The age-herald., 1901-03-16
AN ELOQUENT TRIBUTE TO OUR GREAT ALABAMA
BY PRoE. GEORGE E. MELlEN.


 ments. In the olden time so numerous was the type and so marked in the angu- lar proportions of body, in the rugged caste of countenance and in the true mo- bility of bearing were the Tennesseans that their origin was known as far as eye could reach. Their state pride and clannsh ways were proverbial. It is said that a Tennessean once going to Ala bama got Into what was under the old regime Q small trouble--he killed @ man. As legal counselor he sought a fellow Tennessean, Gov J. L. Martin, native of loyal Blount County, whose early name and home are perpetuated in our Martins NH pike, then living at Tusco- loosa.. Successfully defended and, of course, honorably acquitted. he sought the lawyer to thank him for his services and to ask the fee. Martin told him not to mention the thanks-that the fee was $1500. In the paltry matter of a homicide the client protested that the fee was ex- orbitant and thought that $500 was am pie, liberal compensation. Yes said Martin, that may be so for the legal de- fense, but a man must have something for the wear and tear of conscience It is useless to add that the point was we'll taken, the fee was duly paid and Ten nessee thrift was duly vindicated.
 "In the long and honored list of names of Tennesseans that adorn the civil po- litical, and religious annals of Alabama, l could not well particularize without trespass upon time and a breach of cour- tesy. With great honor to themselves and distinguished credit to the State of their nativity Tennesseans have filled all offices within the gift of the people of Alabama, from those of Federal Senator and Governor to justice of the peace and constable; by their grace, beauty, cul- ture, and piety Tennessee daughters have graced every position within the sphere of woman. In this cultured presence, however, I cannot forbear to mention such names as James w. McClung, one of the most gifted and distinguished men that ever graced the counsel chamber of Alabama with the stainless purity of a Chevalier Bayard and the knightly cour- tesy of a Sir Walter Raleigh; of Lemuel Montgomery, the youthful soldier whose life blood shed at the battle of Horse shoe or Tohopeka, is f1ttingly and deserv- edly commemorated in the name of Ala bamas capital; of John Tyler Morgan. today her far-famed Senator, the incor- ruptible patriot and broad-minded states man; and other names as those of Clay, Winston, Morrisette, Perkins, Parsons, and hundreds of others that contribute to make the name Alabama illustrious in of oto
 "As a token of this intimate relation ship and as a generous part-playment of the debt due Tennessee by Alabama, we are this evening, to have the pleasure of listening to one who brings the charm of her personality and the rich fruitage of her thought, observation, and exper- fence for our instruction. delight and en- tertainment. Ladies and gentlemen, have the great pleasure and the distin- guished honor of presenting Mrs Gielow of Alabama"
 ->-%-<<<>%%-<<>-><< followed the recommendation. The board while doing this were frank to say that the offense of which Baker was convict ed was undoubtedly murder. This indi- cates that the board as constituted will incline to mercy. Their recommendation was grounded on the youth and previous good character of the prisoner, with the suggestion of aggravating but not justi- fable circumstances preceding the crime.