Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-11
THE PARAMOUNT QUESTION Honest Elections Essential to AL
 abama'S Welfare SAYS SENATOR HUNDLEY An Emphatic Declaration of Views by Prom nent and Popular Madison )untY
 Democrat.

Hon. Oscar Hundley of Huntsville, whose presence in the city has already been noted was seen yesterday by a State Herald representative, to whom he granted an interview on affairs of imme- diate interest in state politics. Long a member of the legislature serving in both bodies, and at present representing Madison county in the senate, in which body he has been leader enjoying the prestige of never having been defeated for office before the people, that his opin- ions reflect the best sentiment of his en- frightened constituency and should be of general interest, goes without the say ing
 What is your opinion of the agita ton in favor of a more liberal policy toward voters desirous of acting with the demo- cratic party?" was asked the senator.
 T have no hesitancy in saying" he re- piled, that in my opinion all men who believe in the principles of the democrat ic party and intend to support it's nomi- nees should take part in the primaries without regard to past differences. The fact can be no longer disguised that we are on the eve of one of the most mo- mentous campaigns ever held in Ala bama, and which, in its results, will be more far-reaching than any within my recollection. If the democratic party de- sires to continue to hold the confidence of the people 1t must strike out on new lines and keep pace with the liberal and progressive ideas of the new generation Victories can no longer be won in this state with simply the cry of white su- premacy, which has hitherto been en- gendered by the fear of negro domna- tion. Every intelligent white man in To lanr aI. ia be a sham and fraud. Republicans, populites. silver democrats and gold democrats all favor white supremacy. It cannot, therefore, be an honest issue. Ihe white people of Alabama are now di- vided; not upon questions of race or sec tional prejudices, but upon questions of principles; questions which affect the welfare of Alabama and her people at home and abroad. In my opinion no man can be elected governor of Alabama whose domination is dictated by the po- litical junta which has long been dom- mating the party in this state, and se- cured by questionable methods, at var- ance with every principle of local self government"
 In response to questions touching the candidates for governor and the proba- ble platform to be adopted as these mat ters are regarded in his part of the state, MT. Hundley said:
 'I believe a large majority of demo- crats in north Alabama are most assured ]y for Joe Johnston for governor, and they are likewise for free silver I am for free silver, too, but I do not regard this as the burning issue in state pol- tics with us. What the democratic party should do is in no uncertain terms to declare itself in favor of honest elections and local self-government. People from all parts of the country are investing money in our state. We should make them know and feel that when they come to live among us they will indeed be pro tected in life, property and the pursuit of happiness-that they have a right to advocate their political convictions, to eX- press them at the ballot box and have them counted and declared just as they voted them"
 At this point MT. Hundley rose from his chair, warming with the subject and proceeded with emphasis on the fair elec- tions issue: "I tell you this issue of hon. est elections" he said lis paramount to any other question in Alabama. It IS the foundation stone upon which the fabrlc of republican institutions must rest, and without which our people cannot hope to govern themselves. That 1t will finally triumph I have not the slightest doubt.
 How does MT. Clarke's announcement take with your people?"
 .'The majority of our people, I believe, regret very much that MT Clarke has seen fit to announce himself a candidate for governor, as he has done. Personally I am a great admirer of Congressman Clarke and believe he would make good governor. He has many friends in our part of the state, but the manner of his bringing out and the methods that would of necessity have to be resorted to to secure his nomination would make his selection as our standard bearer most unfortunate It would imperil the sue cess of the party, I think, in the coming contest: for I believe that large major ity of the democrats of Alabama favor the nomination of Captain Johnston, and that the disturbance of this sentiment, which had been crystalized some time before the announcement of MT. Clarke, could not fail to do harm
 "I believe now to be the time and the opportunity" said MT. Hundley, as the reporter was about to part with him, 'for the democratic party in Alabama to take a new lease of life by declaring itself in favor of honest elections, the most liberal encouragement of industrial progress in the state that can be pro- noted without adding unnecessary bur dens upon the people, and in short such a declaration of principles as will not only make new friends, but win back the many honest voters who have left us with mistaken ideas of how to mend their grievances"
 MT Hundley is at the Hotel Morris and will leave for home this morning.
 REV. R, 6, PEARSON COMING.