The age-herald., 1899-03-30
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
 WAS MADE PARTY ISSUE; WILL BE
 SUBMITTED BACK TO THE PEOPLE
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 The first discussion arose over the motion
 to appoint a committee on resolutions and
 platform, to which committee "all resolu-
 tions were to be referred without debate"
 Brandon, of Tuscaloosa, opened the fight
 with amendment that all resolutions re-
 ferred to the committee be referred back
 to the convention. The chair took an aye
 and nay vote and announced that "the gen.
 tleman from Tuscaloosa is laid on the ta-
 ble." The announcement provoked laugh
 ter.
 Graves, of Montgomery, moved to amend
 by the addition of a provision that major ity vote of the convention could order the
 committee to report any resolution re-
 ferred to them He asked the chair what
 vote it would require under the original
 resolution to order the committee to make
 report. MT. Cameron, of Sumter, asked
 for the same information.
 '"The chair is unable to furnish the in-
 formation" said Chairman Denson.
 The convention was a scene of great dis
 order.
 Under what rules are we working?" de-
 manded MT. Cameron.
 Main strength and awkwardness," re-
 torted the chair, amidst much laughter and
 applause.
 A motion to table the Graves amendment
 was lost by a vote of 2S4 to 220 The origi-
 nal resolution, as amended, was then pass
 ed. D.
 MT. Bowman of Jefferson noticed that the gallery was crowded and that several la- dies were standing while gentlemen occu- pied chairs. The handsome delegate from Jefferson adjusted his glasses and straight ened his coat as he arose and addressed the chair. "Mr. Chairman" he began, "I move that gentlemen in the gallery just to my front who are occupying the front row of seats be reOuaSted to VaCate them to allow the ladies seats.' "It seems that the only way the gentle man from Jefferson can get lady to stay before him is to pass law requiring it, was the chairman's quick retort. This humor provoked much applause, and the ladies standing left the gallery. The convention took recess until 4 o'clock.
 Afternoon Session '' The first business upon the reassembling
 of the convention was report from the
 committee on permanent organization. The committee recommended State Senator W. D. Jelks, of Barbour, for permanent chair man; s. A. Reynolds secretary; Elmore Garrett and H. H. Fitts, assistant secre-
 taries. The report was unanimously adopt ed.
 Senator Jelks was escorted to the chair, and he made very appropriate speech of acceptance. He declared in favor of new constitution and fair and honest ballot. He thanked the convention for the honor and announced the convention ready for business efs's Congressman Henry D. Claytonp in ac- cordance with instructions from Barbour county, introduced resolution, declaring the the calling of a constitutional conven- tion should not be made a party issue, and that every democrat should be left to vote as he saw fit The resolution was referred to the committee on resolutions. sfR Judge A. H. Aston, chairman of the com mittee on platform and resolutions, pre- sented the platform, which is given above. It was endorsed by every member.ofuthe committee. idsit MT. Arlington, of Montgomery, spoke in favor of provision in the platform in- structing the delegates to the constitution | al convention to prevent any change in the | representation in the legislature. He ad- | vocated a declaration that representation be placed and based upon population, as at present. sAt | MT. Pettus, of Dallas, opposed fneorpo- l rating anything more in the platform than 1 the committee had placed in it.. He enter 1 tained no fears of an effort by the consti- | tutional convention to change the basis of | representation. He then moved the preyi- l ous question on the adoption of the plat l form as reported by the committee. This motion set off display of pyrotech- | nics the equal of which has probably never | before been heard in an Alabama state con- l vention. The scene of disorder and tur- l moil which followed surpassed that which 1 might be expected to characterize black | belt negro pow-wow. It was disgrace to l the intelligence of Alabama | Three appointees of the governor were'ths 1 instigators of the turbulent scenes. Ad-
 jutant General Brandon was the principal