The age-herald., 1901-10-15

incubus of the ignorant negro vote. Ala bama can and will do the same.
 Democratic Motto. Catching the spirit and the purpose of the new constitution, this committee has adopted as It's motto: White supremacy, honest elections and the new constitution. One and inseparable." Under this ban ner we will fight the battle of the Demo- cratic party, and under 1t we urge all white men to align themselves.
 Product of Democratic Party.
 The new constitution Is the product of the labor and thought of the Democratic party in calling the convention and elect ing great majority of delegates to seats In it. Whatever of good is found in 1t is the result of the work of Democrats. That party, ever watchful of the inter- ests of the white people of this State, de- cided that we should have a new con stitution.
 Ea'eJ IIdS NCPL T dittis
 To hold the convention it fought the good fight. Towards its pledges made in that fight 1t has kept the faith. And whether or not there is, henceforth, laid up for 1t a crown of righteousness 1t Is for the white people of this State to de- eide. By and with them, 1t proposes to stand or fall It has always stood for white supremacy, which has been our protection and will continue to be our slogan and shield.
 Honest Elections.
 Honest elections are as sure to follow the adoption of the new constitution as that day follows the night. It may not all come at once but the Democratic party has set it's face towards honesty in elections and it's policies will obtain.
 Legislature Must Act.
 The new constitution requires the Leg islature to pass laws not inconsistent with the constitution. to regulate and govern elections. It requires the Legisla- ture to make provisions, by laws, for purging the registration list of any names which may have been fraudulently entered thereon.
 Some More New Provisions.
 It expressly excludes from the right to register or vote or hold office any person convicted of selling or offering to sell his vote, or the vote of another, or of buying or offering to buy the vote of another, or of making or offering to make false return in any election by the people, or in any primary election or suborning any witness or registrar to secure the regis tration of any person as an elector It makes 1t felony for any registrar to enter a name on the registration list without such person having made appli- cation in person to register, or who knowingly registers any person more than once.
 Most of these provisions are incor- porated for the first time in the organic law. It lays well the foundation on which the Legislature must erect the superstructure of statutory law, which will enforce honesty in elections. All of the details cannot be worked out in an organic law. Statutory law Is necessary and behind 1t all must be an enlightened public sentiment.
 Want Of Confidence.
 The doubt expressed in some quarters as to the probable action of the regis trars is but the expression of a want of confidence which some people are indulg- ing In election matters. This condition ought not to be, and now that the new constitution offers the remedy to eradi- cate the evils which have produced this want of confidence, and to restore a healthy public sentiment, it ought to be ratified and tried. Shall we declaim against conditions which we refuse to rectify when opportunity is offered for their correction?
 Future Bright.
 With these things arrived at and striv- en for, the State will advance in material and moral conditions; capital will come here to get some of the fruits of our natural wealth. immigration will be fos- tered and will increase; our lands will grow in value; our people, given a sur cease from too frequent elections, and from the fear that the vicious element may get the ascendancy will be at peace, and turn their attention to making Ala bama, already forat in the list of States, first also in all these things that go to make up great and prosperous common wealth.
 Effect of Defeat.
 We do not contemplate defeat, but we remind the people that the failure of the present movement for the new constitu- ton will set back the movement for years to come; 1t will plunge the State back into dismal conditions, from which the people have been striving to emerge; it will be almost tantamount to an endorse ment of the methods heretofore used whether honest or dishonest, to control elections; and 1t will be heralded at home and abroad as the defeat of one of the cherished policies of the Democratic par ty. We submit that the pending ques- ton is whether the old constitution with its admitted defects and faults shall be retained or the new constitution which remedies these faults and defects and makes other improvements shall be rati- fled.
 We invite and urge all good men to aid us in this right, for the improvement of our people, for the amelioration of our political conditions and for the upbuild- ing and advancement of our beloved State and we respectfully submit this address to the people of the State in the corf- organic law.
 DEMOCRATIC STATE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.