The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-09
REALTORS DEBATE. REPEAL OF LAWS.
 IN TAX KEMP T|ON
Many Believe Action of LegiS- Iature Will Reflect Upon Good Faith of State and
 Affect Commerce

Sharp sllirmishes over a motion of fered by w. B. Leedy, Jr, condemn ing the action of the state legislature in repeating an act providing for tax exemption of certain industries marked the weekly luncheon meeting of the real estate board at the Tut wiler hotel Thursday. The miniature fight was precipitated when MT, Leedy stated that the real estate board should go on record opposing farelcal legislation. MT. Leedy's. mo- ton was tabled on motion of Claude Estes.
 J. Lee Allen of Chattanooga, Tenn, addressed the board on real estate auctions and business conditions ex- isting in the world. MT. Allen illus trated hls talk with map showing the business cycle.
 "To make a success in business now one must cultivate world vis- sion," MT. Allen declared. He stated that men of city, state or nationwide vision could no longer be successful in business because modern methods of communication and travel have knit the world close together.
 The declaration of MT. Leedy that the real estate board should oppose certain classes of legislation was made following report of J. W. Yancey of the boards legislative committee that the zoning enabling act probably would be delayed until the legislature meets in adjourned session during the summer MT. Leedy cited IS specific instances the enacting of measure closing pool rooms and the repeal of the law eX- emptng the Alabama Power com pany from taxation for certain pe- riod. He then made a motion that the Birmingham Real Estate board go on record as heartily disapprovng the repeal of any tax agreement made. This motion was seconded by Robert Jemison, Jr.
 MT. Yancey opposed the adoption of the motion on the ground that the enacting of a tax exemption law by state was in the nature of bounty and could be repealed at any time. He stated that he had investigated the right of a state to repeal tax eX- emption measures and was not op- posed to the repeating act passed by the present session of the legislature. He alleged that the Alabama Power company, which is affected by the act had not acted in good faith in carrying out some of it's contracts with local concerns.
 The passage of the act repeating tax exemption before the expiration of the time for which exemption was granted will give a black eye to Alabama with people thousands of miles away MT. Jemison declared. Tt is most unfortunate for the state" he said.
 Certain members of the board counseled that since the act had all ready been passed by the legislature it was useless for the board to op- pose it and would only result in him dering legislation sponsored by the board of offending members of the legislature.
 That's the trouble" MT Leedy as- serted. We should forget that and be ready to face the music"
 Further discussion of the motion was blocked by J. L. Yancey, pres fdent of the club who suggested that 1t be made a special order the next meeting. Following his suggestion motion to table MT. Leedys motion was put and carried.
 It was announced at the meeting that William E. Herrin, national field secretary of the National Real Es- tate association would visit the Bir- mingham board February 2S. This date falls on Wednesday and the club luncheon will be moved forward from Thursday to accommodate MT. Her rin.