Birmingham state herald., 1897-02-03
ingiy advocated it privately. publicly and

T. M. ESPY, LOTHIAN.
 q am heartily in favor of constitu-- tional convention. The restrictions or the present constitution are a great hfn- drance to the industrial and commer- cia1 progress of the state.
 PHAREs COLEMAN, MONTGOMERY. 's'It seems to me that the time has come when there must be held constitutional convention"
 JOHN P. PULLMAN, BIRMINGHAM. 1T am most earnestly in favor of con- stitutienal convention, and think the best interests of the state imperatively de- mand it"
 G. H. MANHATTAN, R. P. ROACH AND
 E. J. GLIDER, BUTLER, CHOC-
 TAw COUNTY.
 We favor the convention"
 Ex-GOV. ". c. OATES.
 ''In reply to your inquiry of the IS inst., I have to say that I am in favor of con- stitutienal convention, and think that the general assembly now in session should pass an ac. submitting the question to the people I was member of the con- vention which framed our present con stitution tWenty-one years ago last fall. l was chairman of the Judiciary commit tee, and took an active part in the work of the convention. That instrument was not then satisfactory to me in all of it's parts. but the majority of the delegates thought that the new constitution was admirably adapted to the conditions or the state and its people at that time. In my biennial message. which l, as gov ernor sent to the general assembly Ca copy of which I sent you under another cover) I set forth some of the reasons why l favor changes in the constitution, which 1 do not believe can be made eX- cept by a convention. The following declaration Is set forth in the present ton -txrif. k al power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their benefit, and that therefore, they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasable right to change their form of government, In such manner as they deem eXpedient.' In my judgement the proper time has arrived to change in several respects our form of government. The convention, if called, when assembled.< represents the sov- ereign will of the people. The general assembly should therefore, be very care ful in framing the act so as to provide, as far as practicable for obtaining as del- egates the ablest and best men in the state. The future greatness of our state largely depends upon the work of con- vention of wise men, and this year IS the time to have it. In the selection of the. delegates, partisan prejudice should not be made the sole test of qualification and fitness ALVA FITZPATRICK, MONTGOMERY "I beg to be numbered among those who heartily favor a new constitution for the state. I have long been an ad- vccate of the revision of certain laws which can not be reached short of constitutional convention. As former member of the legislature. l have been, in some measure, in a position to ap- preciate the absolute necessity of laws which can only be secured through such means as a constitutional convention. could offer; and without specifying them, I deem it sufficient for the purpose you have in view to commit myself heartily in favor of the laudable undertaking in which you are engaged.
 F. G. CAFFEY, MONTGOMERY.
 ''I am heartily in favor of call for a constitutional convention, to be held at an early date. I think the need for changes in the constitution is .impera- tive"
 J. D. BAILEY, OZARK.
 q am in favor of a new constitution. and anything that I can do to aid in it's formation, will do.'
 F. c. BLACKMON, ANNISTON.
 'In my opinion, the action your com mittee is taking looking towards secur- ing constitutional convention is of great importance to the state of Ala bama. I have thought for some time, and am now thoroughly convinced of the  essential to the upbuilding and develop ment of our resources that we have an up-to-date constitution. l see many valid reasons why this convention should be called at once, and no good reasons for it's delay"
 R. T. SIMPSON, JR., FLORENCE.
 'I am in favor of a constitutional con- vention. Without going into details will say: As we'll say the ancient system of astrology and necromancy is sufficient for the demands of scientific thought of the day as that Alabama must go on under it's old constitution, admirable and wise in features, wholly inadequate in others projects for her development and pros- perity.'
 w. w. SANDERS, COLUMBIA.
 'I am heartily in favor of such a con- ~vention It has long been obvious to our most intelligent citizens that our organic law loudly demands additions, changes, and modifications, and I sincerely trust that the efforts of our committee will accomplish legislation necessary to sub- init the question to the people,
 A. P. YOUNG, SELMA.
 "I am in favor of calling a constitu- tional convention for the state of Ala bama. I have not the time to enumer- ate and elaborate the reasons for having such convention at this time, but there
 
 or amended in our present constitution" WELLINGTON eVANDIvER, TALLA-
 DEGA.
 T favor. heartily, the movement for new constitution, and l can condense my reasons, therefore, in the statement ad- mitted on all sides that the present in- strument was imperfect at the time of it's adoption, and has grown more and more unsuited 10 the people as the state has made progress in growth"
 J. M. FITZPATRICK, WETUMPKA
 ''I favor new constitution, because I believe the growth of Alabama requires one especially as to the cities and towns l am also opposed to so much. or might say, to any. local legislation
 c. W. SMITH, BREWTON.
 Am heartily in favor of constitution al convention"
 c. c. NESMITH, VERNON.
 ''I am in favor of calling constitu- tional convention at this time. The need Of new constitution is. I think, gen erally felt by a majority of the intelligent citizens of this, Lamar, county. Some fear that if constitutional convention should be called an educational or property