Birmingham state herald., 1896-01-12

that the Kolb people menaced the peace and property and prosperity of the state, when brave Tom Jones was al the front leading the democracy against her bitter and determined enemies. The Birming- ham press, I see by a glance at files of that year, made the most urgent appeals for Congressman Clarke and the rest of the Alabamiahs in Washington to come home and help the fight for the preserva- tion of the party. Where was this Rhod- eric then? The fierce and desperate bat tie was fought without him. He wears no scars in the party's service. There are many others who do who have not so in- differently borne the brunt of the con fiict as to pass over it's heroes and pen sion those who were not in 1t.
 Since the interview published In the State Herald, which it was my pleasure to get from State Senator Hundley, I have seen and heard numerous express sions from different parts of the state in letters and by persons that completely agreed with his judgment as to the effect of the announcement of MT Clarke. The consensus of these views Is that so much sentiment favorable to the nomination of Captain Johnston had been crystalized with the way unobstructed to harmoni- ous action by the party in the state con Vention that the coming of MT. Clarke in- to the arena could by no sort of manage ment prove otherwise than a disturbing element.
 every part of the state, from counties touching Tennessee to the gulf And along with such expression come the most earnest assertions of the wisdom of more liberal policy toward former democrats who have voted independent U WOllld the intention of acting with the party under decent conditions. These express sions almost invariably say that unless such course is pursued the party is as certain to be defeated as the polls are to be opened.
 A leader from Barbour says if the state executive committee on the 21st will open the primaries the party will be safe in that county, otherwise nobody can fore tell the result.
 An old war horse of Alabama democ- racy, who Is beloved for his grand de- votion to principle in every county in the state, writes that all democrats who honestly intend to support the principles and nominees of the democratic party should be invited to participate in the primaries, the democrats In each beat to be the judges of the qualifications of voters. A resolution to that effect will beurged before the state committee.
 Some interesting information comes from Henry county, the home county of Governor Oates. From a respected leader comes the statement that about seven out of ten are for Johnston, but if the state committee adhereS to a rigid ruling about four out of this seven will be lost to the party. Another prominent democrat from that county writes that if this Is ha vxil1 hn
 On the other hand, as writes a veteran party man from Jackson county, If the advice of Senator Morgan. which was fol- lowed by Perry county, is adopted. John ston will be nominated and Jackson county will give him an enormous ma jority.
 Butler county information is that the former Oates men are for Johnston and that unless better terms are made by the state committee the county will remain in the hands of the populists So it is in all the counties where the populite vote Is heavy.
 The expression from Autauga is de- mand for each precinct to be allowed t5 judge of the qualifications of its voters.
 Chairman Betts--ee Madison county ss,.,s II :ss nis opinion that all will be we'll if the state committee will keep hands off, That seems to be the spirit of those who really desire, not only the triumph of the democratic party, but to save it from crushing and ruinous defeat. It seems to be a widespread conviction that an H. liberal, rigid policy that would exclude from the primaries, for instance, all ex- cept those who voted for Oates, would not only turn away the thousands who are waiting and willing to join us, but keep from the polls other thousands who have never before faltered In a party fight.
 
 So goes the story. There Is no reason anble doubt that the sentiment of Ala bama democrats in favor of opening the doors, as Perry and Morgan counties have done and as Jackson, Madison and Colbert propose to do in a few days. is overwhelming. Whether the masses of our white people will get what they want a few days will tell and tell much of vital moment to the political future of Ala bama. WAT.