The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-29

mary election was ordered by that coril- mittee in response to a general demano on the part of the Democratic press Tn this State and upon petition from promi- nent Democrats throughout the State. Papers like The Birmingham Age.Herald, The Birmingham News, The kdobile Reg ister and The MontgoT sry Advertiser, supported practically by the entire State press, are entitled to unmeasured praise for the persistency with which they ad- vocated a State primlfy.
 The adoption of the new Constitution had established a new order of things. and there was a general desire on the part of Democratic voters to discontinue the convention system and allow candi- dates for office to submit their claims di- rectly to the people.
 What Governor Johnston wanted was general white primary; what the Democ- racy of the State wanted, and what the State Executive Com mittee ordered, was a Democratic primary.
 Governor Johnston says that he Is mak- ing this race to establish the principle of the right of the people to govern them selves. After an experience of four years the opposition to him in this State believe the issue to be. not upon the right of the people to govern themselves, but upon the question as to whether we shall continue to have a republican form of government or an absolute monarchy.
 Needs @ St. Helena.
 Notwithstanding his disastrous defeat in tne D6HdloTldI contest, no ISle OI fIlDd is strong enough to hold him. It will take another Waterloo and a St. Helena to do the work; and, this 1t is needless for me to say, the Approaching Ides of August and November will furnish.
 Fellow citizens. in conclusion, permit me to say. In summing up the results accomplished by the adoption of the new Constitution in the establishment of white supremacy and the elimination of the ignorant negro vote in this State. ind infinite satisfaction in the fact that now all men, everywhere throughout the broad limits of this State, who appear before the people seeking either election or approval are forced to come with a declaration in favor of fair and honest elections.
 Governor Johnston and his followers whether sincere or lnsincere--come before the people with a demand for fair and honest elections. though. it must be con- fessed, without fruit meet for repent ance" for the sin of having opposed the elections in this State were an impos- sibility.
 Governor Jelks and his supporters. in like manner, but, as l insist, with more before you flying at their masthead demand for honest elections.
 This is the boon which the new Con- stitution has secured to us. Fraud in the the ballot box. in response to the demand of a healthy and an enlightened public sentiment will be no longer tolerated.
 Tn the face of this splendid achieve ment, perish the thought that our people would entertain for a moment. or would entrust with power, any official or politi- cal party which would strike down the aegls of their protection.
 A good constitution, fellow citizens, which contains in a measure the charter of the liberties of the people, Is framed and ordained by them as fundamental law. not to be changed by every passing Legislature, but to stand like the giant oak of the forest, to shelter them against the rain and the storm, and throughout all the heat and burden of the day.
 God grant that it may be sol! That the Constitution which you have now ordain- ed and put In force may stand to bless not only this generation, but generations yet unborn; and, when the youth of our State, who have been redeemed from con- ditions that are recognized everywhere to have been intolerable, reach a ripe old age, and when they see a hand raised to strike it down, may cry out in protest, like the venerable sire of yore:
 Woodman. spare that tree;
 Touch not a single bough,
 For in my youth it sheltered me,
 And I'll protect 1t now.