The age-herald., 1900-06-30
CHAIRMAN ]. K. JONES
 TALKS OF PLATFORM
Not Necessary to Repeat All the Provisions ot the
 Chicago Platform.


 from the vast multitude assembled to hear him. He thanked the chairman for the very kind introduction to the intelligent audience adding that he desired the good fellowship of all good men and women. He very modestly likened the introduction to an incident in which admiring friend had complimented General Bates as a very fine and great man; the greatest he had ever seen. You know I know that ain't so," replied the general, but I do wish you would say it again.
 The speaker thanked the large number of ladies for their presence It was a great pleasure to him. He knew that it did not make any difference in the voting. Even had they the franchise, it had been charged that they would not acknowledge an eligi- be voting age until they were too old to cast ballot, the speaker declared good humoredly. However, they furnished a fine mode of transit of ones words to the public. For purification of the ballot he said that he would rather have the ladies given the franchise
 Colonel Sanford spoke of his duty and pleasure, as the nominee of the Democracy to visit and meet the people, and discuss questions regarding their welfare. He did not wish to appear in the role of one trav- cling over the state to make a pompous show. He rather preferred not to have op- position in his race, and it was with pleas ure that he had observed that one of the Sldte prominent cltlZenS nau refused 10 become candidate against him upon the ticket of an opposing party. He said that two political parties were essential to the welfare of a country. Human nature had so arranged and organized. But there is no room for more than two parties.
 He paid a beautiful tribute to the capaci- ty and fitness for office of his co-nominees on the state ticke,. They were men against whom no objection could be raised.
 The speaker discussed at some length the sarinciDles of Dernaora.,u- Rnet af .srlaiah that public offices are public trusts. Men are given office to carry out the public in- terests Too frequently men sought office for emoluments. They were like the Irish man who welded the widow owning forty negroes. When asked by the minister if he would take the widow as his wife, Pat replied: Faith, yes. and the niggers, too"
 Wants Low Rate of Taxation
 The Democratic platform insisted upon economy in the administration of the states affairs. This he pledged to carry into effect. The government should be ad- ministered so as to levy the very lowest possible rate of taxes. Every good citizen is willing to pay his just share of taxes, but not dollar more than is necessary to run the government should be levied Any more than this is highway robbery
 He spoke of the power of taxation as the power of oppresstDn and destruction, and it a most wise provision placed in the constitution limiting taxation, and pro- tecting the people against unwise and corrupt legislation. As a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1876 the speaker had fought to have this clause inserted in the Constitution, and he would forever object to it's being taken out.
 Colonel Sanford next discussed the proposition of good roads. He favored an improvement in the public roads, but stated that he could not enter into a dis p1fs Of the 6afuilS n them. Different counties would likely have different conditions, and would thus re- qure different means. He suggested that, under the proper authorities, county con- victs might be worked upon them. and that small levy of taxes might n some cases prove desirable
 It was absolutely necessary to have pub lie officials called to a strict accountability for the conduct of their offices.
 There should be u strict carrying out of the administration of the law. One man is good as another, if he is honest.
 Favors Pubic schools
 The speaker favored public education. True education is the keen blade which makes one man the equal to another. The school should be absolutely divorced from politics, and some such reforms as are suggested by Superintendent Abercrombie should be inaugurated. lie favored a uni form system of text books.
 
 speaker said his personal views were well known, and he could not surrender them, but the Democratic party is committed to local self-government, and he, as Governor would carry into effect it's policy. However. much he might favor moral reforms, he could not force them down the throats of an unwilling man.
 Wants Ballot Reform
 Colonel Sanford spoke at length upon the question of ballot reform. He argued for publication of the ballot, and to obtain this, the ignorant negro vote must be eliminated. It had been argued that this could not be done, but Mississippi, Louisi ana and South Carolina had effected it, and North Carolina and Virginia were at work on a plan. The white men of Ala bama are capable of settling the ques- tion and in some way-in some manner they have got to settle it. Some desired a constitutional convention, while others opposed it.
 From some quarters complaint had come against the following resolution, adopted by the State conventions:
 Resolved, That it is the sense of this convention that the next General Assembly of this State should provide for the sub mission to a vote of the people of Ala bama the question of holding a constitu- tional convention, with such safeguards as may be necessary to preserve the limi- tations upon the right of taxation now ex- isting, and slsch safeguards as the Gen. eral Assembly in it's wisdom may find to be necessary and proper in the prem ises."
 He argued that there could be nothing harmful in this resolution, as it merely suggested that the Legislature provide an ~---~~~~-~~-~ ~------~-----~-~~-~----~