The age-herald., 1901-05-23
Absolute Fair and Honest Treat ment NH Be Accorded
 All Members LONG STARTS A HOT DEBATE
Trouble Grew Out of Assignment of Seats-Mp Knox Made Brilliant Speech at the Opening and
 Outlined Important Work.

Age-Herald Bureau. Clanceys Hotel, Montgomery. May Especial 1.-The sec ond days session of the Constitutional Convention was consumed by the perma- nent organization, the masterly and elo- quent address of President Knox and the consideration of a half dozen resolutions of minor importance.
 Perhaps the most important work of the session was the expression by the con vention for absolutely fair and honest treatment of party utilization. The matter of party discrimination was brought be- fore the convention by MT. Long of Walker, who attempted the defeat of motion permitting each member equal rights in the matter of seats by a draw ing of numbers, to be conducted by a page, who was first to be blindfolded MT Long sought to make the matter of seating delegates party question, saying that the gray-haired and battle-scared Democrats should be given first choice of seats, and that Populists and Republicans should not be accorded an equal show ing for the best positions upon the floor. MT. White of Jefferson was opposed to this idea, and he made ringing speech against permitting politics to come into the convention. The delegates present he said, were representatives of the people of the State, all of whom were to be given an opportunity to vote to either ratify or reject the instrument framed by the convention. He desired the making of constitution upon which Democrats, Republicans and Populists could alike unite. and by an overwhelming majority the convention voted to sustain the sen- timents so strongly presented by the member from Jefferson
 The convention was in session about two hours, the first hslf aof 1t being con- sumed by the address of President Knox
 Mir. knoxs Speech.
 MT. Knox's speech was full of good food for the minds of the delegates, and the auditors who crowded Into every available space in the lobby and gallery, accorded the distinguished leader per- feet hearing, breaking the silence only for applause, which came in frequent rounds with splendid enthusiasm.
 Mir Knox touched upon only four points of fundamental law for revision. Much of his time was devoted to a dis cussion of the franchise, in which he took occasion to review the history of the negro race, reciting the benefits to both races to accrue from his lawful elimina- tion from the privileges of the ballot The speaker said he would rot submit any plan for the carrying out of this idea. but thought it should be left to full discussion of the members. He recited briefly the plans adopted in the States of Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina. and while he did T7a ia Ilry f@f 41,o he intimated his preference for the inheri- tance clause. He said. however, that since Alabama had inaugurated the move ment for franchise restrictions, it must succeed, and he believed the convention would succeed.
 AIabama's Bonded Debt.
 MT. Knox next touched upon the mat ter of the States bonded indebtedness Under the present Constitution he doubted the right of the State to refund It's bonded indebtedness. Some provision for this should be made, and it would save to the State many times the cost of a Constitutional Convention.
 The power of municipal and county governments to create debts was dis cussed by the speaker. The issuing of bonds should be restricted in the same manner that the power of levying taxes had been.
 He talked at some length upon the sub- Ject of education. expressing his friend Illness to the public schools. but an- nouncing his position with the Demo- cratic platform against local taxation for school purposes. The convention should put forward every effort to rid the State of illiteracy. however,
 The able speech of MT. Knox and his manifest ability as capable and fair presiding officer have already won for him the respect and admiration of all the members.
 It is probable that the convention will become fully organized for business ty tomorrow. The president was authorized to name several important committees to- day, and by Fridays session the mem- bers will be permitted to unload their coat pockets of the numberless amend ments with which they are burdened.
 The Convention.
 Chief Justice Mcclellan called the con vention to order at Il o'clock. Prayer was offered by Rev. MT. Patterson of Mont gomery. There were 150 members answer ing roll call. !
 Judge Mcclellan announced as the first business the election of a chairman, per- manent or temporary, as the convention desired. Judge Thomas w. Coleman moved that the convention proceed to the election of a permanent chairman and he placed the name of Hon. John B. Knox of Calhoun before the convention. There were no other nominations, and on motion of Judge Coleman. MT. Knox was unanimously elected. A committee con- sisting of Messrs. Coleman. Oates and Lomax was named to notify MT. Knox of his election and escort him to the chair The appearance of MT. Knox caused enthu siastic cheering from the members. Judge Mcclellan introduced the new presiding officer without eulogy. MT. Knox thanked the members for the great honor conferred upon him. and spoke at some length upon the work to come before the convention.
 When MT Knox had concluded MT Brooks of M obile moved that the remarks of the President just submitted be spread ,,non the minutes of the convention. MT Brooks put the motion and it was carried ,,nanfmously. MT. Bulger offered reso- lution caiiinrg for the appointment of a committee n rules to consist of nine members, an MT. Hefiin moved to amend 1t by having the committee consist of eighteen mer .nbers.
 MT. O'Neal of Lauderdale raised the