The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-14
CHARGE ATTEMPT TO RETURN ID 0LD
 CONVENTION PLAN
Adverse Report By Commit tee On Elections Expected.
 "Most ViCiouS," Says Fite
STATE CAPITAL BUREAU !
 THE AGE-HERALD } Montgomery, Ala, Sept. IS J


 Defeat of the primary election bill abolishing the second choice, provid- ing for double primaries for candl- dates who do not receive clear ma jorities in the first primaries and putting upon the governing board of each political party the discretion of saying whether or not candidates for judicial position shall be nomi- mated by primary or in convention was foreshadowed Thursday by de- bate in the house of representatives on a motion of Representative Travis Williams of Franklin county to re- call the bill from the committee on privileges and elections and recom- init it to the committee on judiciary for action.
 Charges were made on the floor of the house that the bill is intended to bring about 8 return to the old convention system of naming candi- dates for public office, that it is plan "by the outs to get in" and that 1t isea subtle effort to encom- pass the defeat of some persons now holding office.
 The debate ragged during a good PaTL OI LHe anu W IACl bAiO house arrived for recess for lunch 1t continued.
 The speaker declared the house re- cessed. On reconvening the question came up again. Finally MT. Williams withdrew his motion to recall the bill. This brought an end to the dis- cussion.
 Bill To Be Presented
 Representative John R. T. Rives of Jefferson county, chairman of the committee on privileges and cleo tions, told members of the house that because of the great importance of the bill and its far reaching effect he felt it best to have it printed for information of the members. He gave the order or the printing Thursday morning and stated that he intended to call the committee together for the consideration of the bill as soon as the printed copies are delivered. A majority of the committee is said to be opposed to the bill and will render an adverse report.
 Representative St. John of Cullman fought the motion to recall the bill. He was joined by Representatives walton of Chambers, Sollie of Dale, Fite Of Jefferson and others.
 MT. St. John charged that the bill was referred to the proper committee
 
 judiciary committee had straddled the issue one time by returning the house bill without recommendation and that the privileges and elections committee should not be slapped in the face"
 Returns To Convention
 He said the bill provides for re- turn to the convention system all though the democratic convention last September defeated the move ment for the nomination of judges In convention. He read sections one and fife and one half of the bill which provides that the executive committee shall designate what off, ficers are to go into primary elec- tions.
 MT. St. John said the enactment of the bill into law will mean the sending of a republican to congress in the Seventh congressional district and the election Of republicans to office in many counties of north Alabama because the wounds which will be opened as result Of two bitter political contests cannot be healed before the general elections. Called Most vicious
 Representative Fite declared that the bill is the most vicious" yet pre- sented to the house. If you don't know what Is in this bill you had better know before you vote. on it.,
 The domcrats of Alabama do not want such a bill"
 Representative Walton declared that the real motive back of the bill had not been revealed. why don't you come out in the open?' he asked of those favoring the bill. "Who are you after? I am convinced that IS an effort of the outs to get in.' Mir. walton insisted that every mem ber of the house should read the bill and know what it contains before casting his ballot.
 Judge Sollie spoke against the mo- tion to recall the bill and in the midst of his address the Speaker ruled that the hour for lunch had arr rived.
 When tho house reconvened &r Williams withdrew his motion.
 Opponents of the bill in the house claim that more than sixty have agreed to vote against its passage if it is reported by the committee.