Birmingham state herald., 1897-06-27
BIRMINGHAM STATE HERALD
Entered at the postoffios at Birmingham. Ala. as second-class matter.
ITS POSITION NOT TENABLE.

E ITS POSITION NOT TENABLE.
 The Anniston Hot Blast is not nnrea- sorable in it's position to ignore national tissues in the state platform. but its po- sition Is not tenable and if adopted would result in defeating the very measures the Hot Blast and large majority of the citizens of Alabama. regardless of pod- ties would like to see accomplished. A radical reconstruction of existing laws, state or national, cannot be brought about impulsive.y. The American peo- pie as a rule are patriotic and law-abd- ing. and must be thoroughly educated and convinced that ths enactment of new laws pr the repeal of old ones will be 10 their interest before they will act. They may choose quickly between men to t4e- cute these laws, butwhen the fundament- al principles of the government Rre to be tampered with they invariably hold back and consider well before they commit themselves.
 The Hot Blast makes some valuable suggestions of benefits to accrue from change in our state constitution, much of which the State Herald agrees to, and exerted every influence al it's command to secure among which was new con stitution. We agree fully with the Hot Blast that Alabama needs bureau Of immigration; and it might be well to hold elections every four years instead of two, but this is debatable question;iwe agree that change Is needed In our courts and judicial proceedings so as to greatly ies- son their costs to the state ard to ensure prompt trial and punishment of the guilty; also that changes should be made which would materially improve our school system. And there are other measures of importance that could be enacted into law that would prove of much benefit to our growing state under a new constitution allowing this priv ilege
 But has the Hot Blast stopped to think about it that before people will seek these luxuries they must first have the staples of life People who are hungry and poorly clad are not eagar to invite others to share their poverty; they little care for the courts or their costs when they have nothing to pay with and nothing to protect. What care they for educational advantages if prohibited from enjoying them? Where is the boy over ten years of age with heart so small that he could devote his attention to studies on a divided half loaf from father and mo'h- CT who are forced to work day in and day out for a pittance rot sufficient to buy groceries in quantities to stay hunger! What young man could follow the scien- tfst or the astronomer when gastronomy is a forgotten art and old Epicure lost to history?
 History will have to repeat itself and humanity retrograde before this people can progress while living on mast and covering with a fig leaf. And While we admit that after the great depression through which we have passed prosperity will not return like the growth of Jonah's gourd in night time, nor that one state can accomplish the feat of transform ing the monetary system of this govern mont, we do know that Alabama did fan the flames that illuminated this entire continent and its influence was felt at every point on the civilized globe on the identical question our friend would have us now ignsre, and which the civilized world has agreed upon has resolved it. self into the greatest and most import ant political issue of the age
 The State Herald is willing to join the Hot Blast heart and soul in the consum- mation of the much needed changes in the organic law of the state, but is un- willing to do so to the detriment and the possible sacrifice of the most vital ques- tion that effects the material interest of not only Alabama but the entire Ameri- can people. Alabama was the first state fin the Union to proclaim for the free and unlimited coinage of both gold and silver, the rich and the poor mans. cur rency, and by the eternal gods she is go- ing to carry that banner until suffering is appeased-work furnished the laborer at reasonable wages and for reasonable hours work-the debtor made the equal Jf the creditor and the majority of the people make and enforce the laws instead of the politicians and money hoarders.