The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-24
MIR. CASE OF DEKALB
Endeavors to Give an Explanation of His Status Towards Democratic
 Party

His Status Towards Democratic
 Party.
 Mir. D. c. Case of DeKalb. arose to a question of personal privilege m the Constitutional Convention yesterday morning and endeavored to read statement defining his position in re- gard to the relation he occupies to the Democratic Party. He had begun to read when he was cut off by point of order that he had not stated any question of personal privilege, which was sustained by the Chair.
 After the action of the Democratic caucus Tuesday evening fourteen del egates were denied admission to the caucus, and MT. Case was among them. The only reference to the matter in The Advertiser except publishing the names was. this: "The following are the delegates who are regarded as op- posed to the Democratic Party That is all the provocation MT. Case had for rising to his question of personal privilege.
 The paper MT. Case proposed to read was the following:
 MT. President-I arise to question of personal privilege. The Montgom- cry Advertiser of the 22nd inst. in speaking of other delegates in connec- tion with myself, says I am regarded as opposed to the Democratic Party. While l do not, MT. President, intend any reflection upon the high character and integrity of that able and. be- lieve, fair paper, I desire to respect. fully say that if I be so regarded. l doubtless have been misrepresented, for am not opposed to the Democratic Party, and let justice be done though the Heavens fall. In fact, I have all 4zA ft1 NrfnntvN1na e down by Jefferson: Equal and exact justice and priveleges to all men," Or these principles, I was elected here to the lower House of Representatives, to the Senate of Alabama, and as dele gate to this Constitutional Convention. With these glorious principles inscribed on our banner in my hands, thanks be | to God it has never trailed in the dust. It Is true, 1 was opposed to the Con- stitutional Convention, notwithstand- ing amendments and revisions of some of the articles of our present Constitu- tion may be necessary; but while this may be the case, was fearful more detriment might be done than good ac- complished; and that equal and exact ] justice and privileges, in every in stance might net be Te-eaaesea !n the proposed new Constitution. My oppo- sition to the Constitutional Convention was well known, and I was petitioned as a Democrat to become a candidate as a delegate to the Constitutions Convention. Many of the most infiu- ential Democrats of the county sup ported me- claiming that my private and public record were good, and that my many years of service to my coun' try in the House and Senate of Ala bama would be of great advantage 1T filling the grave and responsible posi- tien as a delegate. To such solicita tions, 1 consented to become a candi date. Soon after I had become can | didate on petition as a Democrat, Dr w. E. Quin, chairman of the County Democratic Executive Committee, or dered beat meetings to be held, tt send up delegates to the County Con yention, to nominate a candidate in ia vor of the Constitutional Convention There was scarcely a beat in the coun ty which held a meeting, but severa Democrats, who were in favor Of nom mating a candidate Ito advocate thu cause of the Constitutional Conven tion," went to the County Convention without any authority delegated t' them by Democrats in their respectiv beats. voted to nominate Hon. R. H Smith. One Hastin, Sims, and others voted in said County Convention With out authority. having been seated al delegates. Under such proceedings my friends would not consent for m to abandon the race. To have don so. would have been to disregard tn will of my friends. Under the circum stances, MT. President, I am here as delegate from the grand old County o DeKalb possessed of nearly fou thousand white voters-a people whom I delight to honor. Here, not to oppos l In THyht h. word has been used, although I ma, loppose some of their amendments whicl shall have been offered to the proposet | Constitution as well as those Whicl may be suggested by Republicans an
 Populists; nor am l here, clamorlng | get into any caucus or impose mysel on any one; but I am here to tell yo as a friend, not as an enemy, as on
 who has the interest of the great Stat of Alabama at heart, that l believe thi Constitution ought to be considere
 very deliberately in committee rooms and amended, If need be, on this con vention floor.
 While I opposed this Constitutions Convention, for reasons already stated such is no longer an issue, and if W
 were wrong yesterday, let us get righ
 today; if we indulge in slang and shar epithets yesterday, let Us speak kin
 words today. for anger glances into tn breasts of wise men. but rests only i the bosoms of foolsi full of prejudic yesterday, let us overflow with patri
 otism today. and let us have Consti
 tuition in keeping with equal and ex act Justice and privileges to all men. and I am in the saddle to help to rati ,, fy it-in spite of the great injustic
 done me, in saying that I am regarde
 as opposed to the Democratic party.