The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1899-04-27
Has a Committee Actively En-
gagged,
WORKING IN EVERY COUNTY
Two or Three Endorsements is
the Fruit.
THERE is NO DANGER OF REPEAL
Says Chairman Lowe of Executive Com
mittee-Present Contest Will Have
No Effect on Bryan's Chances
of Carrying the State

of Carrying the State
Governor Johnston has characterized the
large number of influential and prominent
men of the state who are leading the fight
for the constitutional convention as a
"clamorous lobby" In the same breath he
put an end to the talk that he would see
the error of his way and not call an extra
session.
1t is stated that the governor has gone
further and organized a vigorous anti-conA
stitutional convention campaign. 1t is said
that about thirty men, his most ardent sup
porters, compose a campaign committee
with himself as boss According to the in
formation that reaches Birmingham
through the numerous prominent men that
come and go, letters are written to john
ston men In every county and they are re-
quested to get an endorsement of the
policy of the chief executive in the form of
a resolution passed by the county executive
committee or by mass meeting, in which
Johnston supporters should of course, pre-
dominate. If these two plans fail the init
nation is throughout that an extensively
signed petition against the convention
would be acceptable. The ammunition of
the campaign committee, it is said, consists
chiefly in varied assortment of Palmer and
BucIner "bugaboos." The men on the spot
are directed to use this with all vengeance,
despite the fact that Senators Morgan,
Pettus Representatives Underwood, Bank
head and Clayton, all silver men, are the
prime agitators of constitutional conven-
ton. 1t is pointed out that the two or three
endorsements the governor has gotten is the
fruit of the campaign up to date.
The Johnston Interview
Chairman Lowe of the state executive
committee was shown a copy of tie gov
ernors interview yesterday.
1.-THE governor appears to be angry"
said he.
figures?" was asked.
at is evident that the governor made his
figures prior to the last meeting of the state
executive committee. He doesn't give any
names"
When asked if he thought there had been
any changes he replied:
Yes, there have been material changes"
Mr. Lowe said that he preferred not to
make any comment upon TIRE governors
characterization of the Montgomery mass
meeting as "clamorous lobby"
What are your predictions as to the
prospect of a repeal of the convention
call?" was asked.
81 do not believe that there is any dang err
of repe j." he replied. "Many of our best
lawyers say that the legislature has no right
to repeal theact, or revoke the call. Aside
81
assembly the democrats have large major
tiles. A man might be very good democrat
and oppose the holding of constitutional
convention, bur no very well org ed demo-
crat owing his election to the democratic or
ganization is likely to vote against the voice
of the party as expressed in convention and
reiterated by the state executive commit
tec.'
When asked as to what effect the con-
test that is going on would have on Mr..
Bryans chances in Alabama, Mr.. Lowe
replied;
"Not any. believe that Mr. Bryan will
get the solid delegation from Alabama in the
next national convention. MIR. Bryan and the
cause he represents has better friends In
Alabama than the rank and file who favor a
constitutional convention"
Program for Mass Meeting
Montgomery on May is being planned.
Many letters are being received from
democrats saying they will be present.
The full roster of speakers has not been
completed, but it is certain that Senator
Pettus. Representatives Bankhead, Under
wood, Clayton and possibly Senator Nor
gan will be on the list
Replies are being received from the noml-
nees for delegates to the convention. In
nearly every instance they say that they
will come.
: The success of the demonstration has al
ready been assured.
The Question of Law
The question concerning the legality of
the legislature repeating the act calling n
constitutional convention is still creating
considerable comment among the lawyers.
All of them admit 1t is a subject for deep
study and that there is more grounds for
the proposition of Senator Morgan than
was at first supposed.
Many of the attorneys hold that an act
was not necessary to call the convention.
but since it has been called, the power of
the general assembly has become exhausted,
and that the matter must now rest with
the people. whose power is sovereign. The
vote of the people is higher power than a
general assembly, and the concensus of |
opinion is that when the question of con- |
vention or no convention has been submit |
ted to them the legislature is powerless to /
intercept the action of body superior to |
theirs. On this point another question Is |
raised which leaves the matter again in an |
unsettled condition. An attorney said yes |
terday afternoon that the call had not yet |
gone ~ the people and, therefore. 1t was