The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-03-01
CONVENTION FIGHT
HAS OPENED LIVELY
Governor Returned to Montgomery With
out Revealing His Plans.
AFTER THE DELEGATION
But What Assurances he Received
Halter Tor Conjecture.
THE REPUBLICANS ARE INTERESTED
T. H. Aldrich Spoken Of-Moody Bill
Advocates Will Fight Delegates
Who Seek to Change Consti-
tuition on Whisky Traffic.

Governor Johnston has returned to Mont
gomery to pursue his executive duties, and
probably to reflect upon information, more
or less valuable, obtained during his Mon
days stay in Birmingham.
1t is not possible to ascertain the real
object of the governors visit, or the result
of 1t. =, ~ -
There can be no reasonable doubt that
Governor Johnston would like to name the
constitutional convention delegates from
Jefferson. There need be no fear that he
can accomplish his desire in that direction.
He has been always in a minority in this
county, and the majority against him to-
day is greater than ever before.
AS has been stated, the purpose of the
governors visit is not yet discoverable.
1t may have been made with the object of
fixing upon the delegates from this county
to the constitutional convention; 1t may
have been for the purpose of feeling the
public pulse. In either event, the governor
of Alabama must have found little comfort.
The story goes that the governor has set
himself about the task of dominating the
constitutional convention. and the rumor Is
not in any degree improbable. however
amazing the proposition may appear to the
popular mind
Republican Representation
Locally, there was a great deal Of gossip
yesterday. There was apparently strong
undercurrent of talk regarding former
Congressman Truman H. Aldrich as dele
gate. Mr.. Aldrich is a republican, and is
in no sense candidate, but 1t is believed
he would serve as delegate in the conven-
ton If elected. Amongst the successful
business men of Jefferson no man is held in
higher esteem than Mr.. Adrich. 1t Is held
by many leading politicians that 1t would
be a graceful and wise act for the people
of this county to send him as a delegate
to the constitutional convention.
Mr.. Aldrich was asked as to his views on
the matter.
II haven't thought of 1t at ALL" he said.
Zone thing l have thought of is that the
constitutional convention should not seek
to disfranchise the negroes as a race. 1t is
eminently proper to restrict the franchise,
but white ignorance and black ignorance
should share alike in the Acknowledgement
No man should be deprived of his vote be-
cause he is either white or black. His
right to cast ballot should be taken from
him solely for the reason that he cannot in
eSNt6SAtiy VI particularly exercise Lnat
right"
VIII Not Have Independent Ticket
The Rev. DR.. Kelley, of the First Meth
odist church, was asked yesterday IL the
friends of the Moody dispensary liquor
traffic bill intended to put out an inde-
pendent ticket for delegates from Jefferson
county. DR.. Kelley replied that there was
no such intention. The friends of the
Moody plan were keenly alert and they
would support candidates who were not
oppose dto the existing order of things.
They had no purpose of putting out plat
form; but being convinced that the Moody
law was entirely constitutional, they were
concerned in striving to prevent the new
constitution from prohibiting such legisa-
ton. In other words, the friends Of the
Moody plan were intent upon seeing that
the friends of the liquor interests did not
change the purport of the organic law in
respect to the liquor traffic.
Edward H. Cabaniss will not be a cand-
date for delegate to the constitutional con-
vention; but his law partner. s. d. Weak
ley, will ask for that honor at the hands
of the democratic voters.
Hugh Morrow, formerly assistant solicit
tor of Jefferson, and one Of the brightest
and best young men in the county, will
be candidate for delegate, and is sure of
a large following. He Is a son of the late
Judge John Morrow, for many years pro-
bate judge of Jefferson, and one of the
best citizens ever in the county's service.
Capt. kolb n Candidate
Captain Reuben f. Kolb has announced
himself a candidate for the constitutional
convention from Jefferson, and the indica-
tions are that he will be chosen.
Captain Kolb is one of the strongest of
Birminghams citizens. He has served the
state as commissioner of agriculture and
was twice candidate for governor, almost
reaching it. He is well versed in the
needs of the state and will be a valuable
man In the convention.
Prof. Burris in the Race
Prof. H. P. Burris was the first man to
announce himself a candidate for delegate
to the constitutional conventions.
He was called upon in a signed card by
q large number of prominent citizens and
his announcement appeared some weeks
ago.
He says that If chosen he will always be
found on the side of schools.
No Friction Exists
Berlin, February 2s.-To the correspond