. which would be charged with the duty of inves- tigation of all departments and or fices of the state government with the view of determining which de- partment and offices should be abolished in line with the proposal to reduce expenses of the state govern ment to a minimum.
 The resolution provides that mem bers of the committee should have authority to call officials nd em- ployes as witnesses and require them to produce all books and records per taining to- their work. It was re- ferred to the rules committee.
 Talks on Reforestation
 Representative E. J. Grove of Mo- bile introduced in the house, and Senator Craft of Mobile introduced in the senate, a joint resolution in viting H. F. Graves, professor of Yale school Nof forestry; Henry E.. Hartner and E. s. Allison, prom inent lumbermen and conservation ists, to deliver address at a joint ses- sion of the two houses January 30, their subject being the reforestation of the state. The three will be in Montgomery at that time attending the Southern Forestry Congress.
 CHILDREN ESCAPE
 Three boys of the Childrens Pro-
 F1,,pI tbair xuau