The age-herald., 1898-12-20
STILL SUBJECT
 FOR COMMENT Constitutional Convention Bill.
 Exciting interest. COLONEL H. |. M'kEE TALKS Tells How the Measure Was Carried Was Chairman of Committee App pointed to Secure the Pas
 sage of the Bill.
COLONEL H. 1, M'KEE TALKS


 Montgomery.
 There seems but little doubt but that the measure will carry, provided the right men are selected as delegates to the convention. On this proposition the fight is to be made.
 Colonel H. L. Mckee, who has been one of the leading spirits of the movements,
 and who will most probably be a member of the convention from Dallas, tonight gave me the following interview as to how the bill calling the convention was passed:
 'I am sure said he, "when the fact is known that this movement is not only based on wise political doctrines, but is backed by large number of the best busi- ness men in the state, who have heretofore taken small part in the active dut.es of leg islation, it will commend itself to the calm judgment of all creeds.
 Two years ago the Commercial and In- dustrlal Association of Alabama memorial ized the general assembly to enact such law. committee was charged with the duty of urging the measure upon all the members of both houses.
 At the sess on of '96-97 the committed only succeeded in getting favorable action by the house-the senate tabling the bill. Subsequent sessions of the committee were held and an active effort was determined upon. A subcommittee, consisting of Lomax, Montgomery, S. D. Weakley, B'r- mingham, and w. J. Wood, Florence was selected to prosecute the matter. This committee took un it's headquarters in Montgomery at the Exchange and on the 11th of November held a conference with leading men from different sections of the state, who were invited to be present and lend their counsel Hon. G. M Taylor, Of Demopol's. presided. A line of action was agreed upon as that which promised the greatest assurance of success. It was well known to the committee that there were many conflicting views, the attitude of Governor Johnston being in doubt, 1t was necessary to have an alternative plan if antagonism should be shown by him.
 After the governors message came out, ubich showed an inclination to amend ments many of the friends or reVisioh' wno felt sure of failure of sueh enort, withdrew from our support, ana auFlseu the committee to withdraw and go nome. My reply was that, being on the ground we knew better, and did not construe the governors message as antagonistic. From close friends of Governor johnston we were advised that he did not oppose the measure and while he would take no part in the effort to secure its passage, ne would approve the bill if passed. This relieved the situation. The judgment of the committee was accepted and friends came to our relief .
 '.However, this did not give us easy sail ing, for there were many incongruous ele- ments of both houses. Some who had been leaders in the former movement had either become doubtful of the success Of the measure and did not care to lead for lorn hope, or else leaned to the amend ment idea. Such was the attitude Of Speaker Waller, without whose powerful influence we could not hope to carry the measure to a successful issue.
 "The committee at an early day secured a conference with the governor and the friends of the bill. Certain guarantees of a nature, afterward incorporated in the bill, were asked and readily granted. Ihis brought to its support many powerful in fuences, and the friends of the measure became more aggressive. It was agreed that vote should be had in the senate first, and if good majority could be ob- tained here it would materially aid the other house. One-half of the senate being hold-overs, it was fairly an easy task to know how they stood. The strong opposi- tion of Senators Bykin and Moody must be met by as strong men on our side. ."These were found in debaters of the II, at5rs Jeks, of Barbour, Cunningham, of Jefferson, and Wiley, of Montgomery who took up the cudgel and gave blow for blow. Senators Meador, Moore, Nunnelee, Thom- son. Jenkins, Lyons and others were on the active list of floor managers.
 "The calm but earnest speech of Senator Jelks in opening the debate was as persua- siye as it was finished Senator Cunning ham in his impassoned manner drew the fire of Senator Boykin; Senator Wiley, with the force of a beautiful and irresistible logic, fixed every friend of the measure. Against these speeches, and the equally faithful work on the floor, there was no re- sistance-and all the force of Senators Moody, Boykin and Hall did not change a vote It stood IT for and 12 against-three more than we were at first certain of hav- ing.
 "There was more doubt of the measure in the house, and when we transferred our efforts to the other chamber, we found only 46 out of a needed 51 as sure to support the bill.
 "A conference was held in the rooms of Speaker Waller and line Of battle planned, which proved effective. The in- ertfa which seemed apparent in the repre- sentatives, passed away, and life-like en- ergy seized upon them, all> idea of amend ments were secuted, and under the splen- did leadership of Charles D. Waller, with active co-adjutors in Representatives Tun- stall. Robinson, Brown, Lee, Kyle, Flew ellen. Miller Carson, Pettus and others, the fight was won. It was not an easy one for in MT. Brandon and Judge Hubbard foes to the measure were found who were both vigorous in attack and strategic in movement.
 "The speech that won most applause on our side was the impassioned address of the sneaker. Charles F. Waller, upon whose words even the foes hung with rapt inter- cstfi and upon whose logic three votes came to us.
 The senator readily ccncurred in the ho,lse amendments and then the enrolment and signatures of the president of the sem ate. speaker of the house and governor made the meauser the law
 "In the management of the work so far as outsiders had any hand in 1t, had in the Hon. Sidney J. Bowie of Talladega, in- valuable aid. He was with me most of the | time for two weeks in frequent communica- ton when necessarily away. John B. KnoY, I. Lee Long. General c. M. Shelley and l ethel friends were wise counselors. q esteem the commendation of many who. by wire and mail have spoken in