The age-herald., 1899-03-23


 vention, and they are hereby requested : to vote for submission of the proposed < new constitution for the ratification or : rejection of the people. '
 
 those who had formerly fought me than from my old friends; for which I thank you heartily.
 T am back in the democratic party now, under the truly democratic platform adopt ed at Chicago, and in the party I expect to remain the rest of my life"
 Captain Kolb closed by pledging his best services for the people in the coming con- vention. He also favored referring the con- stitution adopted back to the people for ratification.
 Senator Cunning ham Speaks
 Although a little premature, the conven- ton not having been permanently organiz- ed. the delegates were anxious to hear from Dr. Cunningham. and they called for him loudly. He replied amid the greatest ap- plause:
 -1 am deeply, profoundly grateful to the people of Jefferson county he said, flor their support of my cand dacy for delegate to the constitutional convention from this senatorial district. I will be pardoned, I know if I indulge the opinion that it is
 
 ord in the senate. There are few, perhaps. who endorse all of that record, but taken all together am pleased that 1t meets the approval of the majority of the people whom I had the honor to represent in the senate. Allow me to thank you from my heart, and through you the people whom you represent, for this renewal of confi- dence in me, and to pledge you and the people here and now that I shall rededicate myself to the people of my county and state, and shall aid, to the very best of my ability, in the framing of a new organic law for the state-should the people in July call the convention-that will be for the best interests of all the people
 'The honor of office is measured by the duties and responsibilities that arise in the office, and by the integrity, fidelity and ability with which these are discharged There is no more important and responsi- ble trust than the framing of a constitution This work is to last for years. It is a mi tation upon the process of the people. It Is the sovereign peoples own limitation of their own power and liberty. The constitu- tion begins we the people of Alabama, etc. While all the people are not there assem- bled, as this would be imposs ble. all the people should be there represented.
 'As a delegate to the constitutional con- vention shall feel it my duty to represent and express by my vote the will and judg- ment of my constituents. The 133 delegates In. that convention stand for and represent the 1SOOOM people of the state If our idea of government is correct the will and judg- ment of a majority of these people should be the will and judgment of the delegates to the convention. The constitution of our state should in reality be what it purports to be-the self-imposed limitation of the power of the people, by the people To this end all the delegates should work in harmony and peace, and when their work ic Hoil fhn ctt tt,tti CI ho submitted to the people for their approval or rejection.
 "The necessity for a new constitution is essential and the duty of the hour is inn perative. There are conditions which must be changed Under these conditions, and to avoid the certain ruin that would fol- low their operation, things have to be done that will in the end destroy the political business and moral integrity of the state All men recognize these conditions: all hon. est men abhor and despise the necessary remedy. For the conditions the people of Alabama are not responsible. The remedy is and has been-distasteful as it is-their only salvation.
 ''To modify justly and fairly these condi- tions, and to provide an honorable, just and fair remedy, is the problem of the hour. The details and measures by which this consumma tion is to be achieved. calls for the deepest patriotism, the profoundest
 
 these should be taught to bear upon the problem in the love and fear of God, and in the respect and fellowship of the people. "Gentemen of the convention, these mat ters are fundamental; they are the bed rock of our liberties. corrupt and venal exercise of the franchise, an unfair election and a fraudulent count make impure poli- tics, unfaithful officers and in the end de- prayed people. We all admit promptly that a bad condition demands desperate remedy. So long as these conditions exist the remedy must be applied in certain sec tions of tho state. Then in the name of in- tegrity, honor, justice right and the fair name of the state, and for the sake of the present rising generation, and for genera tions yet unborn, let us provide a lawful, legitimate, honorable, just and fair remedy that will remove or safely modify the ex- isting conditions. My record in the senate upon this great question has been from first to last for a constitutional convention. I believe the sovereign people of Alabama through their chosen representatives, are equal to the occasion and time. ,ya 'aThis, also, is an suspicious time for the solution of this problem Never before iny the history of the colonies and of the colonies and of the United States has there been feeling south, north east and west. I War between the states settled many prob-i