The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-11-27
MEETING OF
 THE "ANTlS" Promise to Stick to the Democratic Party. LETTER FROM GOV. OATES Il Was to Shelley and Was
 Read Out. Former Governor Johnston Urges That the Defeated Candidates "Drive out the Money Chang
 CTS" and Take Charge.
LETTER FROM GOV. OATES

meeting of the men who made the fight against the new constitution within the Democratic party, which was recently called by General Charles M. Shelley, chairman of the naturalization cam paign committee was held in the parlors of the Morris Hotel here today and there were upwards of 100 men in attendance. The meeting began at l o'clock and last ed about three hours. Prior to the meet ing of the regular conference the Cam paign Committee held lengthy session port for the conference. The conference was organized by the election of Judge J. J. Mitchell of Florence as cha man. The report of the Campaign Committee as follows was presented and adopted: Committees Report.
 Whereas, this committee was ap- pointed to conduct the campaign against the ratification of the proposed consti- tution and having discharged that duty. will now cease to exist, but believing that the good of the commonwealth de- mands:
 "First-The securing of the right of suf- frage to all white men under the per- manent, as well as temporary plan.
 '"Second-The securing of honest and fair primaries and elections and putting an end to the shameless frauds which are now defeating the will of the white voters and disgracing our commonwealth.
 "Third-The securing of such amend ments as will strike out the odious and undemocratic features of the constitution defeated at the polls, but proclaimed as ratified, as will make 1t fair and just, and secure to every white man equal rights and representation.
 .Fourth-To secure the nomination of all State officers, Federal Senators anu Representatives by primary election, al which each candidate shall have equal representation.
 And, whereas, these reforms can be secured by an active and aggressive organization within the Democratic party only;
 Therefore, be it resolved, That we recommend that those invited to be pre- sent here today who are in sympathy with these sentiments are requested to meet and affect such organization as to them shall seem best"
 There was some discussion and a sharp debate occurred. MT. P. G. Bowman asked for fairness towards one another.
 Johnston Speaks.
 Former Governor Joseph F. Johnston addressed the meeting, saying: "I am here as a Democrat and if the ques- ton arises as to whether or not this fight Shall be made within the Democratic party l shall retire from the conference. l am not going into any conference that believes in the destruction of the Demo- cratic party. Let us go in and drive out the money changers and take charge"
 The motion to make the fight within the Democratic party prevailed. On motion of former Governor Johnston, a committee of seven was decided upon toi organize a State Executive Committee and carry out the spirit of the resolu- ton. The chairman appointed the fol- lowing: Joseph F. Johnston, Charles NJ. Shelley, James Crook, Jesse Stallings, Tennis West of Morgan and E. M. Kirk bride of Mobile. The chairman is an ex-officio member of the committee.
 Captain Johnston stated that he was not candidate for any office and did not expect to be one, but would be found in the campaign smashing the enemy wher- ever he met him.
 Deficit Made Up.
 It was shown that there was a deficit from the campaign just waged against the new constitution and this was made up. The establishment of a weekly news paper was decided on and 1t was stated that something like $500 would be re- Quired to put such a proposition on it's feet. Of this amount nearly 5000 was raised. In his speech before the conference, General Shelley made about the same re- marks as he did in the statement he issued a few days after the election on the 11th inst. The antis seem tca be much encouraged | by the attendance and there was much talk heard as to what would be done in l the future.
 G n. al sh Hey today received the fol- | lowing from eX-Governor Oates:
 A Letter from Oates
 Montgomery, Ala, Nov. "A, 1901. General Charl1s M. Shelley.
 Dear General:-I have your letter or 1etl inst, inviting me to a conference | to be held on the 18th inst, to consider and determine the future policy of those who were opposed to the ratification of the new Constitution, or who are now op- posed to and condemn the methods by | which its ratification was accomplished, 1 and who are now in favor of a thorough | and lasting reform of all fraudulent prac- tices in elections and the overthrow of i al political lings and cliques now in ex- istence or hereafter formed to perpetuate election frauds.
 1 cannot attend your conference as l | have a prior engagement as to important