The age-herald., 1901-10-18
Governor Replies to Charge That He NH Be a
 Dictator HE FRANCHISE QUESTION
Mir. Knox Declares Men of czoIsosz's Stamp and Negroes Should Have Never Been Allowed Prlvit.
 ege of Ballot. eii7

Fourteen hundred persons gathered In the Jefferson Theatre last night and for nearly two hours listened to arguments in favor Of ratification of the constitution. The speakers were Gov. William D. Jelks and Hon. John B. Knox. president of the recent constitutional convention. Gov ernor Jelks spoke briefly, allowing the greater part of the time to MT. Knox.
 In the audience there were many women in bright, early fall costume. On the stage were seated leading men from every walk of life. Among tho prominent faces were those of Oliver Chalifoux, John Antwine. 2. T. Rudulph. police com missioner; J. B. Aird. Chancellor Car michael. Aldermen Kerr. Graham and Thach, J. H. F. Moseley, State Senator Hugh Morrow, Capt. W. c. Ward, Judge Charles senn, Solicitor Charles ". Fer guson, John w ONeili, pr. J. H. Phil- lips, Judge Wilkinson, Register in Chan cery W. c. Garrett, Attorney-General Charles G. Browne, John H. Miller Oscar W. Underwood. W. W. Brandon, Mayor Drennen. Culpepper Exun1, w.. s. Browne, Chancellor R. B. Kelley and several lead ing ministers. A prominent figure in one of the boxes was the venerable Gen. B. W. Pettus, United States Senator.
 At o'clock Henry B. Gray. chairman of the County Executive Committee, called the meeting to order. In behalf of his committee he introduced the Hon. William D. Jelks, Governor of the State of Alabama.
 Governor Jelks Was Glad.
 Governor Jelks said he was particularly glad to appear before a Birmingham au- dience and especially in behalf of cause the State of Alabama. After impressing upon his audience the importance Of the question Governor Jelks said:
 Tt has been charged that said I could positively assure the people that no man would be disfranchised under the new constitution and I have been critI- cised for such a statement.
 T will say, however. in my opinion no white man in the State of Alabama will be disfranchised."
 T am also charged with being a dic- tator, but I assure you Under any cir cumstances I would be mild dictator.
 My friends I think you need not be apprehenslve of us."
 Three Dictators.
 'Tn this connection would say if I am dictator then we will have three dictators Bob Poole will be the second dictator and Tom soweil the third"
 The Governor ironically told of the great power they would assume and said the dictatorship reminded him of the an- cient days of Rome when Caesar. Pom pey and Cassius ruled the people with an iron hand.
 'I can imagine Bob Poole. Tom Sowe1l and myself in the garb of the great Romans. Poole would have to be the Caesar and Tom Sowell could assume the role of Pompey and I guess I would have to do my best as Cassius. Imagine what a sight 1t would be with Bob Poole as Caesar leading his disfranchising CO., horts into Rome"
 The gentlemen referred to by the Gov eornor are to be his assistants in ap- pointing registrars under the temporary plan of election under the new constitu- tion.
 NO, my friends. you need not be alarm ed" continued the Governor, flor we