The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-07-29
Russell and Johnston.

MODlle FeSlSIeF
 Since our last meeting the Constitu- tional Convention prepared and submit ted new Constitution to be approved of by majority of the voters of the State. The vote was taken and the new Consti- tuition was adopted.
 The preparing and framing of the new Constitution in a large measure devolved upon the members of the bar of the State of Alabama. The part they took in the construction of this new Constitution should excite the pride and admiration of every member of the legal profession in the State. The toll, the patience, the great ability they brought to bear on ev- cry proposition to be embodied into the new Constitution, was almost without limit It matters not what motive moved them or inspired them to work and toll; it is sufficient to know that the product of their labor looked only to the preserva- ton of white supremacy In the State, the future honor and glory of the State of Alabama. Hence, I say that the respon- slbility on the profession In the State was great in the formation of the new Constitution. The preparation and adop- ton of the new Constitution had for its principal purpose and object the eman- cipation and freedom Of the white man from the threatened domination of the government and all of its departments and interests, and that which we cher ish above life itself, in the hands of the white men of the State of Alabama DaITlOLlC plished and to relieve the white man from the necessity of committing fraud at times of elections and to restore the ballot box to purity and to virtue. The common practice of fraud in elections had taken hold of our people. It was de- bauching the old and the middle aged, and its poisonous influences were taking possession of the young. The necessity for action was imperative. The Conven- ton met and the great lawyers of the State were members, and at once inspired by patriotism and love of their State, constructed a system of franchises that has purged the ballot box of ignorance and licentiousness and restored it to the possession of those who love honor above vice and virtue above depraVity and Alabama above all things else. We can not summon our young men around the altar and teach them that vtrtuous and noble manhood is superior more elevat- ing and more satisfying than even those things whi h are found around the altar of mammon. It is better for the future destiny of Alabama and her people that her young men should admire the finest specimens of true manhood rather than to look upon our mountain sides alight at night by the flames of Iron furnaces and coke ovens But it is not necessary, in establishing this night standard Of rectt- tude and of patriotism, to neglect to take care of our material affairs. Under the benign influence and provisions or the new Constitution, manhood, truth, honor and property interests will be more sa- credly protected and preserved than un- der the old Constitution,
 It would be difficult to find in English literatu a stronger statement or a more elegant expression than IS here presented by our distinguished feilow-townsman, Col E. l. Russell. in his illuminating address to the Alabama Bar Association, in session recently m Huntsville.
 And what does former Gov. Joseph E.