The age-herald., 1901-08-25
Gossip Says Campaign Was Ss| on Foot at Captain Law
 son's Barbecue
NOTHING DEFINITE WAS DONE
Governor Johnston's Trip to Montgom- cry and to the Barbecue Caused Much of the Talk-He Is Op-
 posed to Ratification.
BY E. E. KERsH.

Montgomery, Aug. M.-(Special )-'Will there be a well organized campaign against tho ratification of the new con stitution" is a question agitating the minds of the statesmen just now. The problem is causing some worry to the friends of ratification, for they believe that they have sighted the first small cloud of opposition They are troubled as to the growth of this cloud, and wheth- CT it will merely go over in a slight breeze or blow gale
 First Cloud Sighted.
 The first cloud was sighted the day af- ter the convention recessed. when former Governor Johnston came from his home fin Birmingham to the capitol It has has been generally believed that the for mer Governor would oppose the ratifica- tion of the new instrument, and while he made no public statement while here as to his position, he told some friends that he would vote against the work of the convention. He stated also that he was not attempting to perfect an organization against ratification. and would not lead such a fight as had been rumored
 Governor Johnston only spent a few hours in Montgomery, and during his stay he saw but few prominent men, He was en route to the farm of W. H. Law son. in the southern portion of this coun- ty, and it is this visit that set the tongues of some political gossippers to wagging.
 Captain Lawson's Barbecue.
 Captain Lawson has recently stated through the press that he was opposed to the ratification of the new measure, because principally of the suffrage plan. Last Thursday Captain Lawson gave a barbecue at his country place and it is stated that number of influential citi- gents of the county were invited to be present. It was announced by Captain Lawson that former Governor Johnston would be present, and 1t is said that an- nouncement was also made that the prin- cipal topic of conversation would be the work of the constitutional convention. However, this may have been, politicians believed that the the birth of the anti ratification party would be the result. To add strength to this argument, they used the fact that Col. William Youngblood, one of the big bosses of the Republican party was also invited to attend the Lawson barbecue
 The representative of the Age-Herald has very diligently enquired about the happenings at the barbecue, but nothing can be learned. Colonel Youngblood was in Montgomery today and in an inter- view he said that he had not attended the barbecue, had never intended to at- tend and did not know If it was arranged for the purpose of matching a plan of campaign against ratification.
 Youngbood Talks.
 Tt is true that Captain Lawson invited me to be present, saying that 1t was given in honor of Governor Johnston," said Colonel Youngblood. When at home I am a neighbor of Captain Lawson, and do not attach any political significance to my invitation. I thought it merely a neighborly invitation, as good many other farmers in that section had re- ceived. I told Captain Lawson that I would not be at home, and therefore could not attend"
 Colonel Youngblood said he could not state whether he was opposed to the rati- fcation of the new instrument; that he had not read 1t, and was really taking no interest in it. He disclaimed knowledge of the meeting at the Lawson home.
 The Oates Rumor.
 There has been another rumor to the effect that former Governor William C. Oates who is a delegate in the conyen- tion would fight the ratification of the constitution. Investigation shows this to be merely conjectural The visit of former Governor Johnston to General Oates while the former was in the city last Wednesday gave birth to this rumor. A newspaper correspondent sent out a dispatch to the effect that General Oates would probably oppose ratification. An Age-Herald correspondent saw General Oates today and asked him if there were grounds Tor his rumored position. Re- nnf stance:
 Governor Johnston did call to see me while he was in the city last Wednesday. His visit to me was entirely unexpected, and had not been pre-arranged He said as he came In that he had merely called to pay his respects. While in my office he asked me what would be my attitude in reference to the ratification of the new constitution. replied that I did not at that time know what would be my posi- ton, that the convention had freouentIv enacted one thing and subsequently changed 1t. had all along favored inc holding of a convention to remodel the present constitution. and had urged upon him Governor Johnston) not to repeal the convention measure. In my speeches before the people favoring the holding of convention, had pledged them that if the convention did not frame a better constitution than the old one, that would vote against its ratification In the new constitution there are some pro- visions mucn better than In the old one, while there are some not so good I told him that when the harmony commit tee finished it's work. I would take the two instruments and carefully compare them On the whole, if I found the new one better than the old I would advocate ratification; otherwise, would oppose it. stated to him that no political prefer ence would in any way influence my ac- ton, and with me 1t is entirely matter of conscience and good faith with the peo- pie.