The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-14
Vincent's Default.

It was during the session of this House that the dedication of the Treasurer oc- cured and I need not say that 1t caused such a sensation as has never been known in Alabama since. When 1t was whis- pered around the corridors and in the halls of the two Houses that tho Treas urer had absconded and the doors to the big vault were closed. the faces of the members were white with excite ment and they stood around in groups discussing the matter in bated breath, hoping that it might prove untrue.
 Soon after the House assembled. the message of Governor O'Neal informed the General Assembly of the dedication and flight of the Treasurer. The ex- citement was intense. surpassing almost anything l have ever seen in Alabama transact any business and members stood around and talked about 1t. Vincent was the personal friend of almost every member of both houses and the feeling was one of general regret and sorrow
 I remember that Colonel Mckee, the Private Secretary was in Atlanta, having gone there as witness in the United States Court, 1t being the first time he had left the city since he had been Private Secretary from the beginning of Governor Cobb's administration four years DS1OTe. TIC was IeleRTdpneQ DY the Governor and returning immediately he went to the Executive office and meet ing the Governor asked how much money was left in the treasury. Informed that there was about s1s7, 900 in paper money, besides the coin he walked the floor for nan a minute aa's. and then in his chara9Ieristio
 'I never heard Vincent accured of being fool nor L never took him to be one but he will be cursed just as much az if he had taken it all and l cannot tell why he did not take all the money"
 I shall never forget the conference of the State officials called by Governor O'Neal tho night of the Treasurer's dis appearance. Speaker Foster came to my room in tho capitol late at night and told me about it and there was no more sleep for me. spending the night in company with the officials who were so dazed that they were almost beside themselves and who could not have slept if they had gone to bed. That was a terrible time at the old capitol
 The whole session of this House was most pleasant r,,me and the members treated me with gTeat kindness and con- sideration. many friendships being formed there that will continue as long as life lasts.
 were many Ol IIlOTe UT less humor and interest. I have not space to recount but few of them and these at the close of the session. The usual mock session. was held and mem bers had a great deal of fun. Speaker Foster resumed the chair to sign some bills when MT. N. W. Griffin of Pike came rushing in the hall and with his hands over his head made frantic efforts to be recognized to get stock law bill through. There was much confusion and It was impossible to quiet the member who was laboring under great mental ex- citement. The Speaker left the chair and finally succeeded in calming Mir. Grimm, who was taken to his room,
 Just as Lne Speaker had begun the last words in closing the House sine die, MT. Hawkins of Barbour rushed in the door and with a bill lifted above his head announced the approval of the Governor of the bill establishing the Agricultural Department The Speaker rapped him to order and concluded his remarks Mir. Hawkins thought the announcement was necessary to save his bill, but it was not and the Speaker for that reason did not pause to recognize him.
 As chairman of the Committee on Agri- culture MT. Hawkins had worked un- tiringly to have the bill passed during the session and he did not want to take any chances in regard to 1t. So he was determined to have it's approval announce ed at the risk of mourning the displeas- ure of the Speaker.
 The House of 1SS4-S5.
 I was again elected Clerk of the House at the session of 1SS4-S5 over MT. J. W A. Wright of Russell. who had been in the House and was very popular with the old members, but he did not succeed in defeating me.
 It is a strange coincidence that Colonel H. Clay Armstrong was elected Speaker of this House. He was native of Ma con County. Had lived there all of his life until only year or two before when he removed to Auburn to get the benefit of the schools there for his children and was sent to the House from Lee County so that practically both Speakers. while was Clerk. were from the same County that I was from.
 Colonel Armstrong was a very fine pre- siding ofticer of commanding appearance and fine voice, he made a very good Speaker, but he did not compare with Colonel Foster as a parliamentarian or in controlling the House. He did not strict ly enforce the rules and in consequence there was frequent confusion in the pro- ceedings and much more trouble in keep- ing inc record, But the Speaker was kind and considerate in his rulings and tl atment of the members and was very popular with th, House.
 Horace Hood was again chosen as As