The age-herald., 1901-10-14
To the Editor of the Age-Herald:

1 is nonplused as to which of these gen. tlemen to award the palm of patriotism. I would venture offhand that the deeds of both are equally praiseworthy and equally conclusive proof that they are both political jurists and patriots-misled. fear the gentlemen are so engaged in their hectic controversy they have not the time to listen to Democrat, but l will venture to invite their attention to the fact that there is Democratic state executive committee in existence empow- cred to call the white Democrats of the state into party convention to give out the law-the memorable law-to which ! all Democrats must bow. Iris true this patriotic action might cause a redstribu- tfon of seats on the mystic band wagon and curtail the opportunities of the grave physicians now engaged in doctoring the body polite, trying, as 1t were, to inocu- late 1t with the redoubtable virus of their own virtue but 1t would be De- mocracy The average innocent plain cit izen knows as little of the subtle intent of some of the clauses in the new consti- tution as he does of the vedas of ana cient India, and when the political doc tors get through with him he will know less. There are but two great homogeneous mediums called parties in this country, hence am at a loss for names for MT Underwoods party and General Shelley's party. If they call themselves the Demo- cratic party, then no cooler performance than this has encountered my recollection and pretty soon Democratic parties will be going at bargain-counter rates. If it is not incipient revolution, pray, what is it?
 These two non-descript parties are fir- ing fusillades of condemnation of shock ing proportions at each other. According to each those who oppose the others are pariahs of the law, are regarded with wrath. and to be condemned by civiliza- ton. One gentleman-a Colossus of rage, oppressed with his eighty years-endeav- ors to stifie the human instinct of self preservation by damning it as Negro Instinct" An aged Populite, with all the attributes of strife except revolver in hand, chants a war song at a public meeting, and .citizens of the sturdiest character are lavishly epitheted as Fine mics of Good Government" One would think that none but the gayest of politi- clans would hand out such reckless pabu- lum. If these political doctors were to be left judge of their own importance in even the most commonplace events of life they would be continually awarding themselves loving cup or medal of distinction. Verify, there are windmills in this commonwealth worthy of the sword of Don Quixote
 In the meantime President Roosevelt has called Booker Washington by wire into consultation to perfect his ''south- ern policy" the result being seen in re- cent appointments-the frothing of in- ferior finesse peculiar to the Roosevelt and new Republican party Is being built at Huntsville out of expedient material, and the citizen of the dark epidermis is wondering what it Is all about.
 In all this one may detect a sinister note of warning to Alabama.
 This has been year of intensity to Alabama. If there Is no truce 1t will end in confusion and sorrow. Politicians are becoming too reckless in their ambi- tions and too indifferent of their most sacred obligations. If the new constitu-
 
 done on rational principles It has al- ready disturbed Alabama enough, for, as has been said, a state, like a person, is very human, and in sorrow it utters its cry of pain as in victory it's note of tri- umph. In the long, weary, expensive convention. however contrary to reason. the Pigmy had the better of the Titan This avowal, humiliating as 1t is, cannot be evaded, for the instrument contains as many evidences of it as there were holes in Diogones cloak.
 Call off the orators, the spellbinders, the political doctors, the purchasing clause gentlemen-pathfinders as they are in the intricate mazes of the delightful, albeit perilous, country known as the Land of Expediency, and let the Democrats of Alabama in convention assembled issue orders. Alabama is not to be apostatized by any purchasing clause" whatsoever. The South-the real South-bears the same relation to this United States that Sparta did to the balance of ancient Greece, even unto being Masters of the Helots. The South has it's rich traditions founded in the eternal rock, and its desti- ny, written in letters of gold, and neith- CT can be disturbed by romanticism or subtlety. The utilitarian, frost-bitten North has never been hearty towards the South save in it's hatred, and we must regard with gravity any departure from its settled policy.
 General Shelley recently asked MT. Un- derwood to join him in something that neither has authority to do, and Mr. Un- derwood answered with the cleverness and aplomb of an experienced diplomat. Old Metternich, dreaming in his villa at Rennweg, could not have surpassed him.
 The chairman of the state committees man of superb courage and the loftiest patriotism-has a duty to perform for Alabama. He should order these "epic gatherings of antagonisms' to disperse. They are doing Alabama incalculable in- jury.
 The new constitution does not get rid | of fraud. It in no manner promises us the boon of honest elections. The same | conditions remain and the same methods must continue. The incentive for fraud | Is not removed but remains in a more dangerous and centralized form. The ne- 1 groes eligible to registration out number | the whites in all black belt counties, &C., | VUa will