The age-herald., 1899-05-03
LOYAL DEMOCRATS OPEN THE
 CONTEST FOR WHITE SUPREMACY
The Fathers of the Party Speak to a MowhuB Mass Meet-
 ing in Montgomery Last Night


 Warnings from the Past
 We have had several conventions in Ala bama that have taught us lessons that seem to have been forgotten. In 1861 con- vention passed an ordinance severing our relation with the federal government by a narrow margin and without submitting their action to the people, and 1t resulted in tears and bloodshed the loss of many mo- ble lives, the destruction of many homes and in desolation and distress. Scarcely anything was saved to us but the imper- ishable glory of our arms, the memory of the splendid achievements of our brethren and fathers.
 Again in 1868 a constitution was thrust upon the people of Alabama, the demo- crats accepting the party dictate to touch not, taste not and handle not the unclean thing, that resulted in bin6ing us hand and foot for years to the domination of the most reckless crew that ever disgraced civilized government.
 Alleged to Re Hedged
 To quiet all apprehension it is now alleg- cd that the action of the convention has so hedged about and bound the delegates with pledges that they can now be trusted to do no evil things, and that they will sub init their work to the ratification of the people.
 To whom it is to be submitted is not stated, but considering the recent past we cannot doubt that If submitted at all, the submission will be accompanied by an or der to vote for it's ratification or be de- nounced as bolters and traitors.
 Security Not Given
 No security is given that single one of these pledges will be faithfully observed and carried out, and the record of loyalty to platforms and pledges of so many nomi- nees does not command unlimited confi- dpnCp be claimed that these pledges bind only the s delegates nominated by the eonven- tion, and are imperative and void as to the hundred members coming from the several counties.
 It is also to be observed that there are honorable members of this general~es s=, sembly, who were elected on distinct pledges made to their constituents that they would oppose a constitutional conven- tion, who have found sufficient cause to change their minds on this subect and vote the other way.
 But If the pledges are entirely worthy of our confidence, then the pledges not made are quite significant.
 The Present Constitution
 l. Prohibits an increase of the state debt ! and the issuance Of bonds.
 ?. Forbids the loan of money or credit to corporations by the state or any county or city.
 S. Forbids imprisonment for debt.
 4. Provides a homestead exemption to shelter every family-in the state.
 5. Secures the right of the people to elect their officials.
 6. Forbids any religion to be established by law or any religious test for office.
 T. Secures the right of trial by jury.
 These and many other provisions are dear to the people of Alabama and no pledge forbids the convention from tam pering with them.
 The Jefferson Court Case
 Complaint has been made that I have ignored one of these provisions in urging and approving the abolition of the court of county commissioners of Jefferson coun- ty without giving them trial by jury, and intimation is made that am the only dem- ocratic governor who has so acted. The court in Montgomery county was abolished with Governor Houston's approval, and nearly all of my predecessors have ap- proved similar bills These courts had proven themselves unfaithful and had the drawing of the juries before whom they professed a desire to be tried. I feared that in the drawing of the jury party issue" would be made and the people, whose trust they had betrayed, would be utterly helpless.
 Growth Under Present Constitution
 The present constitution went into opera ton in December 1875, nearly quarter of a century since. At that time our popula- tion was about 100000 the assessed values of our property, $135 900 GOO; the appropria- ton for public schools, $231 ,S41 S9; railroad mileage, 1,793. Our population has grown to nearly 100000 our assessed values have increased to $256 ,000,0 eco, our appropriations for public schools now exceed $1 900 900; we have nearly 4,0G0 miles of railroads; great number of factories and furnaces have been erected; cities have sprung up on then barren and unproductive fields; churches and schools are spreading light and truth in dark places; the laws are enforced, life and property are secure, the public credit has reached the highest mark in the his tory of the state, and our commonwealth stands In the front rank of all the sister, hood in inviting security for and the prof itable investment of capital.
 constitution that has fostered all this growth and development, that has shell tered the homes and persons of our people so many years, should not be overthrown with impunity. The curse of holy writ is upon those who remove the ancient land- marks.
 Amepdment on the Suffrage
 Ninety per cent. of the advocates of a new constitution desire 1t for no other pur- pose than to secure a limitation of the suffrage. I see no reason at all why the members of the general assembly are not quite as competent to prepare such an amendment as the members of a constitu- tional convention. In fact, from the heat and fury that seems to possess so many of the candidates for seats in the conven- tion, fear that they are incapable of giv ing to the subject such calm and patriotic consideration as will commend any amend ment to the favor of the people If the lawful representatives of the people, sitting here with undeniable titles, cannot frame an amendment, how can it be hoped that a convention can frame an amendment that will meet with the approval of the people?
 Primary Law
 It seems to me that the passage of law under which primary election can be held that will guarantee absolute fairness in the vote and the count will do more to secure the cooperation of all honest men, prevent rings and cliques from dominating the