Birmingham age-herald., 1895-09-11
FREE SILVER DEMOCRATS.
fContinned From First page. )


 tending the conference at Birmingham4
 If that conference will address itself to the reconstruction of the democratic party in Alabama, and get rid of the al- legged power of the executive committee to ostracise democrats who choose to fol- low principles rather than men, and leave mans right to vote in eemo- cratic primary to the democrats of the precinct or. ward in which he resides. to be finally adjudged and settled by them, we shall have a vitalized party that Will live and grow instead of one that de- creases in numbers and zeal and must so decrease at every election.
 After 100 years of experience it Is too late to bring in new definitions to ascer- tain who are democrats and who are not and to make it an infexible test that democrat refused to vote for some nom- inee of the party at previous electioh
 That is question to be settled by the primary meeting to which he is admitted or refused admission, according to the decision-of his neighbors. who are demo- crats. They are and ought to be the only judges of his proper relations 10 the party and of his fitness personal or oth- wise to participate in its action. II man subscribes to this declaration. q am a democrat, and when l vote l Will vote the democratic ticket' he should be entitled at least, to take the decision or the democrats of his precinct as to ms proper qualification to unite with them in their primary meeting. and when they decide the matter no other committee or body of men should have the power 10 overrule that decision or reject the vote
 This is 'home rule" and self-goVern- ment It is true democracy
 Party principle" requires no different rule of procedure and it is never de- manded until discipline is the mere substitute for coercion. and until party success is measured only by the success of party bosses.
 The cardinal principles of democracy are known of all men. They are not many and are very simple. Whether particular act, measure or propoIdloh is within these cardinal principles is de- termned finally by the joint and authen- tic act of the whole party, leaving 10 every man the right of pl1Vate Juaguleht and the choice of either to waive the oe- cision of the particular question ad- Versely to his convictions and remain with the party, or to refuse to vote tne ticket When that question IS settlee or his convictions are changed, ne can still say: T am a democrat, ana when | vote I will vote the democratic llckel, and his democratic neighbors can again honorably admit him to a voice in dem ocratic counsels Such a law ot party action would build up the party in mum bcrs and character, and secure the Tree discussion of every public question Wltn- in the lines of the party. A democratic club voluntarily organized in every pre- cinct in Alabama. without authority or constraint from any body of men, out side the precinct, and thus assertngf1ts right to home rule and local govrnment, would do more to build up grand, sell governing and enlightened democracy than the state and national committees that eyer have been or ever can be or ganiZed. - .,., movement on foot, for our people are so tired of bosses and personal poiltics that they will gladly adopt some course that will at least be more respectable.
 These clubs at first would be the true expositors of the public will in the local meetings, but their aggregated strength, whether it was party power or moral influence. would soon make itself tet Tn a way that would end the rule Of the po- litical bosses in Alabama.
 God speed that day.
 I am here for my health, which needs repairs, to fit me for our winter worn, and 1t is most important for me that l should remain. If you attend the confer ence I wish you to know my views Of the situation in Alabama. If you do not at tend I hope you will make any criticism you think just upon this letter with en- tire freedom, so that our friends may know in what respects We hold different opdnions on these subjects, if there are
  ward them with this letter to Captain Johnston, Colonel John or some other friend Ito be laid before the meeting.
 I will do my best to comply with any duty that shall be assigned to me in October connected with movement to canvass the state With great respect, sincerely yours JOHN T. MORGAN.
 Col. J. r. B. Jackson moved the con ference indorse the letter of General Mor- gan and that the thanks of the confer ence be extended him. The motion pre- vailed by a rising vote.
 A delegate moved that the democratic papers of the state publish Senator Mor- gan's letter. and the motion prevailed.
 Gen. Joseph Wheeler's letter was then read by Secretary J. A. Rountree It was quite a lengthy letter longer than Senator Morgan's, and advised organiza- ton, but different from some speeches; conceded that President Cleveland and Secretary Carlisle were honest in their opposition to free silver
 On motion the thanks of the confer ence were extended General Wheeler
 TelegramS of congratulations were read from Capt. J. H. Bankhead, Fred S. Cox, editor of the Mobile Daily News, and several Jackson county citizens
 Captain James Crook
 Captain Crook of Jacksonville re- sponded to a call, and on taking the stage said:
  action by this conference, it would be an idle waste of valuable time in faintly re- beating what you have just heard. To say that I did not favor the free coinage of silver independent of the financial pol icy of any other country would be to re- pudiate the convictions of a lifetime and to ignore the teachings of democracy since its formation. Those engaged in the battle against the treasury are seek ing to place on you chains more galling than those sought to be put about you 100 years ago. He heartily indorsed the letter of Senator Morgan and said 1t eX- pressed his sentiments exactly. He said the conference inaugurated movement that would not let up until the republi- cans and hitherto democrats who are now following John Sherman had been van quiShed.
 Congressman Stallings.
 Congressman Jesse Stallngs was call ed for. He said: The committees ought to be at work and 1 do not intend to take up your time in talking. Let us go home and when we find a democrat trying to tear down the policies and traditions of the party brand him as an enemy and go to work to down him. The strangest doc Urine have ever heard is that taught by