The age-herald., 1898-04-24
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The position taken by Hon. John B. Knox in his advocacy of a constitutional conven- tion was in keeping with his record as an honest, far-seeing politician, who desires to have his party Instrumental in furnishing to the people of Alabama the highest and best gifts appertaining to the advanced civilization of today. MT. Knox is a party man, who aspires to have democracy be- stow upon the citizens of the state all the advantages which shall come from the ed- ucation of the children and the broadening of the constitution to meet the requirements of the times. In not dmanding constitu- tfonal convention the platform of the dem- ocrats, just adopted at Montgomery. fell somewhat short of the aspirations and am- bitions of the people of Alabama, who esteem honesty at the ballot box as one of the cardinal doctrines of the best party organization. a
 The time for temporizing about a corsti- tutional convention is past. The highest public opinion of the state of Alabama is demanding it, regardless of the effect it will have upon the individual political aspira- tions of any man or set of men.
 When the convention meets, the limit to be allowed the voter to overcome illiteracy can then be definitely determined
 Unless some action is taken in this mat ter at the next meeting of the legislature, Alabamians can safely decide that the progress of the state has been purposely retarded in order that certain ignorant vot- CTS shall not have their equilibrium dis turbed by laws which compel men who elect the lawmakers to be able to read and write
 That man who takes brave, courageous stand for the improvement of the educa- tional and material welfare of his state is very far in advance of the office-seeker, whose only ambition is to boost himself into position of trust. through the votes of uneducated men. Alabama, is beginning to cry out in tones that reach from the noun tains to the gulf coast for constitutional convention which shall insure to the state better and more wholesome laws. It is measure that shall insistently knock at the door of every home in Alabama until the most selfish politician shall yield to the popular demand.
 
 Ballot box Stufing must be entirely done away with at every precinct in the state. It has served it's purpose long ago, and the faintest suggestion of such methods is a menace to the best interests of Alabamians and a reproach to their good name. Hit erate ignorant voters must be kept from the polls, because of their ignorance and H. literacy. man, white or black, who does not have the ambition to learn to read and write, should not be permitted to elect lawmakers and executors of the law no matter to what party they may belong.
 
 The democratic party now overwleim- ingly in the ascendancy in Alabama, has many grand purposes to accomplish.
 It has caught the popular sentiment il favor of better educational facilities for the children of the state and the plank in the platform that stands for these meas ures is worthy of that great body of Ala bamians that assembled last week at Mont gomery
 Each and every portion of the platform will be heartily indorsed by a tremendous democratic vote at the polls in August! Of this fact there can be no question. But there is also doubt that the failure to recommend a constitutional convention was grievous disappointment to the expectant people,
 Hon. John B. Knox in retiring from tEe chairmanship of the democratic executive committee, has delivered a speech that shall prove a beacon light to those citizens of the state who are ambitious to go for ward and keep abreast with the advancing civilization of this present time. Regard less of how it would affect his political fu- A1.1 that shall be heard for years to come, and which shall eventually draw around him the enthusiastic support of Alabama voters. He unselfshly and boldly spoke for the good of the people and the people will bear that fact in mind, when the constitutional convention becomes glorious realization.
 
 Although there was really very little speech making indulged in at the state con- vention last week, the two brief addresses of Gov Johnston and Hon. John w. Tom linson were wonderfully clear and concise presentations of the political views of the great majority of Alabamians. The en- thusiastic manner in which they were re- ceived, evidenced the close sympathy felt in their sentiments by the great representa- tive body of delegates who had come fresh from the people.
 These delegates did their work well, save that they failed to speak out and demand constitutional convention. Judging from the fact that this measure was entirely ig- nored in the democratic platform, the citi- zens of the state appear to be far ahead of the majority of the politicians. Perhaps this is because the people are not seeking any political offices. BALL.
 
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 From the Cincinnati Times-Star