The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-02-17
BLACKBURN TALKS
TO LEGISLATURE
He is Against Imperialism and
for Free Coinage.
HE PRAISED BIRMINGHAM
Referred Feelingly to His Only Other
Visit to Montgomery. When He Was
aConfederate Soldier Congress
man from Michigan.

Montgomery, February 16.-(Special)-
Former United States Senator ]. c. S.
Blackburn of Kentucky, addressed the gen.
eral assembly of Alabama upon joint invi-
tation of the two houses. Senator Black
burns speech was unanimously declared
one of the strongest and most eloquent yet
briefly, but every word was weighty and
full of democratic principles.
Colonel Blackburn was introduced to the
general assembly by Governor Johnston.
The governor declared that the assembly
was honoring itself by inviting the distin-
guished Kentuckian to address the body.
lie referred to Colonel Blackburn as a true
representative of the constitution, the liber-
ties of the people and the true principles of
democracy. AS the distinguished guest
arose he was greeted by uproarious APP
plause. He began his speech with reference
to his former and only visit to the capital
of Alabama more than quarter of CEN
fury ago, when he was here a tattered con-
/ federate soldier, at the then capital of the
confederate states of America. lie found
no landmark of those stirring days, save
the historic old capitol. 1t was with pleas
ure that he noted the many signs of prog
ress He had always loved Alabamians for
their bravery on the battlefield. He had
first been with them on that sad day when
at Chicamauga during the war between the
states regiment of Alabamians had brave
ly fought against such great odds that more
than one-third Of their number had been
left bleeding and dying on the battlefield.
Alabama had a right to feel proud of her
representatives, both as statesmen and SOL
diers, referring to Morgan as the peer of
Sta n HOhSOn a ( the hraVpsf
of sailors, and to Wheeler, as the most
fearless of soldiers.
Colonel Blackburn made most compli-
mentary reference to the industrial prog
ress of Alabama predicting that great Biz
mingham would soon be the greatest in-
dustrial center of the United States.
He was proud of the unanimous invita-
ton extended to address the general assem-
bly,, without respect of politics. Every
member knew that he was strict party
man. II am here, as am everywhere ne
declared, "a self-avowed, unreconstructed
and unreconstructable democrat, because L
believe the best interests of my counry-al
its interests and all its peop!e-are to be
best promoted by my party. Ihere is not
one sentence, one word in the Chicago plat
form but that indorse most heartily.
He spoke of the new and novel questions
and policies which now confrant us ma
ton. He declared himself unalterably OPP
posed to imperialism The democratic party
teaches us to believe in home rule-the one
policy he would always favor Il shall
never thrust the bayonet in any foreign peo-
pie against their wil,'' were the words used
in expressing his opinion. He congratu-
lated the people upon reunited country
There are no traitors save those trying to
commit us to this new policy. The late
war has proven that we, as nation, are
able to take care of a struggling people in
other chimes; let prove that we are able
to subserve the best interests of our own
people. He declared the conservatism of
the country to be found in the lately seced-
ing states, and pictured New England now
appealing to us for assistance. There were
frequent bursts of applause during the
speech which was delivered in deep eloquent
voice. When Colonel Blackburn had con-
cluded the members flocked about him, anX-
ious to shake his hand and extend to him
congratulate
Colonel Blackburn Is in Montgomery as
the attorney for the Southern Bell Tele-
phone company. He is looking after the in
terests of his company in the bill now
pending before the senate, restricting the
rates to be charged by the company in Biz
mingham.
Another Distinguished Visitor
There was another distinguished visitor to
the capital today, in the person OF Congress
man Akin, Michigan. Mr.. Akin by invitation
made a short address before the senate,
combining himself to his opinions of the
south, and good humoredly referring to his
familiarity of the state. as member of the
committee on privileges and elections when
a contest was before the committee from
the Fourth district in which Dallas county
where more votes had been counted than
citizens in the county. AS a republican. he
was proud to have occupied the seat of
the distinguished senator from Dallas-Mr.
Nunnelle.